.m4v Files?

[Big Stevie]

Im in the process of using Handbrake to convert a large number of camcorder MTS video files to mp4 so that they can be played on both my PS3 and macbook.

I've just noticed that Handbrake has converted some of the MTS files to .m4v even though I've selected mp4 in the settings.

The .m4v files still play on both devices, but is there a reason for this? Should I continue to allow this to happen? Is my world going to end?

 

[firedept]

Here is a link to Handbrake and should answer your concerns. MP4 and m4v are the same file. The only difference is the extension. The last topic on the page in particular.

 

[GGJstudios]

What's M4V and How It Differs from MP4 Format

M4V is a container format developed by Apple and is very similar to the MP4 format. Files saved in .m4v are open in iTunes by default and come with DRM copyright protection to prohibit the access (especially from competitors like Android) for commercial use. So you have to remove iTunes DRM from M4V video for easy playback on Android based devices. Compared with M4V, MP4 has no copy protection restriction and is compatible with almost all media players. That's why people prefer MP4 to M4V when Handbrake rips DVD.

Reasons Why Handbrake Saves DVD as M4V Not MP4

Like the cases above, Handbrake (Since version 0.9.5) saves DVD and video as M4V rather than familiar MP4. Why? Generally, Handbrake stores audio in the AAC format, which possibly passes through AC3 audio from a DVD in an MP4 file. For MP4 files, Handbrake will automatically use the M4V extension if your output contains AC3 audio, SRT subtitles or chapter markers. The reason for this is that QuickTime or any QT based apps will refuse to play a MP4 file with these features enabled, unless the extension is .m4v.

Despite Handbrake mentions that there are no differences between MP4 and M4V and there is an option in HandBrakes preferences to select the extension, it's recommended not to change M4V to MP4 in Handbrake if containing AC3 audio as it therefore won't be played on QuickTime.

 

[Big Stevie]

Thanks very much for the replies.

What I find strange is that all of the video files were filmed using the same camcorder, yet some of the files are being treated slightly differently by Handbrake.

Though I accept that I now need not worry