M4V फ़ाइलें मुफ्त में परिवर्तित करें
व्यावसायिक M4V फ़ाइल रूपांतरण उपकरण
अपनी फ़ाइलें यहाँ ड्रॉप करें
या फ़ाइलों को ब्राउज़ करने के लिए क्लिक करें
समर्थित फ़ॉर्मेट
उच्च गुणवत्ता के साथ सभी प्रमुख फ़ाइल फ़ॉर्मेट के बीच रूपांतरित करें
सामान्य फ़ॉर्मेट
MPEG-4 Part 14 - the most universal video format worldwide supporting H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and various audio codecs. Perfect balance of quality, compression, and compatibility. Plays on virtually every device (phones, tablets, computers, TVs, game consoles). Standard for YouTube, streaming services, and video sharing. Supports chapters, subtitles, and multiple audio tracks. Industry standard since 2001. Perfect for any video distribution scenario.
Audio Video Interleave - legacy Windows multimedia container format from 1992. Flexible container supporting virtually any codec. Larger file sizes than modern formats. Universal compatibility with Windows software and older devices. Simple structure making it easy to edit. Common in video editing and legacy content. Being replaced by MP4 and MKV but still widely supported. Perfect for maximum compatibility with older Windows systems and software.
Matroska - flexible open-source container supporting unlimited video/audio tracks, subtitles, chapters, and metadata. Can contain any codec (H.264, H.265, VP9, AV1). Perfect for high-quality video archival with multiple audio languages and subtitle tracks. Popular for HD/4K movies and Blu-ray rips. Supports advanced features like ordered chapters and menu systems. Excellent for complex multi-track videos. Standard format for high-quality video collections.
QuickTime Movie - Apple's multimedia container format with excellent quality and editing capabilities. Native format for macOS and iOS devices. Supports various codecs including ProRes for professional video. High-quality preservation suitable for editing. Larger file sizes than compressed formats. Perfect for video production on Mac, professional editing, and scenarios requiring maximum quality. Standard format for Final Cut Pro and professional Mac workflows.
Windows Media Video - Microsoft's video codec and container format optimized for Windows Media Player. Good compression with acceptable quality. Native Windows support and streaming capabilities. Various versions (WMV7, WMV8, WMV9/VC-1). Used for Windows-based streaming and video distribution. Being superseded by MP4 and other formats. Perfect for legacy Windows systems and corporate environments using Windows Media infrastructure. Still encountered in Windows-centric content.
Flash Video - legacy format for Adobe Flash Player used extensively for web video (2000s). Enabled YouTube's early growth and online video streaming. Now obsolete due to Flash discontinuation (2020). Small file sizes with acceptable quality for the era. No longer recommended for new projects. Convert to MP4 or WebM for modern compatibility. Historical format important for archival but not for new content.
वेब फ़ॉर्मेट
WebM - open-source video format developed by Google specifically for HTML5 web video. Uses VP8/VP9/AV1 video codecs with Vorbis/Opus audio. Royalty-free with no licensing costs. Optimized for streaming with efficient compression. Native support in all modern browsers. Smaller file sizes than H.264 at similar quality. Perfect for web videos, HTML5 players, and open-source projects. Becoming standard for web-native video content.
Ogg Video - open-source video format from Xiph.Org Foundation using Theora video codec and Vorbis/Opus audio. Free from patents and licensing fees. Used in open-source projects and HTML5 video. Comparable quality to early H.264 but superseded by VP9 and AV1. Declining usage in favor of WebM. Perfect for open-source applications requiring free codecs. Convert to WebM or MP4 for better compatibility and quality. Historical importance in open video standards.
MPEG-4 Video - Apple's variant of MP4 for iTunes and iOS with optional DRM protection. Nearly identical to MP4 but may contain FairPlay DRM. Used for iTunes Store purchases and Apple TV content. Supports H.264/H.265 video and AAC audio. Includes chapter markers and metadata. Convert to MP4 for broader compatibility (if DRM-free). Perfect for iTunes library and Apple ecosystem. Essentially MP4 with Apple-specific features.
व्यावसायिक फ़ॉर्मेट
MPEG - legacy video format using MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 compression. Standard for Video CDs and DVDs. Good quality with moderate compression. Universal compatibility with older devices. Larger files than modern formats. Perfect for DVD compatibility and legacy systems. Being replaced by MP4. Convert to MP4 for better compression and compatibility.
MPEG Video - generic MPEG format (MPEG-1/2/4) used for various video applications. Container for MPEG video standards. Common in broadcasting and DVD authoring. Various quality levels depending on MPEG version. Perfect for broadcast and professional video. Modern equivalent is MP4. Convert to MP4 for contemporary use.
Video Object - DVD video container format containing MPEG-2 video and AC-3/PCM audio. Part of DVD-Video specification. Encrypted with CSS on commercial DVDs. Includes subtitles, menu data, and multiple audio tracks. Large file sizes with maximum quality for DVD. Perfect for DVD authoring and DVD backup. Convert to MP4 or MKV for smaller file sizes and broader playback compatibility.
AVCHD Video - high-definition video format from Sony/Panasonic HD camcorders. Uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression with .mts extension. Part of AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) standard. Full HD 1080p/1080i recording. Perfect for camcorder footage preservation. Convert to MP4 for easier editing and sharing. Standard format from Sony, Panasonic, and Canon HD camcorders.
Blu-ray MPEG-2 Transport Stream - Blu-ray disc video format containing H.264, MPEG-2, or VC-1 video. High-quality HD/4K video with up to 40Mbps bitrate. Used on Blu-ray discs and AVCHD camcorders. Supports multiple audio tracks and subtitles. Perfect for Blu-ray backup and high-quality archival. Convert to MP4 or MKV for smaller file sizes. Premium quality format for HD/4K content.
मोबाइल फ़ॉर्मेट
3rd Generation Partnership Project - mobile video format designed for 3G phones with small file sizes and low bitrates. Optimized for limited mobile bandwidth and processing power. Supports H.263, MPEG-4, and H.264 video. Very small file sizes (10-100KB per minute). Legacy format from early smartphone era. Being replaced by MP4 for mobile video. Still useful for extremely low-bandwidth scenarios. Convert to MP4 for modern devices.
3GPP2 - mobile video format for CDMA2000 3G phones. Similar to 3GP but for CDMA networks (Verizon, Sprint). Very small file sizes optimized for mobile networks. Supports H.263, MPEG-4, and H.264 video. Legacy mobile format. Convert to MP4 for modern devices. Superseded by standard MP4.
विरासत फ़ॉर्मेट
RealMedia - proprietary streaming format from RealNetworks (1990s-2000s). Optimized for low-bandwidth streaming. Poor quality by modern standards. Obsolete format with limited player support. Convert to MP4 for modern playback. Historical importance in early internet video streaming.
RealMedia Variable Bitrate - improved RealMedia format with variable bitrate encoding. Better quality than RM at similar file sizes. Popular in Asia for video distribution. Obsolete format requiring RealPlayer. Convert to MP4 or MKV for modern compatibility. Legacy format from RealNetworks.
Advanced Systems Format - Microsoft's streaming media container for Windows Media. Used for WMV and WMA streaming. Supports live streaming and DRM protection. Common in Windows Media Services. Being replaced by modern streaming technologies. Convert to MP4 for universal compatibility. Microsoft legacy streaming format.
Shockwave Flash - Adobe Flash animation and video format. Interactive multimedia content with vector graphics and scripting. Obsolete since Flash end-of-life (December 2020). Security risks from Flash Player. Convert videos to MP4, animations to HTML5/SVG. Historical format from web animation era.
फ़ाइलों को कैसे रूपांतरित करें
अपनी फ़ाइलें अपलोड करें, आउटपुट फ़ॉर्मेट चुनें, और तुरंत रूपांतरित फ़ाइलें डाउनलोड करें। हमारा रूपांतरण उपकरण बैच रूपांतरण का समर्थन करता है और उच्च गुणवत्ता बनाए रखता है।
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न
M4V क्या है और यह MP4 से कैसे भिन्न है?
M4V is Apple's video container format - essentially MP4 with Apple-specific features and optional DRM (FairPlay). Developed for iTunes Store video purchases and rentals. Structurally nearly identical to MP4 (both based on MPEG-4 Part 12 specification). Main difference: M4V can contain FairPlay DRM copy protection, MP4 standard doesn't. DRM-free M4V files are functionally identical to MP4 - can often just rename .m4v to .mp4 and they play fine.
When you see M4V files: iTunes Store purchases (movies, TV shows) downloaded before ~2019 were M4V with DRM. Protected M4V only plays in iTunes/Apple TV with authorized Apple ID. Modern iTunes purchases are DRM-free MP4. Personal videos recorded on iOS devices are sometimes saved as M4V (especially older iOS versions). Screen recordings on Mac save as M4V. Apple's ecosystem uses M4V extension for iTunes content and certain recordings.
मैं कैसे जानूँ कि मेरी M4V फ़ाइल में DRM है?
DRM स्थिति की जाँच करने के तरीके:
iTunes के बाहर खेलने की कोशिश करें
If M4V plays in VLC, Windows Media Player, or other non-Apple players, it's DRM-free. DRM files only work in iTunes/Apple TV apps.
फ़ाइल गुणों की जाँच करें
iTunes में (यदि अभी भी उपयोग कर रहे हैं): फ़ाइल पर राइट-क्लिक करें → जानकारी प्राप्त करें → "प्रकार: सुरक्षित MPEG-4 वीडियो" के लिए देखें। यदि "सुरक्षित" कहता है, तो इसमें DRM है। "MPEG-4 वीडियो" बिना "सुरक्षित" = DRM-मुक्त।
एक्सटेंशन नाम बदलने का परीक्षण
.m4v को .mp4 में बदलें। यदि मीडिया प्लेयर में चलता है, तो यह DRM-मुक्त था। यदि त्रुटि या नहीं चलता (लेकिन iTunes ने इसे चलाया), तो इसमें DRM है। यदि आवश्यक हो तो इसे फिर से .m4v में बदलें।
स्रोत महत्वपूर्ण है
iTunes Store purchases 2009-2019 likely have DRM. Personal recordings, screen captures, iOS videos likely DRM-free. iTunes Match/iCloud content varies.
DRM M4V cannot be converted - copy protection prevents it. Only DRM-free M4V converts to MP4. Apple removed DRM from iTunes video ~2019 but legacy purchases remain protected.
मैं M4V को MP4 में कैसे परिवर्तित करूँ?
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iTunes MP4 के बजाय M4V का उपयोग क्यों करता है?
DRM container identification: M4V extension signals "this might be protected iTunes content." Helps iTunes distinguish purchased content from user's own MP4 files. DRM files need special handling (authorization checks, playback restrictions). Extension is organizational tool for iTunes library management. Non-DRM M4V is just branding - Apple associating format with iTunes ecosystem.
Apple TV app integration: Apple TV app recognizes M4V files as iTunes content - automatically imports, preserves artwork, chapter markers, descriptions. MP4 files imported as generic video. M4V gets special treatment in Apple ecosystem. Better metadata handling, iTunes Extras support, iTunes LP features. Extension conveys "this is iTunes-native content" to Apple software.
Historical reasons: M4V introduced when iTunes Store launched video (2005). Needed distinct extension for video vs M4A (iTunes audio). At time, DRM was standard for all purchases. Extension helped users and software identify protected content. Today, DRM rare but extension persists for ecosystem consistency. Apple could use MP4 but M4V maintains iTunes branding and backward compatibility with old iTunes versions expecting .m4v.
Can I play M4V files on Android or Windows?
DRM-free M4V plays everywhere: If M4V has no protection, plays on Android (with VLC or MX Player), Windows (VLC, Windows Media Player), smart TVs, most devices. It's functionally MP4. However, some devices/software don't recognize .m4v extension - shows as "unsupported format" despite actually being compatible. Solution: rename to .mp4, problem solved. Extension confusion, not technical incompatibility.
DRM M4V locked to Apple: Protected M4V from iTunes Store only plays in iTunes on authorized computers (up to 5) and Apple TV devices with your Apple ID. Won't play on Android, non-Apple smart TVs, game consoles, or unauthorized computers. DRM enforcement means platform restriction. This is why DRM content is problematic - limits where you can watch purchases. Can't transfer to non-Apple devices no matter what.
Practical recommendation: If M4V won't play on your device, convert to MP4 (if DRM-free) or re-obtain video from DRM-free source. Fighting DRM is pointless - you don't own protected content, you license it. Apple can revoke access. For personal video library you actually control, avoid DRM content. Buy/rent from DRM-free sources (some indie platforms), rip your own Blu-rays (legal for personal use), or use streaming services. Don't invest money in DRM video you can't freely use.
M4V और MOV के बीच क्या अंतर है?
Both Apple formats, different purposes: MOV is QuickTime movie container for general video (editing, recording, playback). M4V is iTunes-specific variant of MP4 for store content and certain recordings. MOV can contain variety of codecs (ProRes, H.264, Animation). M4V typically contains H.264/H.265 with AAC audio. MOV is professional/general format, M4V is consumer iTunes format.
कंटेनर संरचना भिन्न होती है: MOV क्विकटाइम एटम संरचना का उपयोग करता है, M4V MP4 संरचना का उपयोग करता है (दोनों अंततः समान ISO विनिर्देश पर आधारित हैं लेकिन विभिन्न शाखाएँ हैं)। कुछ सॉफ़्टवेयर उन्हें अलग तरह से मानते हैं। MOV संपादन कार्यप्रवाह के लिए वीडियो पेशेवरों द्वारा पसंद किया जाता है। M4V वितरण के लिए iTunes द्वारा उपयोग किया जाता है। उनके बीच रूपांतरण किया जा सकता है लेकिन आमतौर पर कोई कारण नहीं होता - बस MP4 का उपयोग करें जो हर जगह काम करता है। उत्पादन के लिए MOV, वितरण के लिए MP4, M4V iTunes की विशेषता है।
Compatibility patterns: MOV plays natively on Mac, requires codec on Windows. M4V plays on Mac and Windows if DRM-free (it's essentially MP4). MOV associated with professional video, M4V with consumer iTunes content. For sharing video, use MP4 over both - broader compatibility. For Mac editing, use MOV with ProRes. M4V has no compelling use case outside iTunes ecosystem. Choose format based on workflow, not Apple branding.
क्या मैं वीडियो संपादकों में M4V फ़ाइलों को संपादित कर सकता हूँ?
DRM-मुक्त M4V सामान्य रूप से आयात होता है: वीडियो संपादक (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie) DRM-मुक्त M4V को MP4 की तरह मानते हैं - सामान्य रूप से आयात करते हैं। H.264 M4V किसी भी H.264 वीडियो की तरह संपादित होता है। यदि फ़ाइल संरचना मानक MP4 है तो एक्सटेंशन मायने नहीं रखता। संपादन प्रदर्शन कोडेक पर निर्भर करता है (H.264 इंटर-फ्रेम संकुचन स्क्रबिंग को धीमा कर देता है), न कि कंटेनर प्रारूप पर। यदि टाइमलाइन सुस्त है तो संपादन कोडेक (ProRes) में परिवर्तित करें।
DRM M4V won't import: Protected M4V from iTunes Store cannot be imported to video editors - DRM blocks it. Software sees encrypted file, refuses to load. This is intentional - prevents editing purchased content. Only iTunes and Apple TV apps can decode protected M4V. If you need to edit iTunes purchase, can't be done directly. Screen recording during playback is workaround but quality suffers and violates iTunes terms.
संपादन के लिए सर्वोत्तम प्रथा: आयात करने से पहले M4V को MP4 में परिवर्तित करें (यदि DRM-मुक्त है), या बेहतर, संपादन मध्यवर्ती प्रारूप जैसे ProRes या DNxHD में परिवर्तित करें। H.264 को इंटर-फ्रेम संकुचन के साथ संपादित करना उपयुक्त नहीं है - प्रत्येक फ्रेम पिछले फ्रेम पर निर्भर करता है। मध्यवर्ती कोडेक्स इंट्रा-फ्रेम होते हैं (प्रत्येक फ्रेम स्वतंत्र) जिससे चिकनी टाइमलाइन स्क्रबिंग संभव होती है। पेशेवर कार्यप्रवाह: M4V → ProRes → संपादित करें → MP4 निर्यात करें। वितरण प्रारूपों को सीधे संपादित न करें - पहले ट्रांसकोड करें।
कुछ M4V फ़ाइलें विशाल क्यों होती हैं और अन्य छोटी क्यों?
फ़ाइल का आकार सामग्री और सेटिंग्स पर निर्भर करता है:
रिज़ॉल्यूशन और लंबाई
4K M4V 1080p से 4x बड़ा है। एक घंटे का वीडियो 1-मिनट के वीडियो से 60x बड़ा है। रिज़ॉल्यूशन और अवधि प्राथमिक कारक हैं। iTunes HD फिल्में 4-8GB हैं।
बिटरेट सेटिंग्स
iTunes स्टोर M4V HD के लिए 5-10Mbps, 4K के लिए 20-40Mbps का उपयोग करता है। व्यक्तिगत रिकॉर्डिंग उच्च बिटरेट का उपयोग कर सकती हैं (अनावश्यक)। कम बिटरेट = छोटे फ़ाइलें, कम गुणवत्ता।
कोडेक चयन
H.265/HEVC M4V (नवीनतम iTunes सामग्री) H.264 M4V की तुलना में समान गुणवत्ता पर 50% छोटा है। कोडेक दक्षता फ़ाइल के आकार को नाटकीय रूप से प्रभावित करती है। MediaInfo के साथ जाँच करें।
ऑडियो ट्रैक
5.1 सराउंड साउंड (AC3/AAC) वाला M4V स्टेरियो AAC से बड़ा है। iTunes फिल्में अक्सर कई ऑडियो ट्रैक (अंग्रेजी, स्पेनिश, आदि) शामिल करती हैं जिससे आकार बढ़ता है।
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iTunes डाउनलोड स्ट्रीमिंग गुणवत्ता के लिए अनुकूलित होते हैं, न कि सबसे छोटे आकार के लिए। व्यक्तिगत M4V रिकॉर्डिंग अत्यधिक बिटरेट के साथ स्थान बर्बाद कर सकती हैं। यदि आवश्यक हो तो छोटे फ़ाइल में फिर से एन्कोड करें।
क्या मैं M4V फ़ाइलों से DRM हटा सकता हूँ?
Legally, no: DRM removal violates DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act in USA) and similar laws elsewhere. iTunes terms of service prohibit DRM circumvention. Apple's FairPlay DRM designed to be unbreakable. While DRM removal tools exist (black market software), using them is illegal in most countries. Risk: malware, legal consequences, ethical issues. Not worth it for purchased content.
Apple removed DRM from music, not video: iTunes audio went DRM-free in 2009 (iTunes Plus). But video purchases/rentals remain DRM-protected. Apple pays studios for content licenses - studios demand DRM. Unlike music industry which relented, movie/TV studios still require protection. Business reality, not technical limitation. Apple can't remove video DRM without studio agreement (which won't happen).
Alternatives to DRM removal: Screen record during playback (quality loss, time-consuming, technically violates terms). Re-purchase from DRM-free source (Vudu, some indie platforms offer DRM-free downloads). Rent instead of buy if you just need temporary access. Or accept DRM as reality of commercial video distribution and watch in iTunes/Apple TV. Fighting DRM is losing battle. Better strategy: avoid DRM purchases, use streaming subscriptions or physical media (rip Blu-rays legally for personal use).
क्या M4V को MP4 में परिवर्तित करने से गुणवत्ता कम होती है?
यह विधि पर निर्भर करता है:
Rename/Remux = Zero Loss
Renaming .m4v to .mp4 or FFmpeg `-c copy` remuxing changes container only. Video/audio streams copied exactly. Perfect quality preservation, instant process.
Re-Encoding = Some Loss
If converter re-encodes video (changes codec or settings), quality degrades. Lossy to lossy conversion always loses quality. Use high CRF (18-20) to minimize loss.
Check Source Codec
If M4V already has H.264/H.265 and AAC audio (typical iTunes content), remux without re-encoding. MediaInfo shows codec - if MP4-compatible, stream copy works.
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What happened to iTunes and M4V files?
iTunes app discontinued: Apple replaced iTunes with separate Music, TV, and Podcasts apps (macOS Catalina 2019, Windows still has iTunes). Apple TV app manages video content now. M4V files in iTunes library migrated to Apple TV app. Format itself unchanged - still M4V, still same DRM (if any). Just different software managing files.
Modern Apple TV app: Video purchases in Apple TV app are standard MP4 with H.264/H.265. Apple quietly transitioned from M4V to MP4 for new purchases. However, old purchases remain M4V. If you bought iTunes video 2010-2019, probably M4V. New purchases 2020+ are MP4. Format transition without announcement - users unlikely to notice. Files work same in Apple TV app regardless.
File location changes: On Mac, video files moved from ~/Music/iTunes to ~/Music/TV/Media. Windows iTunes still stores in old location. iCloud sync location also changed. If you have old M4V collection, still accessible in Apple TV app. Can manually convert M4V to MP4 for better compatibility outside Apple ecosystem. Apple's app reorganization doesn't affect file format - just where they're stored and managed.
Can I upload M4V to YouTube or social media?
DRM-free M4V works: If M4V has no protection, YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook accept it like MP4. They'll transcode to their formats regardless. However, M4V less common than MP4, might cause upload confusion or slower processing. Better to convert M4V to MP4 before uploading - ensures smooth processing. YouTube recommends MP4 specifically, not M4V. Unnecessary complications avoided by using expected format.
DRM M4V upload fails: Protected iTunes content cannot be uploaded - DRM blocks file access outside iTunes. If you try uploading DRM M4V, either upload fails or you get error about corrupted file. YouTube's servers can't decode protected content. Even if upload succeeded, would violate copyright and iTunes terms. Don't attempt uploading purchased content - legal and technical dead-end.
Personal recordings upload fine: M4V from iPhone screen recording, Mac screen capture, or personal video imports to social platforms. Just convert to MP4 first for reliability. Use FFmpeg remux or rename extension. Eliminates potential issues from uncommon format. Social media expects MP4 - giving them M4V creates unnecessary variables in upload process. Be conventional, use MP4, avoid troubleshooting.
Should I keep videos as M4V or convert to MP4?
Convert to MP4 for compatibility: M4V extension causes confusion - devices/software don't recognize it, even though file structure is MP4. Converting to MP4 eliminates extension issues. If M4V is DRM-free, conversion is trivial (rename or remux). Better user experience across devices when files are standard MP4. Only reason to keep M4V is if you exclusively use Apple ecosystem and like iTunes organization.
DRM M4V must stay M4V: Protected iTunes purchases must remain .m4v and in iTunes/Apple TV app library. Renaming breaks DRM authorization. These files locked to Apple ecosystem by design - accept limitation or don't buy DRM content. Can't convert, can't transfer, can't rename. Format is prison for content.
Batch conversion workflow: Use FFmpeg script to convert entire M4V library to MP4: `for %f in (*.m4v) do ffmpeg -i "%f" -c copy "%~nf.mp4"` (Windows CMD). Converts all DRM-free M4V files instantly without re-encoding. Delete or archive original M4V after verifying MP4 playback. Clean up video library, improve compatibility, future-proof collection. One-time effort eliminates years of format frustration. Standardize on MP4 for everything.
Why do Apple screen recordings save as M4V?
macOS default format: QuickTime Player (screen recording tool on Mac) saves to M4V by default, using H.264 video and AAC audio. Apple's preference for M4V in their ecosystem. No technical reason - could easily be MP4. Just internal format choice. These M4V files have no DRM, play anywhere, functionally identical to MP4. Extension is Apple branding, not technical requirement.
iOS screen recordings: iPhone/iPad screen recording (Control Center feature) saves as MOV or MP4 depending on iOS version and settings. Sometimes M4V appears in Photos app but exports as MOV. Apple's internal format handling is inconsistent across devices. Users confused by varying extensions for similar content. Apple prioritizes ecosystem integration over format clarity. As long as files play in Apple ecosystem, Apple doesn't care about external compatibility.
Converting screen recordings: After recording, convert M4V to MP4 for sharing. Use FFmpeg remux or rename if sharing to non-Mac users. Screen recordings often very large (high bitrate) - re-encode with HandBrake at CRF 23 to reduce size 60-80% without visible quality loss. Example: 10-minute screen demo might be 2GB as M4V, 400MB as optimized MP4. Worth the conversion for email/upload. Also makes files compatible with any device.
Will M4V format continue to exist?
Gradual phase-out: Apple transitioning to standard MP4 for new content. iTunes Store video purchases now MP4. However, legacy M4V files in users' libraries will exist for years. Apple must maintain M4V support for backward compatibility with old purchases. Format won't disappear suddenly but will slowly fade as people consume content via streaming instead of downloads. Digital hoarding means M4V libraries persist indefinitely.
Streaming replacing downloads: Apple TV+ streams video, doesn't download M4V files to device. iTunes video purchases declining - people prefer Netflix/streaming. Download-to-own model dying except for collectors. M4V format tied to download model - as downloads decline, format becomes irrelevant. Future is streaming with temporary cache files, not permanent M4V downloads. Format's purpose is evaporating.
Recommendation - don't create new M4V: If encoding video for distribution, use MP4 - universal standard. Let M4V remain Apple's internal format quirk. For personal archives, convert old M4V to MP4 for future compatibility. Format has no advantages outside Apple ecosystem, many disadvantages. MP4 is future-proof, M4V is not. Invest in open standards, not proprietary extensions. M4V's legacy is cautionary tale about vendor lock-in and format fragmentation.