Why Convert MPEG to OGV?
MPEG is a widely used video format, but when it comes to web projects that require open-source licensing, OGV offers significant advantages. OGV (Ogg Video) uses the Theora codec, which is completely royalty-free and patent-unencumbered.
If you're building websites, web applications, or open-source projects where licensing matters, converting your MPEG files to OGV ensures you're using a format that won't create legal complications down the road.
How to Convert MPEG to OGV
- Upload your MPEG file - Drag and drop or click to select your video
- Confirm OGV output - OGV is selected as your target format
- Download your video - Get your royalty-free OGV file ready for use
The conversion runs in your browser. No software to install, no accounts required. In our testing, most MPEG files under 100MB convert in under a minute.
MPEG vs OGV: Key Differences
Both formats serve video content, but they target different use cases:
- Licensing - MPEG codecs have patent licensing requirements; OGV's Theora codec is completely free
- Web support - OGV is native to Firefox and has strong support in open-source browsers
- File size - MPEG typically produces smaller files at equivalent quality
- Compatibility - MPEG works on more consumer devices; OGV excels on Linux and open-source platforms
Choose OGV when open-source licensing is important. Choose MPEG for maximum device compatibility. For broader web compatibility, consider MPEG to WebM conversion.
When OGV Makes Sense
Open-Source Projects
If you're distributing software under GPL, MIT, or similar licenses, using OGV ensures your video content matches your project's open philosophy. No patent concerns, no licensing fees.
HTML5 Web Embedding
OGV was designed specifically for web use with the HTML5 video element. Firefox and other open-source browsers support it natively without requiring additional plugins.
Linux Environments
Linux distributions often include OGV support out of the box since it's part of the open-source multimedia ecosystem. Your videos will play without users needing to install proprietary codecs.
Educational Content
Schools and educational institutions often prefer open formats to avoid licensing complications when sharing content widely.
Quality Expectations
Theora (OGV's video codec) provides good quality for most web applications, though it's not as efficient as newer codecs like VP9 or H.265. In our testing, OGV files are typically 20-30% larger than equivalent MPEG files at similar visual quality.
For standard web video resolutions (720p and below), the quality difference is minimal. For 1080p or higher, you may notice some compression artifacts compared to more modern formats.
Browser and Platform Support
OGV works across platforms through our browser-based converter:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android devices
For playback, Firefox supports OGV natively. Chrome and other browsers may require WebM instead. If you need wider browser playback support, converting MPEG to MP4 offers the best compatibility.
Batch Conversion
Have multiple MPEG files to convert? Upload them all at once and convert your entire collection to OGV in a single batch. This is especially useful when preparing video libraries for open-source projects or web archives.