Comparison Between M4V MP4 and the Simplest Way to Convert M4V to MP4

Part 1: Definition of M4V and MP4

MP4: short for MPEG-4 Part 14, is a container used to store video, audio, subtitles, images and other data. It’s the most widely used multimedia container format recognized by nearly all media player and devices. This video format gives higher levels of compression and offers better quality features. Many people choose MP4 as the best choice for online video formatting and streaming in the first place.

M4V: is a video container format developed by Apple for its products. This file may optionally be protected by DRM copy protection and computers needs to be authorized to play it. Apple uses this format to encode videos (TV series, movies) and music video in the iTunes Store. So you can open it in iTunes by default. It’s becoming more and more popular since the popularity of iPhone, iPad and other Apple products.

Part 2:M4V VS MP4

The main reason why confusion remains is that the M4V is very similar to MP4; many people have tried to rename .M4V to .MP4 and that worked sometimes (but in fact, some incompatible tracks in the original M4V file might lost). So we’d better get to know the differences between them, let’s begin.

Main Similarities

1. The M4V is a derivation of MP4, so practically, they are almost the same.

2. Both support multiple content saved in one single file, like video, audio, subtitle and more.

Main Differences

1. The MP4 (AAC) contains MPEG-4 or H.264 video code but M4V (AAC/AC3) uses H.264 only.

2. In most cases, the M4V could only be played on computer authorized (by iTunes) and within Apple devices only. But MP4 is accepted in any media player and devices.

Note: there’s no difference between M4V and MP4 once the M4V DRM removed.

Conclusion: Just like the VP9 VS H.265, it’s hard to say which one is better, only usages and popularity counts.

But since the M4V file is limited to iPhone, iPad, iTunes, Apple TV etc, it’s impossible to open and share M4V video in other players or watch movies in Android devices, like Android smart phone, TV or tablet.

PSP and XBOX platform, iMovie and Final Cut also have compatibility issues with M4V video.

And the trick mentioned before, what if this “rename” method don’t work or some important data was lost during this “savage” M4V to MP4 process?

To ease your concern, the best way is to change M4V to MP4 format and enjoy benefits of this universal video container.

Part 3: Handy Free M4V Converter Recommended

When it comes to choosing free video converting tools on the internet, some people start to think about questions like: is this tool truly supporting video format need to convert? What if this M4V file converter have 5 minutes limit? What else output formats do this M4V to MP4 converter offers?

There’s no need to worry at all, the Free HD Video Converter Factory is all you need. It’s 100% free and clean video converter, there are no ads or plug-in installed during downloading, installing and using process.

Now just follow this three steps guide to convert M4V video:

Step 1 Add file to this M4V video converter.

Just freely import your M4V video by clicking “Add Files”; drag-and-drop also works.

Step 2 Set output format as MP4 video.

As you can see from picture above, the format list offers various options for users, even convert your M4V file to H.265 video or 4k resolution!

Free HD Video Converter Factory supports mostly used devices and many brand products, like Samsung, Sony etc. This tool can handle many smart TV compatibility problems to free you from Samsung TV can’t play MKV or best video format for LG TV.

Step 3 Click “Run” to start conversion.

When you set suitable video format and devices, just run this tool and wait for magic!

To click “Settings” item shown in the picture above, you will find more helpful tricks!

Note: if you want to transfer some M4V videos simultaneously by using M4V converter, the HD Video Converter Factory Pro is your best choice.

More Tips about This M4V Converter

More than a free M4V video converter, the Free HD Video Converter Factory also supports audio conversion to offer you more convenience in digital life; The YouTube downloading function is very friendly function for you to get 4k video and 360 degree videos losslessly. Just explore!