How to Fix MKV Video Playing Issues in VLC on Mac

Last year, I was experiencing a frustrating problem with MKV video files in VLC on my Mac. The videos would stop playing after about 25 seconds, leaving me baffled. After some investigation and experimentation, I discovered a solution and want to share it with you today.

The Problem

I had a recurring issue where MKV video files on my Mac would not play consistently in VLC. Specifically, when using VLC for macOS, videos would stop playing after approximately 25 seconds. This was not an isolated incident, but a consistent problem that affected multiple MKV videos I was attempting to watch.

Exploring Solutions

Out of frustration, I turned to alternative video players to see if they would be able to handle MKV files more reliably. One of the options I tried was CnX Player, a lightweight and highly reliable media player that works well with a variety of video and audio formats. CnX Player impressed me with its user-friendly interface and support for a wide range of codecs, making it a viable alternative to VLC for MKV playback.

Another Solution: Handbrake

Another approach that proved effective was using Handbrake, a powerful and popular video transcoder. Handbrake allowed me to convert MKV files to a more universally compatible format such as MP4. By converting the videos to MP4, I was able to ensure smooth streaming and playback in VLC and other media players without interruptions or playback issues.

Fixing MKV Files with Handbrake

Here’s how you can use Handbrake to convert MKV files to MP4:

Download and Install Handbrake: Visit the official Handbrake website to download and install the latest version. Select File for Conversion: Open Handbrake and navigate to the MKV file you want to convert. You can choose to automatically locate the file using the “Search” button or manually select it. Choose Output Format: Set the desired output format to MP4 (m4v) in the “Output to…” section. Adjust Settings (Optional): You can tweak settings like video quality, resolution, and container format to optimize the file. Start Conversion: Click “Start” to initiate the conversion process. This may take some time depending on the size and quality of the video file. Play the Transcoded File: Once conversion is complete, open the newly created MP4 file in VLC or any other media player to ensure it is playing correctly.

Additional Tips for MKV Playback on Mac

If you are still facing issues with MKV playback, here are a few additional tips:

Install Required Codecs: Ensure that you have all the necessary codecs installed on your Mac. You can install them through software like Kliwi. Update VLC: Make sure your VLC media player is up-to-date. Check for updates on the VLC website or within the VLC app. Use a Streaming Service: If you have access to a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime, these often support MKV files better, even when playing them locally.

Conclusion

The key to overcoming MKV playback issues on VLC for Mac is often finding the right video player or using a reliable file conversion tool. Handbrake, in particular, has proven to be a powerful solution. Give it a try and enjoy your smooth video experience without interruptions or playback issues.