If you want to play MKV files on your Apple TV, it is impossible to do so because MKV format is not supported on MacOS. You will either need a third-party app to play MKV files on Mac or convert it beforehand to play it on your Apple TV. Only then can you AirPlay it on your Apple TV.
To allow an effortless video streaming of MKV to Apple TV, Beamer is a video streaming tool designed for Macs. With support for both old and new Macs, Beamer lets you play MKV files without having to convert MKV to Apple. This powerful app uses Airplay to let you stream MKV files on Apple TV or Chromecast from your Mac. It does so without any complications and glitches that you may encounter when using other third-party apps.
No matter what format your movie is in, you can play videos on Apple TV and Chromecast with high-quality streaming and subtitles. This allows you to bypass the MacOS format restrictions because Beamer supports nearly all video formats. So even if you have multiple MKV videos on your Mac that you want to stream on Apple TV, you don’t need to convert MKV videos. Beamer will take care of that for you!
Let's see what Beamer is and how you can play MKV to Apple TV using Beamer.
What Is Beamer?
Beamer is a video streaming app designed for Mac that lets you stream any video to Google Chromecast or Apple TV using AirPlay. It is your one-stop solution to playing various video formats with subtitles in high resolution on Apple TV or Chromecast. You are not restricted by MacOS video format limitations anymore!
The Beamer app supports the following formats:
AVI
MKV
MP4
MOV
FLV
WMV
SRT
SUB/IDX
The only types of videos that are not supported by Beamer are DVD and Blu-Rays as they are copyright protected. Other than that, Beamer supports all the above-mentioned formats. Even the formats that aren't supported by MacOS natively can be played using Beamer.
What's more, you can stream these videos at up to 1080p quality, depending on the source file. To manage the video playback on your Apple TV, you can even use the Apple TV Siri Remote Control. How cool, right?
Read on to find out how to stream MKV to Apple TV using Beamer. We have also included an alternative way to play MKV on Apple TV later in this guide.
How to Play MKV on Apple TV Using Beamer?
Beamer is available to download on Mac. It comes with a free trial that lets you stream the first 15 minutes of any video on your Apple TV or Google Chromecast. If you are satisfied with the results and want to continue watching, you can purchase the app
This is how to use Beamer once you have it installed on your Mac:
Step 1. Launch Beamer.
A small window will appear on the screen, inviting you to ‘Drag movies here to stream to…” The app should automatically detect and name any Apple TV it finds on the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2. Choose the Apple TV.
Choose the Apple TV or Chromecast device you want to stream video to using the devices menu in the lower-right corner of the application window (it looks like a TV).
Step 3. Select the Video.
Select the video you want to play with your cursor and drag and drop it into the Beamer window.
Playback will begin immediately. You will not need to transcode video into Apple TV-friendly formats. If the video you want to play has them, you can choose different audio tracks and subtitle languages in Beamer’s Playback preferences.
That's all, here's how easy it is to stream your favorite movie on Apple TV or Chromecast.
How to Play MKV on Apple TV Using VLC?
There is another way to play MKV videos on Apple TV without using a converter tool. Like Beamer, the VLC media player lets you play MKV videos on Apple TV.
Follow the steps below to learn how you can play MKV on Apple TV with the VLC media player:
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Download the VLC media player’s Mobile app from the Apple TV app store.
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Choose Remote Playback and then select Enable Remote Playback. As a result, the VLC remote playback server will be activated, creating and displaying a local network address for your Apple TV.
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Next, you will need to open the web browser on a computer that is present on the same network. Enter the address provided by VLC in step # 2 in your web browser. This address should be appearing on your Apple TV screen.
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Once you have entered the address, VLC’s Remote Playback window will open up. Drag and drop the MKV files into this window to stream them on your Apple TV. Alternatively, you can also use the “+” icon at the top right to pick the videos manually using the file picker window. You can even enter the address of a video stream of your choice.
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Your selected MKV file will now stream on your Apple TV. It will remain cached on your TV unless the space is needed for some other content.
Although VLC lets you play MKV on Apple TV, it is quite a lengthy process. It’s not very user-friendly and some people may even consider it a hassle. This is why you can always use Beamer to stream MKV on Apple TV in just THREE simple steps. It is easy, fast, and super convenient!
Read on to discover some of our favorite features about Beamer that make it a super user-friendly video-streaming app for MKV to Apple TV.
Our Favorite Beamer Features
1. No Bias Against Formats
Beamer works with virtually all video formats, codecs, and resolutions, including those that support multiple video encodings. Stream to all Apple TVs with AirPlay, Chromecast of the 1st and 2nd generation, or other TV devices that have Google Cast. No need to convert any files — Beamer has it covered.
2. Best Streaming Quality
With high bitrate, Surround Sound support, and native streaming capabilities, Beamer builds an immersive viewing environment. Watch movies in the best quality — just as on your Mac’s desktop. If you’re tired of AirPlay’s mirroring bugs, this is the best replacement.
3. Support for Subtitles
If your video contains embedded subtitles or has associated subtitle files, Beamer will detect them automatically. You can also add external subtitles in a variety of formats like SubRip, Subviewer, MPL(2), DVD, BlueRay, and more. Text-based or embedded, any format works.
4. Remote Control
Your convenience is a priority. With Beamer, you sign up for relaxed movie watching. Pause, fast-forward, and rewind the movie anytime with Apple TV Remote. Ready to watch the next one? Double-click the Play button. Ideal plan for staying in bed as long as you like.
5. Queue Up Videos and Create Playlists
Movie night? Build your own playlist, queueing up a few favorite titles to watch them one by one. You can set Beamer to show all the titles of your movies right in the player window as well as remove already watched movies automatically. It will adapt, pinky promise.
FAQs
Can you play MKV files on Apple TV?
You can use iTunes or Apple TV App on your Mac to convert MP4 to Apple TV. However, only MP4 files with MPEG-4 or H. 264 codec and AAC audio codec are supported by these two apps.
Can Apple TV play MKV 1080p?
Maybe you've got lots of video games, films etc. MKv format. When playing these on an iOS phone or TV device it won't work properly. Apple TV does not support native MKV files.
Josh Brown
CEO at Softorino
WALTR PRO
macOS &
Windows
