The file extension MPEG is associated with a standard that is set forth by the Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG). The standard is used to format movies, films, and videos for the purpose of easier delivery and storage. The MPEG standard allows for video encoding which is transmitted at more than one million bps or bits per second.
MPEG files are a multimedia file type which is in a compressed format using MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 compression. The difference in the two types of compression is in the rate of transmission in terms of bits per second, video resolution type, and decoder compatibility. For example, MPEG-1 format is designed for CD media and when you use this type of format, you typically do not receive as high quality video.
If you use the MPEG-2 format, this type of format uses MPG and MPEG for streaming video and there is also an MPEG-2 encoded video in this type of format. The reason for the encoding is to support systems such as Microsoft Windows that use MPEG-1 format. In other words, the MPEG-2 video decoder allows Windows Media Player to play MPEG-2 video streams.
How to Open MPEG Files
Since MPEG files can be opened using multiple programs and applications, double click on the file to see if it will automatically open in a default program you have installed on your PC. MPEG files can be very versatile, so you may already have a program which will open the file.
If you use Windows, you can open MPEG files with Windows Media Player, which is typically included with the operating system. You can also use Apple QuickTime Player, which is available in both a free and paid download on the Apple website. Other programs that will open MPEG files in Windows include CyberLink PowerDirector 11 and PowerDVD 12. Both programs are available as a free trial download on the CyberLink website. Nullsoft Winamp Media Player will also open MPEG files in Windows. Winamp is available as a free download on the Winamp website.
If you use Mac OS X, you can open MPEG files using Apple QuickTime Player, which is available as both a free and paid download on the Apple website. Apple iTunes will also open MPEG files on Mac OS X. Other programs that will open MPEG files on a Mac PC include Roxio Toast 11 and Popcorn 4. Both programs are available as a paid download on the Roxio website.
If you are looking for a multiplatform application that will open MPEG files, you can use VLC Media Player which is open source and compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and the Linux operating system. VLC Media Player is available as a free download on the VideoLAN website.
You can also convert MPEG files to another format for use with a broader range of applications. There are a number of file conversion programs available as a free download on websites such as CNET which will convert MPEG files for you.
You can also use an online resource such as Zamzar which will perform free file conversion for you as long as the content is not copyright protected. Simply log onto the website, browse for the MPEG file, choose a new format, enter your email address, and click on Convert. Within minutes you will receive the newly converted file in your email inbox.
