Uh, MKV?

So I've been downloading anime lately, and I have a question. This certain site I go to has 26 episodes of an anime I want to download. I have downloaded at least half of the episodes, they're all in AVI format. The newer formats are in "MKV", first of, what is that? Secondly, how can I convert it to AVI? I know there's a software for that, but is there a free trial-issue one? If so, what is it called and how can I find it?

Or is there an easier way? Also, I can't seem to watch this "MKV" format video in WMP, RealPlayer, Media Player Classic, or any of that. >_>; -annoyed-

Why convert? .mkv rocks. Just stop using crap, garbage players and go download CCCP and use Media Player Classic Homecinema (one of the two players that comes inside).

http://www.cccp-project.net/

You won't have any problems with any format or subs again. That puppy comes with it all and does it all.

MKV Stands for MatrosKa Video
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matroska

It's very similar to DivX and XviD, but Matroska compression is better with Cartoons (Anime) and High Resolutions (HD).
That's why most Anime comes in mkv files these days...

P.S.
DivX = .avi / .divx
XviD = .avi / .xvid
Matroska = .avi / .mkv
Mpeg4 = .avi / .mpg

The extension of a file doesn't matter. It's just that .avi files can have different compression codecs. A .mkv file is also a .avi file.

Why convert? .mkv rocks. Just stop using crap, garbage players and go download CCCP and use Media Player Classic Homecinema (one of the two players that comes inside).

http://www.cccp-project.net/

You won't have any problems with any format or subs again. That puppy comes with it all and does it all.

Oh? Yay! Thanks, man!

Also, thanks to Devil! So I'm assuming I can burn episodes to DVD just like regular AVI extensions? Since you said it is AVI, if I read that correctly @ Devil.

Oh? Yay! Thanks, man!

Also, thanks to Devil! So I'm assuming I can burn episodes to DVD just like regular AVI extensions? Since you said it is AVI, if I read that correctly @ Devil.

Yeah, you can rename .mkv files to .avi and burn them to a dvd without any problems.
Only make sure you have a Matroska codec installed when you want to play them (aka just install CCCP )

The only downside of .mkv files is that not all stand alone media players support it.

Not going to shoot at something I can't see, thus I'll ask a question:

Wouldn't .avi with some other compression be better for animes with fast action and a lot of changing environment?

(I found .mkv sometimes quite annoying as subtitles won't show up during some shows, but then again, you can just download CCCP and Media Player)

Is it that TTGL Pack?