What Is M4V Video File Format?

Go ahead to know better about what is M4V format.

M4V is a video format and file extension extremely resembling traditional and common MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14). M4V video file format is developed by Apple Inc., who uses it to flag as a video file and attach it to iTunes, by encoding TV episodes, movies, and music videos in the iTunes under official DRM copy protection.

In more direct words, M4V is the copy-protected Apple video using FairPlay DRM copyright protection that requires purchase from iTunes. The M4V file format is based on the MPEG-4 AVC video compression, which is a global media standard with the aim to provide optimized video podcasts for the iPod.

▶ How to Play M4V Video?

In most cases, M4V video file can be directly played, on Windows OS computer, by:

* 5KPlayer
* Apple QuickTime Player
* Media Player Classic
* RealPlayer
* VLC
* MPlayer
* Nero Showtime
* DivX Plus Player

▶ How to Play M4V on Android or other non-Apple Devices?

WinX MediaTrans features converting and deocoding (iTunes) M4V files to MP4 (H.264) format with removal of DRM protection for flawlessly playing or editing on any device/player. Thanks to hardware acceleration, it can deliver the fastest conversion speed and keep virtually lossless quality of resulting file.

Free Download

For Windows and Mac only. If you are a mobile user, please click here.

▶ The Specific Use of M4V

What Devices Use M4V? M4V file format is generally used by iPhone, PlayStation Portable, etc. Nowadays, Apple's products like the iPod, iPhone, and iTunes Store, are booming rapidly, so M4V files are becoming more commonly used. It is used as the default video conversion format in the software HandBrake (WHY?) and Air Video Server dwelled on Macintosh. However, some unprotected M4V files may only be recognized and played by other video players by changing the file extension from '.m4v' to '.mp4'.

▶ Differences between M4V and MP4 (M4V vs. MP4)

Generally, M4V is of standard video format, compared with hi def video format - MOV (for 720p or above on Apple TV). But the resolution specifications of M4V and MP4 are the same. Any difference between M4V and MP4 more than just the file extension name?

Slightly differing MP4, M4V allows to store chapter information and deal with AC3 (Dolby Digital) audio file. QuickTime player cannot play a MP4 file with AC3 audio and chapters. AC3 is not directly compatible with and recognizable by MP4 container.

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Related External Source

M4V^[wiki]: The M4V file format is a video container format developed by Apple and is very similar to the MP4 format...

iTunes_Store^[wiki]: iTunes Store, originally the iTunes Music Store, is a software-based online digital media store operated by Apple Inc...

Dolby_Digital^[wiki]: Dolby Digital is the name for audio compression technologies developed by Dolby Laboratories...

About the Author

Kistent Waung @KistentW

Graduated from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, she employs herself in IT related content creation (since 2013) and happens to perfectly combine her major (computer & science) and her gusto (writing). She's seasoned at offering video audio conversion workarounds and always passionate about new trends, from hot HEVC, 4K to the new AV1 codec.