MOV to MPEG-2 Converter

Convert MOV to MPEG-2 Online

Turn a QuickTime MOV (typically H.264 or HEVC) into an MPEG-2 video — the codec used by DVD-Video, terrestrial and satellite broadcast, and HDV camcorders. MPEG-2 (ITU-T H.262 / ISO/IEC 13818-2) is what DVD authoring tools, set-top boxes, and older hardware expect, so this is the conversion to reach for when a player rejects your modern MP4. Because it re-encodes from an efficient codec to a much older one, keep the Quality Preset high and expect a noticeably larger file.

How to Convert MOV to MPEG-2

1. Upload Your MOV File: Drag and drop your file onto the page or click "+ Add Files" to browse. You can queue several MOV clips and convert them with the same settings.
2. Set the Quality Preset: Open Advanced Options and choose a Quality Preset — leave it at "Very High (Recommended)" so the older MPEG-2 codec doesn't soften detail. This is the single most important control for MOV to MPEG-2.
3. Match a Resolution (Optional): Under Video resolution, keep the original or pick a Preset Resolution. For DVD authoring choose 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL); use Width x Height for a custom frame size.
4. Convert and Download: Click "Convert" and download your MPEG-2 file. No sign-up, no watermark.

MPEG-2 vs H.264: What You Trade

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I convert MOV to MPEG-2 instead of keeping H.264?

Compatibility, not efficiency. H.264 is roughly twice as efficient as MPEG-2, so converting backward produces a larger file at the same quality. The only reasons to do it are DVD-Video authoring, broadcast or satellite workflows, and set-top boxes or capture hardware that only accept MPEG-2. If your target device plays MP4, keep the H.264 and skip this conversion.

Will the MPEG-2 file be larger than my MOV?

Usually, yes. MPEG-2 needs a higher bitrate than H.264 to hold the same visual quality, so re-encoding from a modern MOV typically grows the file. In our testing, a 1080p 30-second H.264 MOV came out roughly 2-3x larger as MPEG-2 at the "Very High" preset. That is expected — MPEG-2's job here is compatibility, so we recommend keeping quality high rather than chasing a small file.

What bitrate and resolution should I use for DVD authoring?

DVD-Video tops out at 9.8 Mbit/s for video, and professionally authored discs average around 4-5 Mbit/s. Set the resolution to 720x480 for NTSC discs or 720x576 for PAL, and keep the Quality Preset high. Your DVD authoring software (or a tool like ImgBurn) then wraps the MPEG-2 stream into a disc-compliant VOB.

Does the converter keep interlaced video for broadcast?

MPEG-2 was designed for interlaced broadcast formats, so the codec supports it. Output structure follows your source: a progressive MOV stays progressive, and the encoder preserves the resolution and frame rate unless you change them in Advanced Options. If you need a specific field order for a broadcast spec, set the exact resolution and frame rate before converting.

Can MPEG-2 video play in a web browser?

Not reliably. Browsers do not natively decode MPEG-2 (H.262) the way they handle H.264, so this format is meant for DVD players, broadcast equipment, and editing or authoring software — not for embedding on a web page. If you need a web-playable file instead, convert MOV to MP4 for an H.264 result that streams in modern browsers.

How are my files handled, and how long do you keep them?

Your MOV is uploaded over an encrypted connection, converted on our servers, and the files are deleted automatically a few hours after conversion. There is no sign-up, no watermark, and your files are never shared or made public. Need the reverse direction or a smaller source first? Use MPEG-2 to MOV or compress MOV.