How to Convert MPG to MP4 Effectively in 5 Ways [Desktop/Online]

Brittany Garcia

February 28, 2024 09:00Updated by to Convert Video, MP4

Before MP4, MPG was one of the used video formats. It was developed by the Moving Pictures Experts Group, incorporating MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 for formatting standards. However, since it has become incompatible with modern devices and programs, it is only fitting to change MPG to MP4. Not only that, but you can save more storage space after changing the output format. Check the 5 solutions for an effective conversion on Windows and Mac.

MPG to MP4

Part 1. MPG vs MP4

MPG or MPEG-1 is designed to reduce the file size of VHS-quality raw digital videos and CD audio files to approximately 1.5 Mbit/s. Nowadays, the format has become a standard lossy video/audio format and is mainly used for many technologies and products. Its standard consists of five parts: the Systems (store and synchronize the video, audio, and other data), Video, Audio, Conformance testing, and Reference software. To open this format, you need the MPG player.

Meanwhile, MP4 is a digital container that stores video, audio, still images, and subtitles. It stands for MPEG-4 Part-14, which is highly adopted for encoding and compressing audiovisual data. The video format is universally supported, allowing a .mp4 file to be edited, created, transferred, and uploaded almost everywhere.

Furthermore, converting MPG to MP4 is far better because of its compressed video and audio codecs while maintaining the video quality. With that said, check the table for the MPG to MP4 converter for large files.

MPG to MP4 Converter Supported Platforms Pros Cons
Video Converter Ultimate Windows, Mac
  • Quick converting process with feasible video editing features.
  • Minimum desktop requirements.
  • Generous features from the free version.
  • Higher resolution enhancement is only available on the pro version.
VLC Media Player Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
  • Free and open-source for all platforms.
  • Easy conversion process.
  • No preview before converting.
  • Possible loss of video data.
HandBrake Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Excellent video transcoding technology.
  • It has a wider set of output settings.
  • Free to download and no additional extension is required.
  • Intimidating for new users.
  • Slow progress in converting MPG to MP4.
QuickTime Mac
  • Built-in media player with a converter.
  • Easy to navigate, especially for a simple conversion.
  • Only support a handful of output formats.
Free Video Converter Online Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox
  • Accessible to all popular browsers.
  • Unlimited without hidden charges.
  • Fast-speed technology without lags.
  • Require the user to install the launcher.

Part 2. How to Convert MPG to MP4 in Video Converter Ultimate

If you are looking for the best way to convert MPG to MP4 without losing quality, download Video Converter Ultimate by Blu-ray Master. The desktop solution provides a straightforward user interface with a converter that changes the file extension to MP4, MKV, AVI, HEVC, and more. It also helps preserve the original data by configuring the output encoder, resolution, frame rate, etc. Additionally, you can use the built-in video editor for a professional edit with templates and collages. Before you know it, converting MPG to MP4 on Windows 10 and Mac is already done!

Step 1.Get the free version of Video Converter Ultimate on your device.

Free Download

For Windows

Secure Download

Free Download

for macOS

Secure Download

Launch the software once installed and click the Add Files button to upload the MPG file. If you wish to do a batch conversion, just click the same button or use the Add Folder option from the dropdown list.

Video Converter Ultimate Download Upload

Step 2.From the Output Format menu, go to the Video tab and choose the MP4 format. For individual format settings, click the Format button beside the uploaded file. Select the default resolution or customize one from the Custom Profile dialog box. Here, you can change the quality, codec, resolution, and audio settings. Save the changes to MPG to MP4 and go back to the main menu.

Video Converter Ultimate Format Profile

Step 3.Navigate to the Save To section and browse for the desired location folder. At last, click the Convert All button to convert the MPG file to MP4. After a few moments, the conversion is done.

Video Converter Ultimate Convert

Indeed, it is the ultimate software to convert any video and audio format. It also has the right tool to compress MPG to MP4 without quality loss. Not only that, but this software offers more functions for video editing, converting, enhancing, and more.

Part 3. How to Convert MPG to MP4 in VLC

Surprisingly, VLC offers a converting tool for any video and audio file. VideoLAN Client is a widespread multimedia player supporting a wide range of formats, including MP4, MPG, AVI, and so on. It is intuitive, so its functions are easy to use. However, further settings on VLC can be intimidating for others, especially if it requires plugins or extensions. With that said, here’s how to change MPG file to MP4 on VLC:

Step 1.Open VLC and access the Media menu from the upper left corner. Choose the Convert/Save option to open the page. Click the Add button and select the file you want to convert. Click the Convert/Save button to proceed.

VLC Convert Save Profile Destination Start MPG to MP4

Step 2.Pull down the Profile dropdown list and choose MP4 as the output format. Then, click Browse to choose the designated folder of the converted file. Finally, click the Start button to initiate the process.

VLC Media Player is the ideal solution for a quick conversion on Windows, Mac, Linux, and other platforms. It is safe and free to download from its official website.

Part 4. How to Convert MPG to MP4 in HandBrake

Known for as a video transcoder, HandBrake is recommended for turning MPG to MP4. It has a user-friendly layout designed for professional but simple conversion. Furthermore, it produces high-quality output because of the numerous presets to change the codec, filter, and more. You can download and install this alternative on any supported operating system. Then, use the steps below to convert MPG to MP4 on the free software.

Step 1.Launch the program and click the Open Source button to upload the video file. You can also simply drag and drop the file from the folder to HandBrke’s interface.

Step 2.Once uploaded, go to the Format list and choose the desired output format. Optionally, you can also set the video codec to VP8 or VP9 and edit the output settings as needed. Click the Start Encode button to convert MPG to MP4 using HandBrake.

Handbrake Open Source Start Encode

HandBrake is one of the handy desktop solutions to try. It is effective and easy to use, with more advanced settings for the best output results.

Part 5. How to Convert MPG to MP4 in QuickTime

Luckily, Mac supports MPG playback through QuickTime. But another usage of the media player is its built-in converter. This is a great alternative solution, especially if you need to transfer an MPG file from an unsupported platform. For a quick guide, see the demonstration below:

Step 1.Open the media player on Mac and access the File menu and choose the Open File option. Choose the file from your folder.

Step 2.Once the video plays on Quicktime, re-access the File menu and hover the cursor to the Export option. Select the Movies to MPEG-4 option. Finish the procedure by selecting the Save button.

Quicktime File Export Convert MPG MP4

QuickTime is a native app on Mac, but it is also available for Windows OS. You can use it as an alternative media player and converter.

Part 6. How to Convert MPG to MP4 Online (Free Video Converter Online)

It is much better to have an alternative for video conversion. In this case, Free Video Converter Online is recommended for a quick and easy conversion online. Just like the software version, the online tool provides an intuitive interface equipped with special functions to change the output resolution, quality, bitrate, and audio settings. The best part is you can access it for free for unlimited video and audio conversion.

Step 1.Click the Launch Free Converter button from the official website to install the launcher. Afterward, click the same button again to upload the MPG file to the webpage. Once the first file is uploaded, create a batch convert MPG to MP4 by clicking the Add File button.

Free Vdieo Converter Online Launch Free Converter

Step 2.From the next page, choose the output format. You can also visit the Custom Profile to change the output quality, frame rate, bitrate, etc. Click the OK button to apply the new output settings.

Free Vdieo Converter Online Add File Output Format

Step 3.Click the Convert button to start the process. Once done, download the converted file. Upload a new file to convert another .mpg to .mp4 online.

Free Vdieo Converter Online Settings Convert

Free Video Converter Online is made for a fast conversion on your browser. It is the ideal alternative with a desktop version you can download on Windows and Mac.

Part 7. FAQs about MPG vs MP4

Wrapping up

It becomes easy to learn how to change video format from MPG to MP4 with the recommended solutions on desktop and online. For a quick pick, it is recommended to get Blu-ray Master Video Converter Ultimate on Windows and Mac. Alternatively, visit Free Video Converter Online for a fast-speed conversion without charges.

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