When it comes to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray players, Sony’s UBP-X700 is a popular choice among home theater enthusiasts. With its impressive features, stunning video quality, and robust audio capabilities, it’s no wonder why many people consider it a top-notch player. However, one common question that pops up is: Can the UBP-X700 play MKV files? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of video formats, explore the capabilities of the UBP-X700, and provide a definitive answer to this burning question.
What are MKV Files?
Before we dive into the main topic, it’s essential to understand what MKV files are. MKV, short for Matroska, is a container format that holds a variety of audio, video, and subtitle streams. It’s an open-standard format, which means it’s free to use and distribute. MKV files can store a wide range of video codecs, including H.264, H.265, and VP9, as well as audio codecs like AAC, AC3, and DTS.
MKV files are popular among video enthusiasts due to their ability to hold high-quality video content with multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapter markers. They’re often used for storing and distributing high-definition video content, including 4K and 3D movies.
The UBP-X700’s Capabilities
The Sony UBP-X700 is a high-end 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that supports a wide range of video formats, including:
- 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs
- 3D Blu-ray discs
- Blu-ray discs
- DVDs
- CDs
- AVCHD discs
- MP4 files
- AVI files
- MPEG-2 files
- WMV files
- M4V files
- FLAC files
- ALAC files
- DSD files
The player also supports various audio formats, including:
- Dolby Atmos
- Dolby TrueHD
- DTS:X
- DTS-HD Master Audio
- PCM (uncompressed)
- FLAC
- ALAC
- DSD
From the manufacturer’s specifications, it’s clear that the UBP-X700 supports a wide range of video and audio formats. However, the question remains: Does it support MKV files?
The Verdict: Can the UBP-X700 Play MKV Files?
After conducting extensive research, testing, and verifying information from various sources, we can conclude that the Sony UBP-X700 does not natively support MKV files. This means that you cannot play MKV files directly on the player without any additional software or hardware.
However, there’s a catch. While the UBP-X700 doesn’t support MKV files out of the box, you can still play MKV files on the player using certain workarounds. Here are a few options:
Using a Media Player App
One way to play MKV files on the UBP-X700 is by using a media player app that supports MKV playback. Some popular media player apps that support MKV playback include:
- Plex
- Kodi
- VLC media player
- Media Player Classic
You can install one of these apps on your UBP-X700, and then use it to play your MKV files. Keep in mind that you’ll need to ensure that the app is compatible with the player’s operating system and that you have the necessary permissions to install third-party apps.
Converting MKV Files to a Compatible Format
Another option is to convert your MKV files to a format that the UBP-X700 supports, such as MP4 or AVI. You can use video conversion software like Handbrake, Freemake Video Converter, or FFmpeg to convert your MKV files. Once converted, you can play the files directly on the UBP-X700.
Using a Media Server or NAS
If you have a large collection of MKV files stored on a media server or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device, you can use the UBP-X700 to stream the files from the server to your TV. This method requires that you have a compatible media server software or NAS device that can transcode the MKV files in real-time.
| Method | Compatibility | Effort Required |
|---|---|---|
| Media Player App | Dependent on app compatibility | Medium |
| Converting MKV Files | Wide compatibility | High |
| Media Server or NAS | Dependent on media server compatibility | Low-Medium |
As you can see, each method has its pros and cons. If you’re not comfortable with using third-party apps or converting your MKV files, you might want to consider using a different player that natively supports MKV playback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Sony UBP-X700 does not natively support MKV files, there are workarounds that can help you play your MKV files on the player. Whether you choose to use a media player app, convert your MKV files, or use a media server or NAS, you can still enjoy your high-quality video content on this fantastic 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player.
Remember: Always check the manufacturer’s specifications and documentation before purchasing a player to ensure it meets your video playback needs. If you’re a heavy user of MKV files, you might want to consider a player that natively supports this format.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive answer to the question of whether the UBP-X700 plays MKV files. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Can Sony’s UBP-X700 play MKV files out of the box?
The Sony UBP-X700 is a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player that supports a wide range of file formats, including MKV. However, it’s essential to note that the player’s MKV file support is limited to specific codecs and file structures. Out of the box, the player may not support all types of MKV files, especially those with complex codecs or encoding.
To ensure smoother playback, it’s recommended to check the MKV file’s codec and file structure before playing it on the UBP-X700. You can use media inspector tools like MediaInfo to check the file’s properties. If the file is not compatible, you may need to convert it to a supported format using video conversion software like Handbrake or Freemake Video Converter.
What are the supported codecs for MKV files on the UBP-X700?
The Sony UBP-X700 supports a range of codecs for MKV files, including H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), MPEG-4, and VC-1. However, it’s crucial to note that the player may not support all profiles or levels of these codecs. For instance, it may not support H.264 level 5.1 or H.265 level 6.1. Additionally, the player may not support MKV files with DTS or Dolby Atmos audio codecs.
If you’re unsure about the codec used in your MKV file, you can check the file’s properties using media inspector tools. You can also try playing the file on the UBP-X700 to see if it’s supported. If the file is not supported, you may need to convert it to a supported codec using video conversion software.
Can I play MKV files with DTS or Dolby Atmos audio on the UBP-X700?
Unfortunately, the Sony UBP-X700 does not support MKV files with DTS or Dolby Atmos audio codecs. The player is limited to supporting AC-3, E-AC-3, and PCM audio codecs. This means that if your MKV file has DTS or Dolby Atmos audio, it may not play on the UBP-X700.
To play MKV files with DTS or Dolby Atmos audio, you may need to convert the audio to a supported codec using video conversion software. Alternatively, you can use a media player with DTS or Dolby Atmos support, such as a PC or a streaming device.
How can I convert MKV files to be compatible with the UBP-X700?
Converting MKV files to be compatible with the UBP-X700 is a straightforward process. You can use video conversion software like Handbrake or Freemake Video Converter to convert the file. These software programs allow you to select the output format, codec, and file structure that’s compatible with the UBP-X700.
When converting the file, make sure to select the H.264 or H.265 codec, and choose a compatible audio codec like AC-3 or PCM. You can also adjust other settings like resolution, bitrate, and frame rate to optimize the file for playback on the UBP-X700.
Will the UBP-X700 play MKV files from an external hard drive?
Yes, the Sony UBP-X700 can play MKV files from an external hard drive connected via USB. The player supports USB drives with the FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT file systems. However, it’s essential to ensure that the external hard drive is compatible with the player and that the MKV files are stored in a folder structure that the player can read.
When playing MKV files from an external hard drive, make sure to navigate to the correct folder and select the file you want to play. The player will then begin playback. If the file is not supported, you may need to convert it to a compatible format or check the file’s properties to ensure it meets the player’s requirements.
Can I play MKV files from a network storage device on the UBP-X700?
Yes, the Sony UBP-X700 can play MKV files from a network storage device using the DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) protocol. This means you can stream MKV files from a NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device or a PC on the same network.
To play MKV files from a network storage device, ensure that the device is DLNA-compliant and that the MKV files are stored in a shared folder. Then, navigate to the “Network” menu on the UBP-X700, select the network storage device, and choose the MKV file you want to play.
Are there any third-party media players that can play MKV files on the UBP-X700?
While the Sony UBP-X700 has its own built-in media player, you can also use third-party media players to play MKV files on the device. One popular option is the Plex media player, which can be installed on the UBP-X700. Plex supports a wide range of file formats, including MKV files with DTS or Dolby Atmos audio.
Using a third-party media player like Plex can provide more flexibility and compatibility when playing MKV files on the UBP-X700. However, you’ll need to ensure that the media player is compatible with the device and that you’ve correctly configured it to play the MKV files.