| Extension | .m2v |
| Category | video |
| Description | M2V is a format designed for video-only storage, with any accompanying audio or subtitles stored separately in data files. While M2V may not be as efficient as newer video standards like AVC and HEVC, it continues to be used due to its compatibility with recent video creation technology. In the past, M2V was commonly used for storing motion pictures, with old movie reels now being compatible for use on digital TV and more advanced video transmission technologies such as DVD and DVB-S2. |
| Technical details | Files with the .m2v extension are known as MPEG-2 video stream files. MPEG-2 is the preferred format for transmitting digital television signals via cable or satellite TV broadcasts. M2V files are rarely seen on their own, as they typically contain video data only; therefore, accompanying audio, metadata, and subtitle files are included in the media where the .m2v file is stored. M2V files are commonly used in DVD creation tools and programs, where they are combined with other elements such as WAV or AIF files, menus, and video chapter points to create a coherent DVD video. Instead of traditional audio formats like .ogg or .wav, some DVD creation programs use the MPEG-1 audio file format. |
