What Is an M4V File?
Apple may protect M4V files with DRM copyright protection to prevent unauthorized distribution of the video.
Those files, then, can only be used on a computer that has been authorized to play them.
VLC Playing an M4V in Windows.
A music file downloaded through iTunes is available as anM4Afile, while copy-protected music comes as anM4Pfile.
This is done through iTunes by logging in to the same account that purchased the video.
Learnhow to authorize your rig in iTunesif you need help with this.
VLC Playing an M4V in Windows.
Opening M4V files on a Mac is possible with some of those same programs as well asElmedia Player.
Google Drivesupports the format, too, and it works from any computer regardless of the operating system.
Check out that list for several other options.
Another option, if you’d rather not download one to your box, isFileZigZag.
A similar site that supports this format isZamzar.
Still Can’t Open It?
It’s easy to confuse other files for M4V files if their file extensions are similar.
M filesand MivaScript files that use the MV file extension are similar.
FAQ
Overall, both formats are pretty similar, but there are some subtle differences.
Generally, you won’t see much difference in size between a M4V or MP4 file.
But, that’s assuming they’re both using the same H.264 video codec.
