Which codecs do Smart TVs from different brands support? A complete guide to help you stay connected.

Who has not done? Downloads a video, you copy it to a USB and, with all the excitement, you plug it into your brand new Smart TV… only to find a laconic error message. The file won't play. The questions arise: Is the file corrupted, is it the USB drive, or is it just the TV not playing it?

Understanding which codecs smart TVs from different brands support is key to avoiding incompatibilities and enjoying any movie or series from a USB flash drive or external hard drive. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about codecs, containers, file formats, and USB storage devices from major brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, Xiaomi, Philips, TCL, Hisense, Panasonic), along with practical tips and helpful resources to help you convert videos and never get caught short again.

Why don't some videos play on your Smart TV?

The number one cause of playback failures on TVs is codec and format incompatibility. We often think that copying any file to a USB should be enough, but the reality is more complex. It is not enough for the file to be .mp4 or .mkv; the important thing is how it is «packaged» the information and with what "idiom" (codec) video and audio were encoded.

If your TV does not recognize the file or reads it without image or sound, the problem is probably in the type of codec used. Each model and brand of TV has limited support for specific codecs., and this can vary even between different generations from the same manufacturer.

Codecs vs. containers: not the same thing

The first thing is to understand the difference between codec and container. The "codec» is the software (or algorithm) that is responsible for encoding and decoding audio and video content, compressing it to save space and facilitate its transmission or storageThe best known in video are H.264 (AVC), HEVC (H.265), MPEG-2, VP9, ​​DivX, XviD, and in audio MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital, DTS, WMA.

On the other hand, the "contenedor» is the file format: mp4, mkv, avi, mov, vob, ts, etc. Think of it as the box where the different video and audio tracks travel. The same container can contain different codecs.. That's why not all .mkv or .avi files will be compatible with your TV.

Thus, the file extension (such as .mkv or .mp4) It only indicates the container. What really matters is how the video and audio are encoded. Your TV may be able to read the container, but if it doesn't know "unpack" the codec, then you will have playback problems.

How to identify which codec a file uses?

Have you come across a file that you're not sure your TV will be able to read? It is essential to find out what codecs it is encoded with before you go crazy trying one after another. Fortunately, there are free programs that tell you instantly. The most practical and well-known is VLC Media Player.

• Open the video in VLC on your computer
• Click on Tools > Codec Information
• There you will see if the video is in H.264, HEVC, MPEG-2, etc., and the audio in AAC, Dolby Digital, MP3, etc.

With this information, you can now compare it with your Smart TV's compatibility list and decide if you need to convert it. Also, if you want to learn more about how to improve your file compatibility, visit programs to watch TV on PC.

Main video and audio formats for Smart TVs

Each brand and model supports specific containers and codecs. The most common are:

• Videographer: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, WMV
• Audio: MP3, AAC, WMA, Dolby Digital (AC3), PCM, DTS (although many recent TVs no longer support DTS)

However, Actual compatibility depends on the container and codec combinationFor example, a .mkv with HEVC video and DTS audio may fail if the TV doesn't understand DTS or doesn't support HEVC for that file type.

Complete guide: Codecs and video and audio formats supported by each TV brand

Here's a detailed rundown of the latest information on USB file system and format compatibility from major brands:

Samsung

Samsung stands out for its wide compatibility of formats and codecs, especially in its newer ranges. It typically supports:

• Containers: MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, FLV
• Video codecs: H.264, MPEG-4, HEVC (H.265 on newer models), MPEG-2, DivX/XviD*
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital, WMA, PCM

*Samsung, like LG, has been removing support for DTS on models from 2020 onwards. If you need DTS audio, look for TVs from previous years or use converters.

Many recent Samsung models can play 4K video in HEVC and HDR10+ (but not Dolby Vision, only HDR10 and HDR10+).

Sony

The Sony televisions, especially the BRAVIA range, are usually compatible with:

• Containers: MP4, MOV, AVCHD
• Video codecs: H.264, MPEG-4, MPEG-2, HEVC
• Audio codecs: AAC, Dolby Digital, MP3, LPCM, WMA

Additionally, many Sony BRAVIAs can handle SRT subtitles and support resolutions up to 4K. Some models also support HDR10 and Dolby Vision.

LG

LG offers good compatibility, although there are differences between models and generations.. Common formats:

• Containers: MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI (DivX), ASF, WMV
• Video codecs: H.264/AVC, MPEG-4, HEVC (on newer models), MPEG-2, DivX/XviD (except some advanced features), VP8/VP9
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital, DTS (until 2019-2020), WMA, PCM, ADPCM

LG models manufactured since 2021 have incorporated compatibility with exFAT on the USB ports. In previous generations, only FAT32 y NTFS were recognized.

Xiaomi

According to the manufacturer's statements, all Xiaomi TV series support FAT32, NTFS and exFAT on their USB ports. As for video formats, their Smart TVs are typically compatible with:

• Containers: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV
• Video codecs: H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4, VP9
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital

Hisense

The compatibility in Hisense is usually good, although the brand confirms that its TVs support FAT32 and NTFS but no exFAT. For video and audio:

• Containers: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV
• Video codecs: H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital

Philips

Official information is scarce, but in tests, the TVs Philips can read NTFS and FAT32 disks, while support for exFAT is patchy. The most common video formats supported are:

• Containers: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV
• Video codecs: H.264, MPEG-4, VP9
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital

TCL

According to official support, only FAT32 is supported on all models, although some users have reported that it also works with NTFS. For video and audio:

• Containers: MP4, MKV, AVI
• Video codecs: H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital

Panasonic

At Panasonic OLED range from 2022 and 2023 they support FAT16, FAT32, exFAT and also NTFS (although the latter does not always appear in official specifications). The ranges with Android TVs are also compatible, although only FAT32 appears as "official." In multimedia formats:

• Containers: MP4, MKV, AVI
• Video codecs: H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4
• Audio codecs: MP3, AAC, Dolby Digital

Format and codec compatibility: quick table by brand

Brand	Video Formats	Common Codecs	USB Systems
Samsung	MP4, MKV, AVI, WMV, FLV	H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4, DivX/XviD, Dolby Digital	FAT32, NTFS, sometimes exFAT
Sony	MP4, MOV, AVCHD	H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4, Dolby Digital	FAT32, NTFS, exFAT (recent models)
LG	MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV	H.264, HEVC, MPEG-4, VP9, ​​Dolby Digital	FAT32, NTFS, exFAT (since 2021)
Xiaomi	MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV	H.264, HEVC, Dolby Digital	FAT32, NTFS, exFAT
Hisense	MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV	H.264, HEVC, Dolby Digital	FAT32, NTFS
Philips	MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV	H.264, HEVC, Dolby Digital	FAT32, NTFS (exFAT variable)
TCL	MP4, MKV, AVI	H.264, HEVC, Dolby Digital	FAT32 (NTFS in some cases)
Panasonic	MP4, MKV, AVI	H.264, HEVC, Dolby Digital	FAT32, exFAT, NTFS (some models)

Audio formats: pay attention to the case of DTS and Dolby Digital

Another frequent source of problems is the DTS audioBoth Samsung and LG have dropped support for DTS on most models as of 2020, opting only for Dolby Digital and PCM. If your .mkv files have DTS audio track, your TV may not play the sound even though it does. In that case, you'll need to convert the audio track to AC3 or AAC using a converter. For additional compatibility information, check out how to play Spotify on your Smart TV.

Most Smart TVs support Dolby Digital (AC3), which has been the industry standard for years for home theater and streamingSome brands maintain support for DTS in high-end or older models, but don't be too confident.

HDR formats: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision

When playing files in 4K or Full HD, it is increasingly common to have videos with HDR (High Dynamic Range)The current standards are:

• HDR10: The most universal (open and free), supported by almost all brands (Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Panasonic, Hisense…)
• HDR10 +: Exclusive to Samsung and some smaller brands; adds dynamic metadata.
• DolbyVision: Proprietary, with dynamic metadata, more brightness and color depth; supported by Sony, LG, Philips, Panasonic… but not by Samsung (at least until 2023/24).

If you want to enjoy the maximum dynamic range, check if your TV supports Dolby Vision or stays in HDR10/HDR10+ (you can check on the manufacturer's website or in the picture options in the TV menu). Many streaming content (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video) take advantage of Dolby Vision, but downloaded files usually come in HDR10 because it is free and universal.

What about USB file systems?

The USB file system is almost as important as the codec.If the TV doesn't recognize the memory, the video format doesn't matter. There are three major standards:

• FAT32: Almost full compatibility with all TVs, but limited to files of maximum 4GBIf you have movies or TV shows in 4K, they'll probably exceed that limit.
• NTFS: It allows files much larger than 4GB. Most brands have supported it for years, although some may be problematic for older models.
• exFAT: The most modern, it allows for huge files and native compatibility with Windows and macOS. Not all TVs support it (only LG, Xiaomi, Sony, and Panasonic on recent models). Note that LG is only adding exFAT from 2021 onward.

Check your TV manual, but as a general rule, for heavy content (4K, HDR), Use NTFS or exFAT if your TV supports itFor light or old videos, FAT32 will work fine.

What to do if your file isn't compatible? Converters and tips

All is not lost if your TV won't play a file. The solution is to convert it to a format and codec supported by your model. Here are the keys:

• Identify the codec of your video and audio with VLC or programs like MediaInfo
• Convert the file using HandBrake (free and very easy) or Format Factory
• Choose H.264 for video and AAC or AC3 for audio (compatible with almost all TVs). The most common formats are MP4 or MKV.
• Avoid excessively high resolutions or bit rates; many models can't handle 4K video at speeds above 60 Mbps.

The role of USB: tips to avoid mistakes and scares

It's not just a matter of formats and codecs. The way you format your USB or external drive can determine whether the TV detects it or not.:

• FAT32: Better universal compatibility, but files max. 4GB. Ideal for short films, music, old series.
• NTFS: It supports large files and plays on almost all modern Smart TVs. If your TV is from the last five years, this will be your best option.
• exFAT: Used mostly if you want to share the USB between Mac and Windows. Check compatibility on your TV, as it may fail on Hisense and Philips.

If you're going to use the recording or "time shift" function (pausing DTT), keep in mind that the TV itself will format the USB to its preferred system. Recordings can usually only be played on that specific TV due to copyright restrictions.

What about subtitles?

Most Smart TVs support subtitles in SRT or SUB format when they're in the same folder and have the same name as the video. Be careful because some models only accept SRT, and not all support embedded subtitles in MKV. Also, if you want to expand your knowledge on how to adjust subtitles on your system, check out What is M3U and how to create it.

Resolution and bit rate: another hidden limitation

Many TVs can read 4K files but They do not support very high bit ratesIf you have a highly compressed Ultra HD movie, with a data rate of 80 or 100 Mbps, it may skip or not open at all. Always reduce the bit rate to about 30-40 Mbps If you have problems, especially with inexpensive or older models.

HDR on streaming services, Blu-ray, and consoles: what about the codecs?

Not all HDRs are the same, nor do they work the same everywhere.To watch movies or TV shows in HDR on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and other platforms, you'll need:

• A model compatible with the specific standard (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+)
• Streaming plan that allows Ultra HD quality (for example, on Netflix only with the Premium plan)
• Good internet connection and set streaming quality to "High"

With consoles, compatibility also varies:

• PlayStation 5 and PS4 Pro: HDR10 but no Dolby Vision
• Xbox Series X/S: HDR10 and Dolby Vision (in games and video)
• Chromecast Ultra, Fire TV Stick 4K: support HDR10 and Dolby Vision, Fire TV also supports HDR10+

Advanced codecs and special formats: AV1, VP9, ​​Blu-ray 4K and more

The most modern Smart TVs are starting to support VP9 (for YouTube in 4K) y AV1 (the new industry compression standard, more efficient than HEVC). For playback of ripped 4K Blu-ray, your TV will need to support MKV with codecs HEVC (H.265) for video, and audio tracks in AC3, AAC or FLAC (DTS may fail, as already explained).