All formats
M2V
Video format
The M2V format
M2V is a raw MPEG-2 video stream with no audio. M2V files are bare MPEG-2 video streams, the picture half of a DVD before audio is added.
When to use M2V
You meet M2V in DVD authoring; convert it to MP4 to watch or share.
It is best for DVD authoring, where video and audio are prepared separately, and it opens on VLC and DVD authoring software.
How to open it: VLC and mpv play M2V files.
| Full name | MPEG-2 Video Stream |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .m2v, .mpv |
| MIME type | video/mpeg |
| Introduced | 1996 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | MPEG-2 video only |
| Support | Specialist format |
| Typical size | DVD bitrates, about 30–60 MB a minute |
Good at
- Exactly the video a DVD will carry
Not so good at
- No audio track
- Few players seek within it
The common mistake
An M2V has no sound by design. The audio lives in a separate AC3 or WAV file made alongside it.
Questions
What is an M2V file?
M2V (MPEG-2 Video Stream) is a raw MPEG-2 video stream with no audio. M2V files are bare MPEG-2 video streams, the picture half of a DVD before audio is added.
How do I open an M2V file?
VLC and mpv play M2V files.