A lot of people have the need to convert video types these days. For whatever reason, people have varying priorities with regard to device type, quality standards, and other specifics of their videos.
For these reasons, converters are becoming more and more popular. One of the conversions that is gaining popularity is MP4 to MPG. In the sections below, we will explain what the advantages and disadvantages of each of these file types are and what kinds of features you should look for in conversion programs.
What are MP4 and MPG?
Before we get started on what you should look for in a converter, it pays to step back and consider what exactly MP4 and MPG are. MP4 is a very popular video container format which is known for producing high-quality videos with solid audio and video components, as well as things like subtitles. It used codecs to compress all of its components, so it is both compact and versatile. People use these files in all manner of devices.
MPG is an older type of file, but one that is also very high quality and has good compression ability. It is especially known for video quality that meets the standards of the multimedia industry. People use it for multimedia presentations and particularly for uses that require older types of players where MP4 would not be an option. This is one of the main reasons that people might want to make the conversion from one to the other.
What type of converter should you use?
Quality and substance are important. Statistics show that 64% of people are skeptical about having any devices handling their data. Rather than looking at individual converters, we should consider categories of converters so that you can understand the general parameters of each of them.
Online converters
For people who don’t want to download new software onto their computers, there are a whole range of online conversion tools available. Most of them involve a simple set of steps that you need to go through to complete the conversion process.
This method of converting is very easy and has a very low learning curve. However, if you choose to use an online converter there are several things you should keep in mind:
- You should look for a converter that has good reviews and is known to protect the security of your files. Some online sites are more reliable than others.
- Some sites are simply better than others. While most online conversion tools tend to be limited in their extra features, some do offer the ability to alter video quality or resize videos. If this is a priority for you, then you should look for these features.
- Online conversion tools tend to be slower and not as capable of handling large-sized files or batch files. If this is your goal, you should look for a different type of converter.
Desktop software converters
You can also choose from a wide range of downloadable software converters. There are several of them that are designed for multimedia file conversion. These tools tend to be much more advanced than online ones, and allow for greater manipulation of the videos. For example:
- Video settings are customizable
- You can apply visual affects
- You can cut and trim as you wish
- You can adjust resolution and bitrate to finer degrees
This type of converter also works better with large sized files or batch files. If you are going to convert something big, you need a powerful program to do it. This also saves time, because the larger the file size, the slower an online converter will be in completing the process.
If you are interested in getting a software-based conversion tool, think about things like which operating system you use and which products offer things like updates and technical support when you need it.
Basic conversion process
Let’s now take a look at what the conversion process usually involves. While the steps might vary slightly from one product to another, they are usually similar.
- Choose your file conversion software. Based upon the features mentioned above, choose a software product that is most appropriate for your needs. Be sure to look up reviews on independent websites so that you can get a better understanding of the program’s reputation.
- Import your MP4 file or files. In many cases, you will be able to simply drag and drop your files. Make sure that your file doesn’t have any corruption issues.
- Select your output format. You will often have a drop-down list of file types to choose from. Choose MPG.
- Adjust your conversion settings as you need. This might include quality, aspect ratio, and resolution. Note that higher quality videos tend to be bigger in size, so if you have a small device, it might not be able to handle larger files.
- Begin the conversion process. On most programs, there will be a button that says Convert or Start.
Possible issues during the conversion process
If you encounter an issue during the conversion process, it could be for one of several reasons:
- You might not be using a supported file format. Check to make sure that your software supports the one you are using.
- Your quality might be lost during the conversion process. Be sure to adjust your video settings carefully before you get started.
- The process might be very slow. This could either be the result of the software you chose, or an issue with your computer that needs to be resolved. Be sure to close other programs before you start using the converter.
Conclusion
Converting from MP4 to MPG is usually a simple process that only involves a few steps. In looking for a conversion tool, consider your priorities with regard to file quality, editing features, supported formats, and the company’s reputation as a whole. Be sure to do your research about converters and look up independent reviews before you get started.