National Geographic Photo of the Day

Friday, July 24, 2009

Guide: Demuxing and Remuxing MKV for the PS3

I had purchased a 160gb PS3 a month back, not just for gaming, but for its media-related features as well. Though I do stream (via wifi or ethernet) a bit to the Playstation 3, I tend to load its hard drive with High Definition (720p and 1080p) videos which, initially, were in MKV and WMV-HD formats.



Now the PS3 will not play files in the MKV Container as is. So don't try putting them directly on the HDD. I'd like to share my experience with muxing and demuxing these files and WMVs for the benefit of others in the similar situation.

First, MKVs.

As an example, I will be using an MKV with x264 video and DTS 5.1 audio. Transcoding to a different codec might make this file more compatible with the PS3, but the problem is any sort of transcoding operation WILL decrease video quality. So all we're aiming to do is demux and remux, and convert the audio alone. And I'm not going to deal with subtitles either.
Applications required:
  • MKVToolnix (MKV-extract GUI in particular)
  • WinFF
  • TsMuxer GUI




Load up your MKV file in MKV Extract GUI. The list of tracks contained in the MKV is displayed. Here select just the MPEG4/ISO/AVC and DTS tracks (check the boxes) and hit extract. The destination directory will contain the output in the form of a .264 and .dts file. The .dts file is the audio portion and I downmix that to 2.0 AC3 using WinFF. Open up WinFF and drag and drop the .dts file into it. Select Audio from the drop down menu and AC3 384kbps from the subcategory. The end result after you convert this will be a .ac3 file.

We now have all we need to make the m2ts output that will play on the PS3. Start up TsMuxer GUI. Drag and drop both the AC3 and the X264 parts into TsMuxer. There is one alternative way to do this too, without extracting the video (x264) from the mkv. TsMuxer can directly read the MKV and it will list the DTS track as well as the video track. Leave the video selected, uncheck the DTS audio and add the AC3 audio to the list of inputs. Check the box next to the AC3 track too.



Click on the track that says H.264. If the number next to "Change level" is greater than 4.1, enable the option "Change level" and choose 4.1 from the drop down menu. Else it won't play on the console. Choose "M2TS muxing" as the output option. Also, if your video is greater than 4gb, you won't be able to put it on a FAT32 formatted drive (whether it be a pen drive or an external HDD). And the PS3 cannot read NTFS formatted media.

So use the split and cut tab to choose the "Split by size" option and enter a value less than 4gb. Then go back to the Input tab and hit start muxing. Your output file will be a .m2ts file (or two or three of them if you had a large video to begin with). Copy these to the FAT32 formatted media, and enjoy HD awesomeness on your LCD or Plasma via the black box (assuming you have a HD ready or Full HD screen that is).

I'll post on how to rectify the WMV-HD video for playback on the PS3 in another post.

Till then, I hope this helps. And do note that the tools mentioned are all freely downloadable.



UPDATE: Please note that I'm downmixing 5.1 DTS to AC3 2.0 in the above example. However if you wish to convert the DTS 5.1 to AC3 5.1, just Popcorn MKV AudioConverter (links to tutorial and download), its a free utility. Then use the converted AC3 5.1 audio equipped MKV directly in TsMuxer.

The reason I'm not directly using 5.1 DTS is because the latest version of TsMuxer gives me an output with only video when I use the MKV directly with DTS. Might just be some problem with my computer and TsMuxer not getting along well but thought I'd suggest an alternate.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

thanks for the guide.....and there is a way of preserving the dts or dd 5.1 stream in ac3 format....not free though

Unknown said...

^^ You're most welcome. There is an inexpensive way to the do the same too. Popcorn MKV Audio Converter is a free utility. I'll update the post with that info.

Unknown said...

dude iv tried all da crazy stuff 4 muxing da mkv files to play on da ps3.....all dis stuff takes a lot of time....i'll tell ya sumthing....download dis software....."mkv2vob" yup dats da correct spelling.....its 1ly a few Mbs & u can convert mkvs to b played on da ps3 within 15 mins.....seriously....u just select da mkv folder......u just have 2 select file splitting->fat32(4gb) & even if da mkv is 8gb or so......it splits da movie into parts of 4gb.....it also accepts dts (no need 2 transcode).......its da best software for muxing or wateva.......do try it & let me kno....(btw dint kno u wrote dis blog till now......oderwise wud have told u earlier) & btw i hope u understand all da technical stuff i told u :P :P

Unknown said...

how much time do u take converting da movies......mkv2vob takes just 10-15 mins....usually i download bluray rips dat r arnd 4.37gb or arnd 6gb.....4got 2 tell u......dis software even unrars ur mkv...if its in a rar file........so its just select & click....nothing more dan dat.....i use a optic cable btw......so after converting da movie..if it has dts.....wen playing on da ps3 u have 2 press triangle....select audio options->left+right.....& keep da volume in normal.....in da movie playback screen.....actually ur receiver detects it as linear pcm.....but its actually playing dts....i hope dis helps....used 2 waste a hell a lot of time figuring out how 2 watch hd movies :P :P

Unknown said...

@gollumkid "I hope you understand all the technical stuff" - I'll kick your ass da....

I've tried mkv2vob already long back da, it will sometimes output video in the wrong aspect ratio, which is CERTAINLY A BIG ISSUE. As far as creating vids with subtitles goes MKV2VOB is better, but i prefer tsMuxer...

Unknown said...

i use tsmuxer 2 mux my DBZ episodes widout da Jap lang....sum retard set it as da default lang...I like da Funimation voice acting much b8r....so i had 2 sit & remux every episode...lol

Unknown said...

idiot, don't keep explaining connections and all as if I'm a dunce.... I've been doing for a long long time even when your mum was afraid to send you a to a friend's house cos the auto driver might kidnap you ;) .

And as long as you know what you're doing with files, tsMuxer is faster. Takes around 8 minutes for me at max. MKV2VOB is easier for one click conversion. It sometimes does a bad job at DTS conversion too.

Besides the guide is meant to help people with non-surround setups and not using optical out or HDMI receivers.

Unknown said...

btw wats ur tv model & size?? i download 1ly 720p movies....i use vuze torrent!! u have any original BDs??? btw y doesnt ur blog contain a lsit of da PS3 games u own or played.....im curious u kno....

Unknown said...

atleast i read ur blog 4 a starter....how many of subscribers uv got eh?? who understand any of dis???

Anonymous said...

Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening
in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick
heads up! Other then that, awesome blog!
Here is my page :: large commercial tents

Anonymous said...

Thank you for some other excellent post. Where else may just
anybody get that kind of information in such an
ideal method of writing? I've a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such information.
My homepage ; free ps3 games

Anonymous said...

My brother suggested I may like this web site.
He used to be entirely right. This put up actually made my day.
You can not believe simply how much time I had spent for this
information! Thanks!
Also visit my blog post :: health clubs

Anonymous said...

If you want to grow your experience simply keep visiting this web page and be updated with the newest news posted here.
Also see my page :: Weight reduction Miami

Anonymous said...

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.

I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is wonderful blog.
An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
Also visit my page ... wedding insurance

Anonymous said...

It's remarkable to visit this web page and reading the views of all colleagues concerning this post, while I am also keen of getting experience.
Feel free to visit my blog post ... Best Ways to Become a Millionaire

Anonymous said...

Yes! Finally something about quotes.
Here is my web site Casino

Anonymous said...

Its like you learn my thoughts! You seem to grasp so much approximately this, such as you wrote the e-book in it or something.
I feel that you simply could do with a few p.c. to power
the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is
magnificent blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
Take a look at my webpage - seo company india

Anonymous said...

I seriously love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
Did you make this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I'm hoping to create my very own blog and would love to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Cheers!

Feel free to surf to my website; cheap gw2 gold

Anonymous said...

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you
knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my
newest twitter updates. I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

Here is my blog MuratTavman
Also see my site > Spor

Anonymous said...

Woah! I'm really enjoying the template/theme of this blog. It's simple, yet effective.
A lot of times it's tough to get that "perfect balance" between superb usability and visual appeal. I must say you have done a fantastic job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Opera. Excellent Blog!

Feel free to visit my weblog - d'nest

Anonymous said...

Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I'm inspired! Extremely helpful info specially the final section :) I deal with such info much. I used to be looking for this particular info for a very long time. Thanks and best of luck.

My homepage: coffee houses

Anonymous said...

Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when
opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, wonderful blog!



Feel free to surf to my website - best torrent search downloadshield.net

Anonymous said...

Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site so i came to “return the
favor”.I'm trying to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

Also visit my web-site ... Arabic Books

Anonymous said...

Great site you have here.. It's difficult to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate people like you! Take care!!

My web site: http://www.mimanso.net/blogs/24843/27504/attires-website

Anonymous said...

Howdy, I believe your website may be having internet browser compatibility problems.
When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening
in I.E., it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!

Aside from that, great website!

my blog; diy-scrapbooking.com

Anonymous said...

They are designed to adorn the sides of your pictures, whether they are professionals or amateurs in stickers
cargraphy. There are no rules! According
to Ms Brademeyer's account, they were embedded in a bunch of clowns. Since they were done at the right place. After this size of flyer and type of the pool.

Take a look at my weblog: clear sticker paper

Anonymous said...

Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe that this site needs a great deal more attention.

I'll probably be back again to see more, thanks for the advice!

Also visit my page :: www.analteenexam.org

Anonymous said...

Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw
away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?


My blog post; http://www.cfnmfever.net/videos/Cfnm-hot-babes-judge-guy-639/

Anonymous said...

Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice at the same time as you amend your web
site, how can i subscribe for a weblog website?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I were a little bit acquainted of this
your broadcast offered vibrant transparent concept

Have a look at my webpage; sex on webcam

Anonymous said...

Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clarity for your put up is just
spectacular and that i can suppose you're an expert in this subject. Well with your permission allow me to take hold of your feed to keep updated with coming near near post. Thanks one million and please keep up the gratifying work.

Feel free to surf to my web page; spielen book (Www.sykose.Net)

Post a Comment