How to Convert MP4 to MPEG Format Using Media Converters

When it comes to modern video formats, MP4 is hands down the most popular option, as it offers the best compatibility with both modern and classic devices. Unfortunately, MP4s are designed primarily for digital consumption, making them not a good option for producing physical media by burning video data to DVDs and other legacy devices. This is where the MPEG format will swoop in. Designed for legacy media, MPEG videos are built to be versatile and compatible with VCD, DVD, and digital video, giving it a notable advantage over MP4 in terms of compatibility with legacy platforms. In this article, we will provide three programs you can use to convert MP4 to MPEG; we will also highlight the differences among MPEG file versions and provide a quick guide on which MPEG format you should use based on your needs.

GUIDE LIST

Part 1. MPEG, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 are Not the Same

Part 2. Before You Start: Pick Your Target First

Part 3. How to Convert MP4 to MPEG

Part 4. How to Convert MP4 to MPEG Without Losing Too Much Quality

Part 5. FAQs About Converting MP4 to MPEG

Part 1. MPEG, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 are Not the Same

Since the MPEG format has been around since 1993, multiple versions of the video file have been created over time. Among them, the most notable iterations of the file type are MPEG, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4. Although they are all MPEG formats at their core, each version is designed for different uses.

MPEG-1, or simply MPEG, is the pioneer format in the MPEG family. It was designed as the format for early digital videos and for writing media on VCDs. The original format is MPEG-2, which was designed as a direct upgrade, since these videos are built for DVD burning and digital televisions. MPEG-2 is essentially a direct upgrade from the original format.

Finally, MPEG-4 is the most recent iteration of the MPEG family and is commonly used for efficient digital video streaming, including modern computers, smartphones, and video streaming platforms.

With the distinct ideal uses and backgrounds of the various MPEG formats now discussed, we can proceed to the guide for choosing which MPEG version best suits your needs.

Part 2. Before You Start: Pick Your Target First

With the main uses of each MPEG version now discussed, this article will recommend which version to choose based on your specific needs. To start, we will answer the question of the best format for burning content to DVDs: none other than MPEG-2. Moving on, we suggest using the original MPEG-1 format when playing videos on older hardware. Finally, MPEG-4 is the best choice if you plan to stream your video online, as it uses modern codecs for smooth playback.

With the specific uses of each MPEG version now discussed, let us proceed to the guides to learn how to convert an MP4 file to MPEG.

Part 3. How to Convert MP4 to MPEG

Convert MP4 to MPEG with ArkThinker Free Video Converter Online

Best Used For: Installation-free format conversion to ensure accessibility and ease of use.

When looking to convert MP4 files to MPEG, one of the most accessible options is an online format converter, such as ArkThinker Free Video Converter Online. Among the programs on this list, ArkThinker’s online tool also excels in versatility, despite being browser-based.

In addition to MPEG conversion, ArkThinker Free Video Converter Online can convert videos to 20+ audio and video output formats, making it an all-around multimedia converter tool, not limited to videos.

To learn how to use one of the best tools to change MP4 to MPEG, make sure to read our tutorial featuring the online tool below.

The MPG format available in the ArkThinker Free Video Converter online tool uses the MPEG-2 standard, making it fully compatible with both modern use and DVD burning.

Convert MP4 to MPEG with HandBrake

Best Used For: Transcoding large MP4 videos using MPEG codecs.

In addition to converting MP4 to MPEG, an alternative is to use MPEG as the video encoder. This is what HandBrake does since the multimedia transcoder software offers an option to encode videos undergoing conversion using MPEG.

Unfortunately, it does not offer an option to save the video for conversion to MPEG format; it only supports MP4, MKV, and WebM as output formats. With that, we recommend using MP4 as the conversion format and the MPEG codec as an alternative.

If you want to keep your video format as MP4 but still get the advantages of MPEG, HandBrake is a suitable choice.

Convert MP4 to MPEG with VLC

Best Used For: Quick MP4 conversion to modern MPEG-4 format.

With the two format converter tools that cover converting MP4 to MPEG or MPEG-2, the next option we will discuss is converting to the modern MPEG-4 format using VLC Media Player.

Originally developed as a multimedia player, VLC also offers an advanced Converter feature that converts uploaded media files to various audio and video formats. This includes an MPEG-4 for modern usage on televisions.

Since one of the main uses of modern MPEG is playback on modern hardware, converting MP4 to MPEG4 is a great way to optimize modern entertainment.

Part 4. How to Convert MP4 to MPEG Without Losing Too Much Quality

Since MPEG is a dated video format and not the standard for modern entertainment, you need to learn the optimal resolution, bitrate, and frame rate for the videos you will convert to avoid unnecessary quality loss after converting your MP4 file.

In this case, we recommend using 720p as the standard resolution, 6 Mbps as the bitrate, and 25-29 FPS as the frame rate. These standard quality settings are good for avoiding unnecessary quality loss.

Part 5. FAQs About Converting MP4 to MPEG

Conclusion