Convert M4V to 264
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.
About 264
This is a raw video stream encoded with the H.264 (also known as AVC) codec, using the '.264' file extension. It is functionally identical to a '.h264' file. It contains only the compressed video data and no audio or container structure. These files are typically intermediate files used in professional video encoding and editing workflows.
M4V vs 264
| Feature | M4V | 264 |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | true | false |
| Subtitle Support | true | false |
| DRM Support | true | false |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 5 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | patented |
| Year Introduced | 2007 | 2003 |
| Developed By | Apple | ITU-T/ISO/IEC |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Why do some files use .264 instead of .h264?
It's simply a different file extension convention for the same type of raw H.264 video stream. There is no technical difference between them.
Do I need to keep .264 files?
For most users, no. These are typically temporary or intermediate files. The final, usable video file will be a container format like MP4 or MKV that includes the audio and is ready for playback.
Transform Your Videos with AI Subtitles & Closed Captions
Get started with 10 minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.