Introduction
Chromecast, known as Google Chromecast, is a digital media player used to stream videos and other media files to a TV set. Matroska (MKV) is an open-source multimedia standard container that contains unlimited access to a vast number of audio, video, and subtitle files in one format. Chromecast does not support all formats that might be found in an MKV file. Media players like Windows Media Player are also unable to play an MKV file as a result of the codec incorporated in it. Therefore, if the codec of the player you are using falls in the range of ac3/DTS audio codec/ H.265 video codec, Chromecast rejects it. In this article, we will see about ‘How To Stream MKV To Chromecast?’.
How To Stream MKV To Chromecast?
The Matroska Multimedia Container is a Russian eponym of sets of hollow wooden dolls placed inside one another; opening one exposes another inside of it, giving an imaginative picture of layers of files that can be incorporated into an MKV file format. Certain media players, like the Windows Media Player, can’t play an MKV file because they do not have the required codec. Chromecast does not support MKV files and thus, rejects videos in this format unless it is converted. Third-party apps, like video converters, are therefore needed for conversion. An example is Pavtube; the MKV file is loaded directly into this software and converted to formats supported by Chromecast like Mp4. Except it’s a 4k MKV which is otherwise supported on Chromecast Ultra.
How to stream MKV file to Chromecast
Step 1: The first step to streaming MKV to Chromecast is installing a preferred video converter to your device or computer system. After installing the converter software, you;
Select the file you want to convert
Add audio/video to load the MKV file directly to the software program, either separately or as combined in a single folder to load it all at once.
Then, select batch conversion. Or drag the video directly to the window.
Loading everything to the video converter helps to prevent compatibility problems.
Step 2: As said earlier, Chromecast doesn’t support all file formats and as such, after loading the file to the converter, you select the format category you want to use that is compatible with Chromecast eg MP4, and HD MP4. If your TV set has 4k features, scale up the HD video to 4k.
According to https://themescene.tv/guide/how-to-stream-mkv-to-chromecast/, the best methods to play MKV files on Chromecast includes;
WebM encoded with Video codecs H.264 (4.1, 4.2 OR 5 Levels)
MP4
VP8
audio codecs LC-AAC, HE-AAC, CELT/Opu
MP3
Vorbis
MOV
3G2
FLV
AVI, etc.
Although the 4k is not included, there are ways around it and the solution is clicking on the settings at the bottom of the program interface and changing the video resolution. Other video parameters like the audio/video codec can also be adjusted.
Step 3: Click on Convert.
After completing the above steps, click on convert and the software goes ahead and converts the video to your preferred compatible format.
You can then stream on Chromecast with your TV.
Conclusion.
Media players like VLC can play MKV files. The steps given above are to help you stream videos in situations where the format needs to be converted and made Chromecast – compatible. Where there’s a glitch, go through the steps again to see if you missed anything.
Frequently asked questions
- What exactly is Chromecast?
Google Chromecast is a media dongle that plugs into your TV HDMI and it’s used to stream content including audio, visual, audiovisuals, documents, and presentations from different sources. Dongle was before a slang for a plugin module or adapter – a small USB stick for accessing online services, it plugs in and sticks out of any device it is used with for streaming. After plugging the adapter into the port, you simply click the ‘cast’ button on your browser and select the Chromecast device.
- Asides from MKV, are there specific formats supported by Chromecast?
Chromecast supports MP4 and Webb as its default format. Other formats supported are HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Smooth Streaming, MPEG-DASH, and none else.
- Does Chromecast have troubleshooting problems?
Once connected to the Internet, Chromecast can have issues troubleshooting for different reasons which include quality of the internet connection, wifi signal strength, router configuration, etc. Issues arise with the casting as well. The solution to troubleshooting problems, therefore, depends on what is causing it, the first step therefore would be making sure the Internet connection works perfectly fine, finding out the cause after that has been confirmed, and making adjustments and changes where necessary.
- Can Chromecast stream files from VLC directly?
Yes. Since VLC can play MKV files, it can cast videos, audio or any file to a Chromecast enabled device. There would be no need to convert at all.
