Difference between MOV and M4V


MOV and M4V are video formats for storing digital video data. MOV is an Apple-specific file format, whereas both Apple and Microsoft support M4V. While the two formats have certain similarities, there are several important distinctions to be aware of before deciding which format to adopt. Because of the success of its goods, Apple has had a big impact on the software sector. One area where they've had an impact is with new file formats they've introduced, two of which are MOV and M4V.

These two formats are container formats designed to hold video files for playing. The primary distinction between the MOV and M4V formats is what they are linked with. In comparison, the M4V format is the default format for iTunes and hence for portable Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

To be clear, MOV and M4V are only container formats, not codecs, which are responsible for coding the video. As a result, the changes in video quality are caused by the video codec rather than whether the file is in MOV or M4V format. A fast test for videos of the same length would be to compare the file size. Although not usually, it is a useful predictor of video quality because it may indicate a greater bitrate. The M4V format is recommended for transferring data across desktops, tablets, and cell phones. To avoid issues while moving the file from one device to another.

Another significant distinction between MOV and M4V is the codecs that may be used. M4V remains true to the MP4 standard, employing H.264 for video and AAC or Dolby Digital for audio. In comparison, the MOV format accepts various formats, including those mentioned earlier, but also incorporates codecs not found in MP4. MOV is not a viable format for portable devices due to the large range of codecs it supports since certain codecs may be more demanding than others. It may cause problems with some devices' inability to play MOV files.

Read this article to find out more about MOV and M4V and how they are different from each other.

What is MOV?

MOV is a common video file format supported by many digital cameras and camcorders. It is also Apple's QuickTime Player's native file format. MPEG-4 or H.264 codecs are commonly used to encode MOV files. Most media player software, including QuickTime Player and VLC Media Player, can play these files. Most video editing tools, including iMovie and Final Cut Pro, can open MOV files. One disadvantage of MOV files is that they may be huge, using up a lot of space on your hard disc.

MOV file is an Apple QuickTime Movie file included in a QuickTime File Format (QTFF) container file. Through various tracks, a MOV file can hold audio, video, and text in the same file, or the channels can refer to data saved elsewhere in another file. MOV files are commonly found on Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads since it is the default file format in which such devices capture video.

What is M4V?

M4V usually used on devices like iPods, and iPhones which likes to store the video information. M4V files are identical to MP4 files, although they may contain DRM. This implies that M4V files may only be played on devices that have been approved. M4V files may store both regular and high-definition video.

Both MOV and M4V are common video file formats. MOV is an Apple QuickTime file format, whereas M4V is an iTunes Store format for encoding video files. MOV and M4V both use the MPEG-4 video format. MOV files can include video, audio, and interactive graphics like titles and transitions. DRM protection can be added to M4V files to prevent illegal copying. MOV and M4V files vary primarily because MOV files can be played on both Windows and Mac OS X, but M4V files can only be played on Mac OS X.

Differences between MOV and M4V

The following table highlights the major differences between MOV and M4V −

Characteristics

MOV

M4V

Definition

MOV is a popular multimedia container file format created by Apple with numerous tracks holding various forms of media data. The MOV format is intended for use with QuickTime and is the application's default format.

M4V, like MP4, is a MPEG-4 file extension that employs H 264 for video and AAC or Dolby Digital for music and is used for videos downloaded through Apple's iTunes store. The M4V format is iTunes' default format.

Created by

Apple

Apple

Advantages

It supports a variety of codecs that M4V does not. M4V works better and has more extensive support.

The standard format for portable Apple devices such as iPhone, iPod, and iPad. It supports MOV better than on mobile devices.

Disadvantages

Because of the wide range of codecs supported by MOV, certain devices may be unable to play the MOV files.

Not as popular as the MOV format. Copyright protection using Apple's FairPlay DRM may be used.

Assist You in

If you want to play movies with QuickTime, edit them with Movie FCP,

If you often go between PCs, tablets, and smartphones, it is

Making a Decision

or require more supported codecs, MOV may be the best option.

recommended to use M4V to avoid format issues later on.

Conclusion

MOV and M4V are video codecs for storing movies and videos. MOV files are often bigger than M4V files but provide higher quality. If file size isn't an issue and you want the greatest video quality available, go with MOV. Choose M4V if you require a reduced file size or compatibility with specific devices. For the greatest results, use H.264 compression when encoding your videos in any format you select. MOV is a QuickTime container format, whereas M4V is an iTunes container. MOV supports a far wider range of codecs than M4V. Portable devices other than MOV more widely support M4V.

Updated on: 17-Feb-2023

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