Convert M4V to AVI
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 AVI
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is one of the oldest video formats, developed by Microsoft in 1992. As a container format, it can use a wide variety of codecs for video and audio. While it was once extremely popular, it has been largely superseded by more modern formats like MP4. It lacks modern features like native support for streaming or subtitles and can result in very large file sizes.
M4V vs AVI
| Feature | M4V | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | true | false |
| Subtitle Support | true | false |
| DRM Support | true | false |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 3 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2007 | 1992 |
| Developed By | Apple | Microsoft |
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.
Is AVI still a useful format?
For new video projects, AVI is not recommended. Its main use today is for compatibility with older systems or legacy content. Modern formats like MP4 offer better compression, more features, and wider compatibility.
Why do some AVI files not play audio?
This is a common issue with AVI files and is due to its reliance on codecs. The AVI file itself is just a container. If your system does not have the specific audio or video codec installed that was used to create the file, it will not be able to play correctly.
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