MPG files pair MPEG-1/MPEG-2 video with MP2 (MPEG Audio Layer 2) audio — the standard audio codec for DVDs, VCDs, and digital broadcast. WAV is Microsoft's uncompressed PCM audio format, storing raw audio samples at full resolution. Converting MPG to WAV extracts and decodes the MP2 audio to raw PCM, producing files that every audio tool on every platform can read without codec dependencies.

WAV is the universal baseline format for audio processing. Every DAW, audio editor, and scientific analysis tool supports WAV without requiring specific codecs. When you need to edit, analyze, or process audio from MPG recordings, WAV provides the zero-dependency, zero-codec-overhead starting point that professional workflows demand.

FFmpeg decodes the MP2 audio stream from the MPG container and outputs it as signed 16-bit little-endian PCM in the RIFF WAV container. Standard output is 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz stereo (matching the source sample rate). File size is approximately 10 MB per minute for CD-quality stereo. The conversion is a straightforward decode-and-write operation with no intermediate processing.

Resolution: 1920x1080

Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps

H.264 recommended for fast processing

Resolution: 1080x1080

Bitrate: 3.5 Mbps

Square or 9:16 for Reels

Resolution: 1080x1920

Bitrate: 4 Mbps

9:16 vertical, under 60s ideal

Resolution: 1280x720

Bitrate: 5 Mbps

Under 140s, 512MB max

Resolution: 960x540

Bitrate: 2 Mbps

16MB limit for standard, 64MB for document

Resolution: 1280x720

Bitrate: 4 Mbps

8MB free, 50MB Nitro

No. WAV preserves the decoded MP2 audio exactly. It cannot recover detail lost during MP2 compression. The benefit is codec-free, edit-ready audio.

Approximately 10 MB per minute for 48 kHz stereo 16-bit. A full 2-hour DVD soundtrack produces about 1.2 GB of WAV data.

16-bit is sufficient for audio decoded from MP2, which does not contain more than 16 bits of dynamic range. 24-bit wastes space with no quality benefit.

Yes. DVDs often have multiple audio streams (e.g., different languages, commentary). Use the -map flag to select the specific track you need.

FLAC is roughly half the size of WAV with identical quality (lossless). WAV has marginally wider legacy compatibility. For archiving, FLAC is generally preferred.

Device	MPG	WAV
Windows PC	Partial	Native
macOS	Partial	Partial
iPhone/iPad	Partial	Partial
Android	Partial	Partial
Linux	Partial	Partial
Web Browser	No	Native

Feature	MPG	WAV
Full Name	MPEG Video	Waveform Audio File Format
Extension	.mpg	.wav
Best For	Universal support	Lossless quality

Convert MPG to WAV — Free Online Converter

About MPG to WAV Conversion

Why Convert MPG to WAV?

Common Use Cases

How It Works

Quality & Performance

Device Compatibility

Recommended Settings by Platform

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Twitter/X

WhatsApp

Discord

Tips for Best Results

Related Conversions

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conversions & Tools

Also Convert MPG to

Also Convert to WAV

Related Tools

Explore More

How to Convert

Convert MPG to other formats

Convert other formats to WAV

MPG vs WAV