Windows 8 DLNA streaming of MKV files

I have the same problem with my Windows 8 / Samsung TV. In Windows 7 I could rename files from mkv to avi and right click them and select "Play To" and select my TV.

My workaround (which doesn't require any third party software) is to rename the files to avi and then on the TV select the Content button -> Find my Computer, browse to Movies -> then to whatever folder has the movie I have just renamed to avi and open it. It will then play.

If you have not already allowed your TV to view your media library in Windows Media Player (via DLNA) you will need to open Windows Media Player click Stream -> More Media Options and allow your TV to browse your media files. You might also need to add your movies folder if it is not already in Windows Media Player. (Right click Videos -> Manage Video Library and add wherever you keep your movies)

Hopefully Microsoft allow MKV files to be played to TV's again via right click play to - but I wouldn't hold my breath.

I've found a way to stream .MKVfiles from windows 8 to your DLNA supporting media player on this SuperUser topic.

Install PS3 Media Server run the program, browse through the tabs and check and uncheck some settings you like. (remember, do not forget to define the folders you whish to share under the "navigation/share settings" tab.)

This worked for me (BOTH on my TV and media player, except for the fact that when using the TV it was lagging, but played...)

real plus: you can run PS3 media server as service, so you can just watch video on demand (You can browse through your movies from your TV as long as your pc is turned on and the server is running).

I hope this helps you too!

EDIT: Another option would be to use TVersity I have not used it but you could give it a try. Link

Install Shark007 Standard Codecs for Windows 7 and 8 (including the 64-bit addon if you're on 64-bit Windows). It will use the DivX Media Foundation components (from DivX Player prior to 10.2) and add some registry settings to enable the native Play To menu to appear.

Otherwise, if you want to manually do it:

1. Get a copy of ACMWrapperDMO.dll and DivXMFSource.dll version 1.0.0.76 (both 32-bit and 64-bit versions).

2. Register the DLLs (regsvr32).

3. Add the Play To handler for .mkv files in the registry.

AddMKVPlayToHandler.reg:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SystemFileAssociations\.mkv\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\PlayTo]
@="{7AD84985-87B4-4a16-BE58-8B72A5B390F7}"

Windows 8 doesn't natively support "Play To" for the mkv format. Apparently the media libraries in Windows 8 can be extended to provide support for mkv "Play To" support, as well as support for other hobby formats. I haven't found a 3rd party codec that enables this yet. Hopefully someone will release one soon.