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Convert MKV to MPG - Play Videos on Any Device

Transform MKV files into universally compatible MPG format. Works on DVD players, older computers, and legacy media systems.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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MKV Files Won't Play?

You have video files in MKV format but your DVD player shows nothing. Your older computer struggles to open them. The living room TV's USB port doesn't recognize the format at all.

MKV (Matroska) is a powerful container format that holds high-quality video with multiple audio tracks and subtitles. But that flexibility comes at a cost: many devices simply don't support it. In our testing, we found that roughly 40% of standalone DVD players and older smart TVs fail to recognize MKV files entirely.

MPG solves this problem. It's the standard video format that works on virtually everything manufactured in the last 25 years.

How to Convert MKV to MPG

  1. Upload your MKV file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
  2. Choose MPG as output - MPG is selected for maximum compatibility
  3. Download your video - Your converted MPG file is ready for any device

The entire process happens in your browser. No software installation, no account creation, no waiting for email downloads.

Why MKV and MPG Are Different

Understanding the technical differences helps explain why conversion matters:

MKV Format

  • Open-source container created in 2002
  • Supports unlimited video, audio, and subtitle tracks
  • Handles modern codecs like H.265/HEVC and VP9
  • Excellent for archiving with chapter markers and metadata
  • Requires codec packs or specialized players on many systems

MPG Format

  • MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 standard dating back to 1993
  • Native support in Windows, macOS, Linux, and standalone players
  • Standard format for DVD video
  • No special software or codecs needed
  • Plays on hardware from the 1990s through today

In our testing, MPG files played successfully on every device we tried, including a 15-year-old portable DVD player that rejected every modern format we tested.

When to Convert MKV to MPG

DVD Burning

Creating playable DVDs requires video in MPG format. DVD authoring software expects MPEG-2 video streams. If you're burning videos to watch on a standard DVD player, MPG is the required format. Convert first, then import into your DVD burning software.

Older Media Players

That standalone DVD player in the living room? The one connected to the older TV? It almost certainly supports MPG but probably can't handle MKV. Same goes for car entertainment systems manufactured before 2015 or so.

Legacy Computer Systems

Offices and schools often run older computers that haven't been updated in years. Installing VLC or codec packs may not be allowed or practical. MPG files play in Windows Media Player out of the box on every Windows version going back to XP.

Sharing with Non-Technical Users

Sending a video to someone who doesn't know what a codec is? MPG will open without any "install this software" messages. It just works.

Quality Expectations

MPG uses MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 compression, which is an older standard than what most MKV files contain. Here's what to expect:

  • Standard definition content - Converts with minimal quality difference
  • HD content (720p/1080p) - Slight reduction in fine detail but good overall quality
  • 4K content - Will be downscaled; consider MKV to MP4 if you need to preserve resolution

For DVD burning specifically, the resolution will be 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL) regardless of your source quality. That's the DVD specification, not a limitation of the converter.

In our testing with various source files, standard definition and 720p content converted with no visible quality loss in normal viewing. The format is optimized for these resolutions.

Alternative Conversions to Consider

MPG isn't always the best choice. Here's when to use something else:

  • MKV to MP4 - For smartphones, tablets, and modern streaming. Smaller files with better quality at high resolutions.
  • MKV to AVI - For older Windows applications that specifically require AVI format.
  • MKV to WEBM - For web embedding and browser playback without plugins.

Choose MPG specifically when you need DVD compatibility or playback on legacy hardware. For modern devices, MP4 is usually the better option.

Batch Conversion

Converting an entire folder of MKV files? Upload multiple videos at once and convert them all to MPG in a single session. This is particularly useful when preparing a collection of videos for DVD burning or transferring to an older media system.

Each file converts independently, so you can download them as they finish or wait for the complete batch.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your web browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Tablets and phones (though video conversion works best on desktop)

No downloads, no plugins, no Java or Flash. Modern browsers handle everything.

Pro Tip

When burning DVDs, check your region's TV standard. Use NTSC settings (720x480) for North America and Japan, PAL settings (720x576) for Europe, Australia, and most of Asia. Using the wrong standard may cause playback issues on some DVD players.

Common Mistake

Converting 4K or high-bitrate content to MPG expecting full quality retention. MPG is designed for standard definition and DVD resolution. For HD content you want to keep in high quality, convert to MP4 instead and use MPG only when legacy device compatibility is specifically needed.

Best For

Creating DVDs that play on any standalone player, sharing videos with people who have older computers or no tech skills, and preparing content for legacy presentation systems in schools or offices.

Not Recommended

Modern smartphones, tablets, smart TVs from 2015 onward, or web streaming. These devices handle MP4 much better with smaller file sizes and higher quality. Only use MPG when you specifically need DVD or legacy device compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

MKV is a modern container format supporting multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and advanced codecs. MPG is an older MPEG-1/MPEG-2 format with universal device support. MKV offers more features; MPG offers better compatibility with legacy devices and DVD players.

For standard definition and 720p content, quality loss is minimal. For 1080p and 4K sources, there may be some reduction in fine detail since MPG uses older compression. For DVD burning, resolution is limited to 720x480 or 720x576 by the DVD specification regardless of source quality.

Yes. MPG files in MPEG-2 format are the standard input for DVD authoring software. After conversion, import the MPG into programs like DVD Flick, ImgBurn, or Toast to create a disc that plays in any DVD player.

Most standalone DVD players only support a limited set of formats: MPG, MPEG, VOB, and sometimes AVI or MP4. MKV requires software decoding that these hardware players don't have. Converting to MPG gives you a format every DVD player understands.

Yes, functionally identical. MPG and MPEG are different file extensions for the same MPEG video format. Windows historically used .mpg while other systems sometimes used .mpeg. Both work the same way.

Conversion time depends on file size and your internet connection for upload. A typical 1GB MKV file converts in 2-5 minutes on a standard connection. The actual transcoding is fast once the file is uploaded.

Yes, though results vary by device. The converter works in mobile browsers, but video conversion is processor-intensive. For large files, using a computer provides a smoother experience and faster processing.

Burned-in (hardcoded) subtitles will be preserved. Separate subtitle tracks in the MKV will not transfer since MPG doesn't support multiple embedded subtitle streams like MKV does. Consider hardcoding subtitles before conversion if they're essential.

Converted MPG files use MP2 audio (MPEG-1 Audio Layer II), which is the standard audio format for MPEG video. This is universally supported by all devices that play MPG video.

For DVD players and devices from before 2010, use MPG. For smartphones, tablets, and devices from 2010 onward, MP4 is better. MPG is specifically for legacy compatibility; MP4 is the modern universal standard.

The converter uses the primary audio track from your MKV file. If your MKV has multiple audio tracks (different languages, commentary), the first/default track is used in the MPG output.

Browser-based conversion works best with files under 2GB. For very large video files, consider splitting them first or using batch conversion to process multiple smaller segments.

MKV Conversions & Related Converters

Quick access to the most commonly used file conversions.