What is MPEG?
MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) refers to a family of video compression standards that have shaped digital video for decades. The term covers MPEG-1 (VCD), MPEG-2 (DVD, broadcast), and MPEG-4 (which includes MP4).
Files with the .mpeg or .mpg extension typically contain MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video, the older standards used for Video CDs, DVDs, and digital television before MP4 became dominant.
While technically MP4 is also an MPEG format (MPEG-4 Part 14), when people say "MPEG file" they usually mean the older MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 formats that need conversion for modern use.
Why Convert MPEG Files?
Legacy MPEG formats have significant limitations:
- Large file sizes - MPEG-2 is far less efficient than modern H.264/MP4
- Mobile compatibility - Many phones don't play .mpeg files
- Web limitations - Browsers prefer MP4 over MPEG-1/2
- Editing challenges - Some editors struggle with MPEG-2
- Storage waste - Same quality in MP4 uses 50-75% less space
- Platform support - Social media and video sites prefer MP4
Convert MPEG to Other Formats
Modernize your MPEG videos for current devices:
MPEG to MP4
The essential upgrade. MP4 provides universal compatibility and much smaller file sizes while maintaining video quality.
MPEG to AVI
Convert for Windows-based video editing and legacy software.
MPEG to MOV
Transform for Apple ecosystem compatibility and professional editing.
MPEG to MKV
Convert to MKV for archival with support for chapters and multiple tracks.
MPEG to WebM
Create web-optimized video for HTML5 browser playback.
MPEG to MP3
Extract audio from MPEG videos as MP3 files.
Convert Other Formats to MPEG
Create MPEG for legacy systems (rarely needed today):
MP4 to MPEG
Convert for compatibility with older DVD players or legacy broadcast systems.
AVI to MPEG
Transform for DVD authoring or legacy video systems.
MOV to MPEG
Convert Apple videos for DVD creation or legacy devices.
MPEG Technical Specifications
- Full name: Moving Picture Experts Group
- Developer: ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group
- MPEG-1: 1993 (Video CD quality)
- MPEG-2: 1995 (DVD and broadcast)
- File extensions: .mpeg, .mpg, .m2v
- MIME type: video/mpeg
- Video codecs: MPEG-1 Video, MPEG-2 Video
- Audio codecs: MPEG-1 Layer II, AC-3 (Dolby)
- Standards: ISO/IEC 11172 (MPEG-1), ISO/IEC 13818 (MPEG-2)
MPEG Compatibility
Devices That Support MPEG
- DVD players
- VLC Media Player
- Windows Media Player
- Most desktop video players
- Broadcast equipment
Devices With Limited MPEG Support
- iPhones and iPads
- Many Android devices
- Web browsers
- Streaming platforms
- Social media sites
How to Convert MPEG Files
- Upload your MPEG file - Drag and drop your video or click to browse. We support all MPEG variants.
- Choose your output format - Select MP4 for universal compatibility, or other formats as needed.
- Download converted file - Get your modernized video with dramatically reduced file size.