Convert 3G2 to M4V
About 3G2
The 3G2 format is very similar to 3GP but was designed by the 3GPP2 project for CDMA-based mobile networks (as opposed to the GSM networks that 3GP was designed for). Like 3GP, it's a legacy format optimized for low-bandwidth mobile devices and is characterized by low quality and small file sizes.
About M4V
The M4V file format is a video container format developed by Apple and is very similar to the MP4 format. In fact, they are often interchangeable. The primary difference is that M4V files may optionally be protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM copy protection, which is used for videos purchased or rented from the iTunes Store.
3G2 vs M4V
| Feature | 3G2 | M4V |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | true | true |
| Subtitle Support | false | true |
| DRM Support | false | true |
| Quality Rating | 1 | 4 |
| Patent Status | industry standard | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2001 | 2007 |
| Developed By | 3GPP2 | Apple |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 3GP and 3G2?
They are very similar, but 3G2 has some extensions and limitations compared to 3GP and was specifically designed for CDMA networks. From a user's perspective, both are legacy, low-quality mobile video formats.
Is there any reason to use 3G2 today?
No, there is no practical reason to use the 3G2 format for any new content. It is entirely obsolete.
What's the difference between M4V and MP4?
Functionally, they are nearly identical. An M4V file without DRM can be renamed to .mp4 and will play without issues. The .m4v extension is primarily used by Apple to identify videos for its ecosystem (iTunes, Apple TV), especially those that contain DRM or AC3 audio.
Can I play M4V files on non-Apple devices?
If the M4V file is not protected by DRM, it will play on most devices and players that support MP4. If the file is protected with FairPlay DRM, it can only be played on authorized devices, such as those signed into the Apple ID that purchased the video.
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