Supported Formats
Norri supports common media containers, codecs, audio formats, and subtitle types. Support does not always mean direct play. Norri may direct play, remux, or transcode depending on the file and the playback device.
How Compatibility Works
A video file has several parts:
- Container, such as MKV, MP4, or WebM
- Video codec, such as H.264, HEVC, VP9, or AV1
- Audio codec, such as AAC, AC3, DTS, FLAC, or Opus
- Subtitle tracks, such as SRT, ASS, PGS, or VOBSUB
- HDR format, such as HDR10, HLG, or Dolby Vision
Norri checks the actual media streams inside the file. The file extension helps with discovery, but it does not override the detected contents.
Playback Outcomes
| Outcome | What it means |
|---|---|
| Direct play | The original file can be streamed as-is. |
| HLS remux | The codecs are compatible, but the container needs to be repackaged for the client. |
| Transcode | One or more streams need conversion, such as video codec, audio codec, HDR to SDR, or subtitle burn-in. |
Video Containers
Norri can scan and play media in these common containers:
- MKV, also known as Matroska
- MP4 and M4V
- WebM
- MOV
- AVI
- WMV
MKV Files
MKV is fully supported. If the playback device cannot use the MKV container but can play the video and audio codecs inside it, Norri uses HLS remuxing instead of a full transcode.
For container-only MKV incompatibility, startup is usually about 1 to 3 seconds. Seeking can feel slightly less smooth than a single MP4 file because HLS playback uses segments.
WebM Files
True WebM files can direct play when the client supports the contained codecs, such as VP9 or AV1 video with Opus or Vorbis audio.
A file ending in .webm is not treated as WebM unless the streams inside it are WebM-compatible. For example, a file named .webm that contains H.264 video and AAC audio is routed by its actual contents and will not be incorrectly direct played as WebM.
Video Codecs
Norri detects and routes these common video codecs:
- H.264 / AVC
- H.265 / HEVC
- VP9
- AV1
Client support varies by browser, TV platform, and hardware. HEVC and AV1 support are especially device-dependent.
HDR Formats
Norri detects:
- HDR10
- HLG
- Dolby Vision
If the client supports the HDR format, Norri keeps HDR intact. If the client does not support it and Enable HDR Tone Mapping is on, Norri converts the video to SDR for that session.
Audio Codecs
Norri detects and routes these common audio codecs:
- AAC
- AC3 and E-AC3
- DTS and DTS-HD
- FLAC
- MP3
- Opus
- Vorbis
Unsupported audio can be transcoded to a client-friendly format. Norri also considers your selected audio output, such as Stereo, 5.1, or 7.1.
Subtitles
Norri detects:
- SRT
- ASS and SSA
- VTT / WebVTT
- PGS, common on Blu-ray rips
- VOBSUB, common on DVD rips
Text subtitles can usually be sent separately from the video. Image-based subtitles and styled subtitles may require burn-in depending on the selected track and server settings.
See Audio & Subtitle Tracks for subtitle selection and subtitle policy settings.