Scanning movie library doesn't add MKV files

[rnadeau]

I am converting my movies to MKV because it takes so much less space on the hard drive. The problem is it doesn't matter if I scn with sage or BMT, my movies that have been converted only show up under folders, but not under Movies.. What am I doing wrong or is this typical for MKV files?

[will]

Originally Posted by rnadeau

I am converting my movies to MKV because it takes so much less space on the hard drive.

Just curious but how would an MKV take up less space on a hard drive? My understanding is that MKVs are containers for video files so unless you are converting the files to something else then wrapping them in an MKV they shouldn't take up any less space.

Correct or am I missing something?

[rnadeau]

To give you an example, I have Independence day. It uses 4.2 gig of hard drive space. The same movie converted to MKV takes up1.2 Gig of hard drive space. I am using Handbrake.

[Dargason]

Handbrake is probably transcoding the file as well as 'converting' to mkv. You can probably just change the container file to mp4 and get the same space savings. I'm pretty sure Sage or BMT will pick up an mp4.

[will]

Also, when you convert to an MKV you lose the menus and probably don't include the special features, correct?

[MattHelm]

All my movies are in MKV containers, and they work fine.

There is a setting in the SageTV properties to exclude file types. (forget the name) Maybe that is set on your machine.

[CADweasel]

I have changed the extensions of the video files from .mkv to .avi to get Sage to see them. That has fixed it for me in the past. I have never had any problems with the playback of those files after changing the extension.

[rnadeau]

You're right WILL, you loose the menus and special features. On most movies I never watch the special features, and as far as menus go, there are certain movies I won't convert because I need the menus to pick options ie excercise videos where you pick the intensity of the workout.

I don't know why, but I tried scanning again last night and sagetv is now seeing the movies and properly organizing them. Thanks for everyone's input!