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What is an MPEG2 file? An MPEG2 file is a video file encoded using the MPEG-2 codec , which is typically used to compress over-the-air, satellite, and cable TV transmissions, as well as DVD video. It is compressed using lossy compression, which significantly reduces the size of the video and audio data it contains. MPEG-2 compression is less efficient than H.264 ( .H264 ) compression.

More Information The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) is an international workgroup that sets standards for media compression and encoding. Most notably, MPEG sets standards for video and audio compression. In 1995, MPEG created the MPEG-2 video and audio compression standard, which improved upon the original MPEG-1 compression standard. MPEG2 files contain video that has been compressed using MPEG-2. They are not as common as .MPG or .MPG2 files, which also contain MPEG-2 video. Audio files compressed using the MPEG-2 codec are saved with the .MP2 extension.

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DeveloperMoving Picture Experts Group
Popularity3.4 | 25 Votes

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.MPEG2 File Extension

MPEG-2 Video File

DeveloperMoving Picture Experts Group
Popularity
3.4  |  25 Votes
 

What is an MPEG2 file?

An MPEG2 file is a video file encoded using the MPEG-2 codec , which is typically used to compress over-the-air, satellite, and cable TV transmissions, as well as DVD video. It is compressed using lossy compression, which significantly reduces the size of the video and audio data it contains. MPEG-2 compression is less efficient than H.264 ( .H264 ) compression.

More Information

The Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) is an international workgroup that sets standards for media compression and encoding. Most notably, MPEG sets standards for video and audio compression. In 1995, MPEG created the MPEG-2 video and audio compression standard, which improved upon the original MPEG-1 compression standard.

MPEG2 files contain video that has been compressed using MPEG-2. They are not as common as .MPG or .MPG2 files, which also contain MPEG-2 video. Audio files compressed using the MPEG-2 codec are saved with the .MP2 extension.

How to open an MPEG2 file

You can open an MPEG2 file and play the video it contains in a variety of media players, including:

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Programs that open MPEG2 files

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Windows

Microsoft Windows Media Player

Included with OS

VideoLAN VLC media player

Free

Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate

Free Trial

Mac

Apple QuickTime Player

Included with OS

VideoLAN VLC media player

Free

Aiseesoft Mac Video Converter Ultimate

Free Trial

Linux

VideoLAN VLC media player

Free

Category: Video Files

Updated: March 29, 2021

FAQ

What is an MPEG2 file?
An MPEG2 file is a video file encoded using the MPEG-2 codec, which is typically used to compress over-the-air, satellite, and cable TV transmissions, as well as DVD video. It is compressed using lossy compression, which significantly reduces the size of the video and audio data it contains. MPEG-2 compression is less efficient than H.264 (.H264) compression.
How do I open an .mpeg2 file?
You can open an MPEG2 file and play the video it contains in a variety of media players, including: