How to Convert Protected iTunes DRM M4V Videos to MOV Format

Although both M4V and MOV are well-known video formats developed by Apple, there are some differences between those two you may not know yet. In the following article, we'll discuss the differences between M4V and MOV formats. And in the meantime, in case you'll need to convert your DRM-ed iTunes M4V videos to MOV format for some reason, we'll introduce a simple solution to help you easily convert the iTunes DRM M4V movies to MOV as well. Now read on this article to find the answers.

M4V vs. MOV: What's the Difference

M4V file is a video container format developed by Apple. Apple uses M4V to encode video files, such as TV episodes, movies, and music videos, in its iTunes Store. To protect the copyright of iTunes M4V files, Apple inserts FairPlay DRM copy protection into the M4V videos. In result, the M4V videos downloaded from iTunes could only be recognized by Apple's media players and devices, such as iTunes, QuickTime, iPhone, iPad, etc. There are also videos in M4V format with DRM removed. Unlike the DRM-locked M4V, the DRM-free M4V files could be supported and played by most popular media players in the market.

MOV is also a file format created by Apple Inc. and natively used by QuickTime Player. A file saved in MOV format is compressed, making it easier to download and stream video from the Internet to your computer or portable media devices. That's why most of the movies and videos available online are distributed in MOV format. Besides, videos of MOV formats can be also played on many media players like Windows Media Player, VLC and others.

Generally speaking, MOV format has more widespread support than M4V for streaming video. So if you have collected some M4V movies from iTunes store, you may have the need to convert the DRM iTunes M4V to MOV format in order to play the movies on more media players and devices. Here we go.

Complete Tutorial to Convert iTunes M4V Videos to MOV

Part 1. Tool You Need to Convert iTunes M4V to MOV

Firstly you meet one of the best DRM M4V to MOV converter, that is TunesKit DRM M4V Converter for Mac. It's a smart iTunes DRM removal solution designed to remove DRM from any iTunes M4V movie, TV shows or music video and convert the locked M4V videos to MOV or other DRM-free formats, including MP4, M4V, AVI, MKV, etc. It's able to preserve the original quality and chapters of the iTunes movies as well. Under the help of this powerful M4V to MOV converter, you can get full control of your iTunes M4V videos by playing them on any media player without worrying about the DRM copy protection any more. Before get started to convert the iTunes M4V files to MOV, please download the free trial version of this application as below.

Part 2. Steps to Convert iTunes DRM M4V to MOV for QuickTime Player

1Import iTunes M4V movies to TunesKit

Launch TunesKit M4V to MOV Converter and click "Add Files" button. You can then select whatever iTunes movies or TV shows you want to convert from the pop-up drop-down window. Click "OK" to load the M4V files to the converter. You are also allowed to import those iTunes M4V videos by dragging them from the iTunes library folder.

2Select HD MOV as output format

When the DRM-ed M4V videos load successfully, you should choose the output video format as MOV by clicking the Format option at the bottom left of the program. Then you are allowed to customize other output settings, such as video encoder, size, bit rate by clicking the "gear" icon near the format.

3Convert iTunes M4V to MOV

Now you can start to convert the DRM-locked iTunes M4V to MOV format by clicking the "Convert" button at the bottom right.

When conversion is finished, the output folder will open automatically and you can find the converted DRM-free MOV files there. Now they are yours. Do what you like with the MOV videos.

Adam Gorden is an experienced writer of TunesKit who is obsessed about tech, movie and software.