The MKV file format is a flexible, open standard video file format, a container format that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks inside a single file. It is intended to serve as a universal format for storing common multimedia content, like movies or TV shows. Unlike formats like AVI or MP4, MKV is not limited to a specific video or audio compression method. It can support virtually any codec, making it highly adaptable. This flexibility allows for features like multiple audio tracks (for different languages), subtitles, chapter markers, and metadata, all within a single file. MKV files are often used for storing high-definition video content, including Blu-ray rips, due to their ability to handle large file sizes and multiple streams of data. The format is designed to be future-proof, with a focus on extensibility and support for new technologies as they emerge. The Matroska container is also the base for other multimedia formats like MKA (audio) and MKS (subtitles).