MKV and MP3 are two various container formats. The same audio and data could be contained by the files and different in how it is laid out in the container. MP4 is a published ISO standard and is a simplified version of Apple QuickTime. The MP4 supports multiple audio and video codecs detailed in the MPEG-4 standards documents.
It is the de facto video and audio delivery standard in consumer electronics. On the other hand, MKV is an actively established open-source media container format that aims to deliver the ironic feature set of Apple QuickTime in a wide open-source alternative format.
For example, QuickTime can contain video and audio and supports rich metadata, arbitrary video encodings, multiple videos, and subtitles tracks.
Container formats include MKV and MP4. Almost every type of audio and video stream can be contained in an MKV file. The container for MP4 is a condensed version of Apple’s Quicktime, as specified by the MPEG protocol.
The support from the industry for MKV is not so broad. Still, it has a massive following from communities that share different audio tracks ripped from dubbed versions of films and bootleg videos with customized subtitles tracks.
720p means that video frames are 1280 x 720 pixels, progressively scanned (every frame covers each line, as opposed to interlaced, where each frame has every other line.
What is 720P?
- Widescreen high definition is known as 720P (HD). In short for 1280px resolution with 921,600 pixels in total.
- For the HD, it’s a minimal condition. 720p is a progressive HDTV signal format with 720 units/lines/pixels vertically for horizontal progressive scan and 1280 pixels/lines horizontally that needs an upright progressive scan. 720P ratio of aspect is 16:9.
MP4 Video Format
MPEG-4, part 14, is known as MP4. It is part of the moving picture experts group’s video and audio files standards. In 2001, version 1 came out, and in 2003 the 2nd version came out. For other standards of MPEG-4, the term is sometimes loosely used. It is based on Apple’s QuickTime format without changes.
The format is an ISO standard. Many codecs are legitimately registered MP4, and others can be used confidentially. However, few of them are supported. H.264 and H.265 are the most supported. The other codecs can be added to the software and downloaded. Besides video, the container accepts other media, including still images and audio.
The MP4, including AAC, can use various encodings. MP4 files can integrate digital rights management (DRM), which means encrypting the content. Because no single DRM mechanism is utilized everywhere, many versions will be required to reach the greatest number of people.
It is difficult or impossible to convert the DRM-protected video. The specification of the MP4 is available to the public. Software patents cover some features, but no one currently requires license fees. Distributing software for H. 265 and H.264 decoding and encoding may require license fees.
MKV Video Format
The MKV format is based on broad and open specifications for the public. There is nothing patented in this format. There is no license requirement to distribute MP4 files. However, to create and distribute software to create the files, a license may be required. There is no need for a license for software that modifies MKV files.
The Matroska organization provides a free software library; others, such as MP4, are offered. The Matroska can hold audio, video, and other content kinds. The extension of the files with video content is Mkv; 3D video files use Mk3d and audio files use MKV. In all circumstances, the container format is the same.
Also, a file can have attachments in any format. Matroska has a general encryption ability that can be used for DRM. The MKV container uses the block-oriented structure, and blocks are individually encrypted. This means that software can discern the form of a DRM-protected file and perform some operations.
Some Disparities Between a 720p MP4 and a 720p MKV Video Format
| Features | Differences |
| Size | MKV files are typically larger than MP4 files video because of the advanced features supported, different audio tracks, and subtitles. |
| Quality | MP3 and MKV are containers and not encoding formats, as the quality of MKV is not more suitable as MP4. It is because the codec determines the quality of the file. It is utilized in the container rather than the container itself. |
| Subtitle support | The MKV is undoubtedly much better than the MP4 in terms of subtitles. The reason is that the mp4 does not support SSA/ASS subtitles, but MKV does. |
| Compatibility | MP4 is a clear winner as it has broader compatibility with almost every operating system, portable device, and media player. |
Conversion Tools for MKV and MP4
MKV is a multimedia container type that often contains numerous audio and subtitle tracks. However, because it is not as widely used as other video file formats like MOV and MP4, playing an MKV file on a Windows PC might be challenging.
You can convert it to MP4 if your device does not support MKV. It is a popular multimedia format that is supported by nearly all devices.
Because MKV and MP4 are very popular and have a wide range of applications in your daily digital life, whether you merely want to convert videos to MKV or MP4 or between MKV and MP4 video, you may need to utilize third-party software to complete the conversion task.
This section will show you the finest online and offline solutions for converting MKV to MP4 in Windows.
1. VideoSolo Video Converter
Video Solo Video Converter Ultimate includes powerful functions for converting videos to MKV and MP4 with the highest output quality.
You can customize this product’s video codec, audio codec, resolution, frame rate, and bitrate to fit your specific requirements.
Aside from that, the fantastic tool may directly convert videos to portable devices or media players while performing some necessary editing tasks for you. Besides MKV and MP4, there are over 200 formats to choose from. As a result, you may easily watch the converted videos!
2. VLC Media Player
VLC is an open-source multimedia player that is free to use and plays nearly every audio and video format, including MKV.
You do not need to transcode and play the video if you have VLC installed. You can use this tool to convert your MKV video if you must. VLC’s Convert function.
While the VLC media player is a convenient tool for transcoding videos, the resulting file may occasionally lose audio. You can solve this issue by utilizing a video converter.
3. CloudConvert Conversion Tool
Cloud Convert is an online video converter that supports multiple formats. It has free and paid alternatives and can quickly convert your MKV videos to MP4. You can upload files from your local drive and online storage services like Google Drive, DropBox, and URL.
The free option allows you to complete up to 25 translations every day. If you require more, you may sign up for its conversion minute packages, which include limitless file size and five hours per file processing time.
Cloud Convert is simple to use, and its 25 free conversions daily make it an excellent tool for infrequent conversions. If you are concerned about privacy, consider using an offline converter to save your videos on your local drive.
4. HandBrake Tool
Hand Brake is an open-source video converter that is free to use and can convert practically any media file. It is an inter-application available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Hand Brake is one of the most user-friendly video converters available. Drag and drop the video onto the program for quick conversions, and it will apply the most commonly used container settings. Then, choose the target folder and begin encoding to convert the video.
Conclusion
- MKV and MP4 are different types of files for audio and video.
- MP4 works on many devices and platforms, but MKV is less widely supported.
- MKV files can be larger because they support more features like multiple audio and subtitle tracks.
- MP4 is better for sharing online, like on YouTube.
- Which one you use depends on your device and how you want to use it.
- You can change MKV to MP4 and vice versa using tools like VideoSolo Video Converter, VLC Media Player, CloudConvert, and HandBrake.
- MKV is great for watching videos locally, while MP4 is good for sharing online.
- You should pick MKV or MP4 based on what you need and like.
FAQs
What is the difference between 720p MP4 and 720p MKV?
MKV files, supporting codecs with superior quality compared to MP4, also enable lossless compression, unlike MP4 files limited to lossy compression. This renders MKV the preferred option for preserving top-notch video quality. Regarding 720p, it denotes a high-definition (HD) display standard, representing the resolution of a television or computer display at 1280 x 720 pixels.