Sometimes getting your MKV files to play can be more trouble than it should rightly be. Since Matroska is a container format playing back MKV files could require any combination of compatible codecs. Luckily, there are a few utilities out there which can help you diagnose any issues that may arise. One such utility is Matroska Diag, which will let you know exactly what codecs are needed for any given MKV file.

Getting started with Matroska Diag is easy, just download the program from the Matroska.org website and run. There’s no need to install anything. Opening the program you’ll see that using the program is just as simple. Just drag and drop your MKV file onto the window and Matroska Diag will do the rest.

Once Matroska Diag has completed processing your file you’ll be able to browse through the process that your current setup goes through in displaying that MKV file. You will be presented with a list of codecs used for audio, video and subtitles (if applicable) with your current codec setup in an easy to read format.

Should you happen to be missing a codec, say for subtitle playback, Matroska Diag will let you know that as well. You will even be presented with a link to an available codec to solve the issue. In this case there’s no codec installed to deal with the subtitle track and MPC’s standalone VSFilter is the suggested cure.

For those more interested in the deep down technical details of how the file is being rendered and the process by which these particular codecs where chosen for playback those details are provided as well. Matroska Diag will present you will a full rundown of the process with a step by step readout which can help nail down any unexpected problems.

All these features packed into a simple to use program make Matroska Diag a handy tool to keep around. Be sure to head over and download a copy to keep handy in your Media Center toolbox.

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