Convert OGV to M4V
About OGV
OGV is a free, open-source video container format developed by the Xiph.Org Foundation. It is the video--toting sibling of the OGG audio format. OGV files most commonly use the Theora video codec and the Vorbis audio codec, both of which are open and patent-free. It was an early contender for the HTML5 video standard.
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.
OGV vs M4V
| Feature | OGV | M4V |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | true | true |
| Subtitle Support | true | true |
| DRM Support | false | true |
| Quality Rating | 3 | 4 |
| Patent Status | patent-free | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2003 | 2007 |
| Developed By | Xiph.Org Foundation | Apple |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't OGV more popular?
While OGV is a capable, open-source format, the Theora video codec it uses is less efficient than modern codecs like H.264 or VP9. Google's push for WebM (which uses the more efficient VP8/VP9 codecs) as the open standard for web video largely relegated OGV to a niche role.
Is OGV the same as OGG?
Ogg is the container format. An .ogg file usually contains only audio (typically Vorbis). An .ogv file contains both video (typically Theora) and audio. Sometimes, video files are also given the .ogg extension, which can cause confusion.
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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