How to play mkv files with x264 video and AC3 audio on the Sony PlayStation 3
Introduction
This quick guide will teach you how to take high definition MKV files with x264 video and AC3 audio and play them on the Sony PlayStation 3. The process will allow gamers to playback such files on the PS3 which had not been previously allowed, most notably the surround 5.1 AC3 audio. There will be no re-compression done to the file as the streams will be split and mux into a VOB file playable on the PS3.
Requirements and notes
For this guide you will not need much besides the obvious.
Sony PlayStation 3- The console will obviously be needed but you probably wouldn't be reading this guide if you did not have one would you? :)
mkv2vob- This is the program we will be using for the guide.
WinRAR- You will need WinRAR to extract the files, notably mkv2vob. If you are unfamiliar with how to use WinRAR please quickly read our guide here: RAR extraction guide.
Free hard drive space of at least double the size of the file you are using.
Notes
Please be aware before starting that there are a couple known bugs with the mkv2vob program.
1. The program will only use the first audio/video track in the MKV file, meaning if you have multiple languages it will only use the first track.
2. If any of the internal encoding tools fail at any point there will not be a notification. A non functioning vob file will be created but the program will still say it is successful.
3. Fast forwarding or rewinding the vob file during playback on the PS3 will make the file's A/V sync be off.
4. The program will not accept AAC audio in your mkv.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way, we can move on to the next page and use the actual program to make a playable file for your PS3 :)
