How to watch AVI and MKV files on the iPad

[Rene Ritchie]

While there are different ways of watching AVI and MKV video files on the iPad, I use the Air Video app.

I just leave all the AVI and MKV files on my home machine (technically a Drobo connected to my home machine) and transcode them on the fly with Air Video while streaming to my iPad.

It's much faster than transferring or syncing files and saves a lot more space than storing them locally on my computer.

Anyone use a different method to watch AVI and MKV files on their iPad? Any big advantages to doing it locally?

 

[dndrich]

I don't keep a server running. I just convert or rip with Handbrake. Works really well. Handbrake has a preset for iPad. With 64 bit Handbrake on my MacBook it converts quickly. I even rip my DVDs that I own. You have to install a library for unlocking DVDs but handbrake prompts you to do that. Works great. Of course, you have to transfer via USB.

 

[areinus]

I really like XenonMKV. It allows me to convert my MKV files (even 1080p) to MP4 and take them on the road with me, playing them on the iPad's native video player. It's faster than Handbrake and - best of all - it's free! See my post detailing the process here:

http://forums.imore.com/ipad-3-forum/231727-will-any-app-play-1080p-mkv-files.html#post1859691

 

[Chris Parsons]

I use CineXPlayer on my iPad or I just use Plex. Used to spend a lot of time converting movies but encoding on the fly from my MacBook Pro is just so much easier nowadays.

 

[erikbock]

Videos

I'm lucky, I have VLC.

 

[dndrich]

I'm lucky, I have VLC.

What do you mean by this? I have VLC on my Mac, but how does that help you watch videos on your iPad?

 

[dominirican]

o player hd

 

[Cool76017]

Rip DVD using MakeMKV, then transferring .mkv file to SD card to play on Airstash device, but use AcePlayer app on iPad to connect to Airstash and watching .mkv's (Airstash app itself doesn't support MKV). Or, transfer .mkv files to external hard drive and connect it to CloudFTP device and use AcePlayer to watch MKV's.

 

[MaximusT]

I bought OPlayer a long time ago for my iPhone4 (a few days after I got my iPhone).
App Store - OPlayer

It turned out to be a great purchase.
It can play almost any file I throw at it, and plays smoothly.
Movies & TV Shows take less room in some formats (mkv) so being able to pack more on my device means that I can watch for longer.

I can only assume it is just as great for the iPad.

 

[anon(1019781)]

Goodplayer is probably the best solution for playing those files natively. Universal app, costs 3 bucks, updated often, dev listens to users, and I get great performance on all the material I pirate since I'd never actually pay for the content I play on my iDevice but I will for software that is that well maintained.

 

[Alli]

What do you mean by this? I have VLC on my Mac, but how does that help you watch videos on your iPad?

VLC for iOS. There are a few different versions available in iTunes.

 

[cardfan]

I convert most video with handbrake. When i'm too lazy, i use air video which can also air play to apple tv. Also use that when I'm away from home to stream any video from computer.

 

[Macktor]

I use AirVideo exclusively... and nearly every single day. Love it!

 

[jaaaaaaaaaam]

i use FlexPlayer for Avi, doesnt seem to handle MKV's too well though.

 

[flight-medic-752]

I like AVPlayer better than OPlayer. I have both installed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[infoghost]

I use Air Video at home, but if I need to load a movie or clip, I use AcePlayer. I've tried all the paid/free options, and AcePlayer is the one that consistently can play most clips without issue.

 

[infoghost]

There are plenty of apps, many mentioned in this thread that play videos without needing conversion.

 

[dominirican]

I am not interested in streaming over a home network. From what I see there is no way to play a mkv video on the ipad natively without a jailbreak. I don't see a way to get an mkv video file to the ipad either.

All you need to download is OplayerHD you add the mkv file over wifi or plug it in through itunes in the app page and manually add it. I use it for my iphone and on my ipad plays without a problem

 

[infoghost]

I am not interested in streaming over a home network. From what I see there is no way to play a mkv video on the ipad natively without a jailbreak. I don't see a way to get an mkv video file to the ipad either.

Any of the below apps are available on the app store and will play MKV files without a jailbreak.

AcePlayer
Azul Media Player
Good Player
Flexlayer
OPlyer HD
etc, etc.

Just go to the app store and search MKV. To get the file on the ipad, drag it into the proper app under the APP section of itunes.

 

[Padron26]

Thanks infoghost, I was just about to ask what you explained

I've been using avs converter for pc, it is pretty good but it takes a while to figure out what resolution works best. It also takes about 45 min to convert a Mkv.

Woohoo my first post, long time reader. Short time member