MPG uses MPEG-1/MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio from the DVD and broadcast era, while WMV (Windows Media Video) is Microsoft's proprietary video format using VC-1 or earlier WMV codec variants. Both are legacy formats, but they serve different ecosystems — MPEG-1/2 for the disc/broadcast world, WMV for the Windows desktop world. Converting MPG to WMV reformats legacy video for Windows-specific applications like PowerPoint, Windows Media Player, and enterprise media systems.

WMV remains the preferred embedded video format for Microsoft Office applications, particularly PowerPoint (2010 and earlier). Some corporate media management systems, Windows-based digital signage solutions, and legacy intranet video platforms still require WMV. Converting MPG to WMV ensures these Windows-specific systems can play the content natively.

FFmpeg decodes MPEG-1/2 video and MP2 audio from the MPG, deinterlaces if needed, and re-encodes using wmv3 (VC-1) for video and wmav2 for audio in the ASF container. VC-1 offers compression efficiency comparable to MPEG-2, meaning file sizes are similar. For PowerPoint compatibility, encoding at 720x480 (SD) or 1280x720 (HD) with 2-4 Mbps produces good results.

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

VC-1 (WMV9) has slightly better compression than MPEG-2 at standard definition, but the difference is small. Both are outperformed by H.264. The advantage of WMV is Windows application compatibility.

Yes. PowerPoint (especially 2010 and earlier) reliably embeds WMV. MPG support in PowerPoint is inconsistent and may require additional codecs.

Windows 10/11 can play MPEG-2 with the HEVC Video Extensions (paid) or free third-party players. MPEG-1 is supported natively. WMV plays natively without any extensions.

Roughly similar — VC-1 and MPEG-2 have comparable compression efficiency. File sizes are within 10-15% of each other at equivalent quality settings.

Yes. Both PAL (25 fps, 720x576) and NTSC (29.97 fps, 720x480) MPG sources are handled correctly, with frame rate preserved or converted as needed.

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

Feature	MPG	WMV
Full Name	MPEG Video	Windows Media Video
Extension	.mpg	.wmv
Best For	Universal support	Windows native

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