A file with the .m4v file extension is an MPEG-iv Video (M4V) container file format, also known equally an iTunes video file. This is the principal blazon of file used when purchasing or renting any video from the iTunes shop.

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What Is an M4V File?

Developed by Apple tree, M4V files are very similar to the MP4 format, which are both based on the MPEG-four video container format. The principal reason backside creating information technology was to put a level of security, which adds Apple tree's FairPlay DRM protection, on anything from the iTunes Store. This prevents anyone attempting to view or copy these files on a device that isn't fabricated by Apple tree, such equally iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc.

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Other than the use of DRM, the other differences are that M4V files apply the H.264 video codec exclusively, let the storage of chapter data, and can deal with AC3 (Dolby Digital) sound files.

How Exercise I Open an M4V File?

To open up a DRM protected M4V file, your figurer—or device— must be authorized using iTunes and the AppleID that was used to purchase/rent the video. Assuming information technology doesn't have whatever DRM associated with it, allow's look at how y'all tin open one upwards.

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To open up whatsoever M4V file without DRM, just double-click the video you wish to open. Information technology'southward as elementary as that.

Due to the similarities between M4V and MP4 files, Windows can open them natively in Windows Media Player just the same as in QuickTime on macOS.

If, however, you prefer a different video player, changing the association of a file is a simple process on either Windows or macOS. And you most likely won't fifty-fifty have to practice that. When yous install a new video playback app, the chances are high that the new app will claim the association with M4V files during installation, unless specified otherwise.

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Because M4V is based on the MPEG-4 container format, if you lot have a file and information technologyisn't DRM protected, you tin simply modify the extension from .m4v to .mp4 and open it on any device that already supports MP4 file formats. And then if for some reason the file isn't playing on your Windows machine, merely change the file extension and information technology opens the video equally an MP4 instead.