What is an MPEG-2 file?
MPEG-2 is a video coding standard, typically used to compress and share video and audio files. The technology uses lossy compression, which reduces the size of the data contained in the file.
It can encode high-quality video, including HD, used in DVD and TV broadcast systems. It’s perhaps not as popular for online streaming, due to the format losing slight quality when compressing audio and video.
The MPEG-2 encoding standard has been around for a while now and an older, less efficient standard, compared to AVC or its successor, MP4.
History of the MPEG-2 file.
The MPEG-2 codec was developed in the 1990s by The Moving Picture Experts Group, to replace previously used MPEG-1 technology, officially launched in 1995. The new format supports higher resolution video and multiple audio channels, moving with the fast-developing picture and audio technologies being introduced.
Since the creation of MPEG-2, newer and more efficient codecs have entered the arena. But MPEG-2 technology is still in use in DVDs, over-the-air digital, satellite, and cable broadcasts.
How to use MPEG-2 files.
You can use MPEG-2 files across a wide range of content applications, online, via broadcasts, and on physical media.
DVD.
MPEG-2 is a patented technology that encodes video files, ready to distribute on DVD discs. You’ll find MPEG-2 video on Blu-ray discs, which allows for visual playback of content, however, MPEG-2 audio is not currently supported.
Over-the-air, cable and satellite TV broadcast.
High-definition video and audio streams are compressed and transmitted via terrestrial, cable, and satellite systems to TV viewers. MPEG-2 has been the main TV broadcasting video format, until online streaming has begun to dominate.
Pros and cons of MPEG-2 files.
MPEG-2 is a widely used technology, but it certainly has its advantages and disadvantages. Find them below:
Pros.
- High quality after compression. Given that MPEG-2 is a lossy compression technology, the files encoded by it maintain quality and sharpness. This is because when used in a broadcast setting, quality does not degrade enough to notice.
- Common for local video storage and broadcast. MPEG-2 files have become the industry standard for DVD videos and TV broadcasting. This widespread adoption goes a long way to standardizing what’s used for on-air broadcasts in the industry.
Cons.
- Patented technology. To use MPEG-2 in video production requires a license. To obtain a license one will need to pay royalties. Big tech companies such as Sony, Phillips, Panasonic, Cisco, and others are all MPEG-2 patent holders.
- Not that efficient for online streaming. The MPEG-2 codec is capable of delivering high definition quality for TV broadcasts. However, when compressed and used for online streaming, quality is noticeably lowered, meaning it is less suitable for those platforms.
Find out which codec file types are supported by Adobe Premiere
How to open an MPEG-2 file.
You can easily open an MPEG-2 file on your computer using native software or free media players.
Opening MPEG-2 files on Mac.
- Open QuickTime Player.
- Choose File > Open File.
- Browse a file on your computer and double-click on it to view it.
Open MPEG-2 files on Windows.
- Open Windows Media Player.
- Choose File > Open File.
- Select the MPEG-2 file on your drive and double-click to open.
Alternatively, you can download an open-source free media player that is compatible with the MPEG-2 format.
How to create and edit an MPEG-2 file.
You can export MPEG-2 video directly using Adobe Media Encoder. When you finish your project in After Effects, you’ll be able to create a video file using MPEG-2 codec in Adobe Media Encoder.
You can import MPEG-2 files directly to Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects for editing.
Questions? We have answers.
The MPEG-2 codec is a compression technology which helps to store and transfer high quality videos without significant quality loss. MPEG-2 was created in the 1990s and has been mainly used to create video files to store on DVD or for TV broadcasting.
MP4, also known as MPEG-4, is the successor of MPEG-2, developed by The Moving Picture Expert Group to enable faster encoding and transfer even with lower bandwidth. As a rule, MP4 is ideal for videos streamed online, due to its efficiency and minimal quality loss.
MPEG-2 format is widely used to encode videos on DVDs and television broadcasts. Video production software, including Adobe Creative Cloud suite, allows the import and export of MPEG-2 files.
The MPEG-2 format doesn’t support 4K, but it is compatible with a range of video types from mobile to HD. The maximum limit definition is 1920x1080.
To convert an MPEG-2 file to MP4 format you’ll need to use one of the online or software-based video converters available for free download. Once you installed the converter, simply import your MPEG-2 file and find the “Export” or “Convert” function to create an MP4 video.
Prepare for a live broadcast or publishing of DVD-based content by using state-of-the-art set of tools for editing videos:
You might also be interested in:
MP4.
Read more about MP4, the successor of MPEG-2 standard, and discover why it’s now one of the most popular video files.
HEVC.
Also known as H.265, HEVC files help to reduce high-quality 4K and 8K video files for easier storage and transfer. Learn more about them.
AV1.
Explore AV1, an open-source royalty free video encoder, and find out how it works when used in video projects.
Xvid.
Learn more about Xvid, an open-source video codec that uses MPEG-4 technology to compress video for faster transmission.