What is a MPG file?

MPG — MPEG-1 / MPEG-2

What is it?

MPG refers to video in the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 formats, the first video compression standards to achieve worldwide adoption.

MPEG-1 is the format behind the Video CD, while MPEG-2 powers the DVD and digital television. This was the generation that made digital video possible on home computers in the 1990s.

History & origin

MPEG-1 came out in 1993, MPEG-2 in 1995. Almost by accident, the former gave rise to the most famous audio format in history: MP3 is simply its layer 3.

MPEG-2 kept the DVD and digital terrestrial television running for twenty years, before eventually giving way to H.264.

Why it is useful

Universal compatibility, even with the oldest hardware, and decoding that demands very little processing power.

It's a simple, stable format that's thoroughly documented.

Limits & drawbacks

Compression that's now well outdated: an MPG file can weigh several times more than an MP4 of equivalent quality.

No modern support for subtitles, chapters, or multiple tracks.

Practical tips

Convert your MPG files to MP4: the space savings are dramatic, and the file becomes playable on phones again.

For old family archives, don't hesitate to do this: it's also the best way to make sure they remain playable in the future.

Convert your MPG in seconds, on our secure servers in France.

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