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List of File Formats Working on Apple TV
This is just a list of various file formats tested playing natively on the Apple TV (i.e. through Frontrow). The codec sources are noted, if needed. Drop the .component bundle in /Library/QuickTime on the Apple TV.
Note: this page says codecs go into the '/Library/Quicktime' directory, while the Codec Sources page says they go into the '/System/Library/Quicktime' directory
See also: Codec Sources
If you can add to these tables, please do!
| Contents |
| 1 Video Codecs |
| 2 Audio Codecs |
| 3 Containers |
| 4 Video Conversion Software |
| Name | Extension | Works? | Codec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DivX | .avi, .divx | Yes | Perian | Free |
| 720p DivX | .avi | ?? | Perian | For one user, video stutters every 10-15 seconds, audio never skips. Can I get confirmation either way on this? please link to a file as mine plays everything except 1080p |
| Flash Video | .flv | Yes | Perian | Free, video file must load completely before playback |
| H.264 | .mp4, .m4v | Yes | Included | Supports Main Profile with some exceptions: "QuickTime WILL NOT support 8x8 dct and intra prediction, b-pyramids, lossless encoding, etc. As well as anything from the High Profile." |
| H.264 | .mp4, .m4v | Yes | Perian | Supports High Profile. Note: Apple's H.264 decoder (QuickTimeH264.component) must be removed from /System/Library/QuickTime before Perian can take over for H.264. Not as fast with decode speed as Apple's, but supports more features. |
| MPEG-2 | .mpg, .mp2, .vob, .m2v | Yes | QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback | $19.99, does not play transport streams, reports of choppy video |
| Windows Media | .wmv | Yes | Flip4Mac | Free, Unable to play 720p content encoded using VC1 HD profile |
| XviD | .avi | Yes | Perian | Free |
| Name | Extension | Works? | Codec | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAC | .m4a | Yes | Included | Should play right out of the box |
| MPEG Layer-3 | .mp3 | Yes | Included | Should play right out of the box |
| Dolby AC3 | .ac3 | Yes | A52codec | Free, read the readme for install instructions |
| DTS | .wav | Yes | Included | Should play right out of the box |
| FLAC | .flac | Yes | XiphQT | Make sure to Install XiphQT into /Library/Components |
| Name | Extension | Works? | Codec | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matroska | .mkv, .mka | Yes | Perian | Reportedly not very usable |
| Ogg Vorbis, Theora | .ogg, .ogm | Yes | XiphQT | Reportedly working |
UPDATE VLC can play Matroska files on the AppleTV, *but* it is evident that the hardware cannot handle high bitrate files. It plays 480p decently (some skips), but 720p is unwatchable and 1080p will never get past the first frame. The VLC console will simply spit out a bunch of warnings:
[00000347] ffmpeg decoder error: more than 5 seconds of late video -> dropping frame (computer too slow ?)
Software that is known to work with converting avi, and other formats to m4v or mp4 which can be used natively out of the box.
| Program | Vendor | Supported Source Formats | Cost | Platform | Link | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AppleTV Converter Suite | Wondershare | DVD, AVI, FLV, ASF, MOV, MPEG, RM, WMV | $39.95 | Windows, Mac OS X | Wondershare | works well, you can test it but will need to purchase for it to be regularly useable Windows Mac OS X | |
| Video To Apple TV Suite | Cucusoft | DVD, AVI, FLV, ASF,etc | $39.95 | Windows | Free Trial | It is the best DVD and video to Apple TV software, but not free! | |
| Handbrake | DVD Video | Free (GPL) | Mac OS X, Windows, Linux | HandBrake | For best results, follow a guide like this | ||
| VisualHUB | Techspansion | Just about anything | $23.32 | OS X | Trial | Very easy, can use trial to convert a sample and use ffmpeg command from log for free | |
| TubeSock | Stinkbot | YouTube, DailyMotion, Porkolt videos | $15 | OS X | TubeSock | Simple to use. Automatically adds videos to iTunes for syncing. Free trial can convert videos up to 30 seconds in length. | |
| QuickTime Pro | Apple | Anything QT can open | $29.99 | OS X or Windows | Apple.com | Easy, but slow and not many options. | |
| Elgato Turbo.264 | Elgato | Anything QT can open | $99.95 | OS X | Turbo.264 | Easy and really fast. Review |
Tutorials for several Encoding-GUIs and recommended encoder settings which work with Apple TV: Load DVD on AppleTV
 |
Rip DVD to any popular video formats for playback on iPod, iPhone, Zune, PSP, Walkman etc.
Convert DVD to AVI, 3GP, MP4, WMV, MP3, AAC and WMA for BlackBerry Storm, Bold, Curve, Pearl.
Convert video files to AVI, 3GP, MP4, WMV, MP3 and WMA for BlackBerry Storm, Bold, Curve, Pearl.
Rip DVD to MP4, M4A, AAC, MP3 and M4V for playback on iPod.
Convert video files to MP3, M4A, AAC, MP4 and M4V for playback on iPod.
Convert DVD to MP4, M4V, MP3 and M4A (MPEG-4 audio) for playback on iPhone.
Convert regular video files to Walkman MPEG-4 for playback all types of Walkman players.
Convert DVD to Flash files (SWF, FLV), Rip DVD to YouTube video (FLV) and upload to YouTube share with friends.
Convert videos into smaller, easily distributable Flash files (FLV, SWF format) and upload to YouTube, MySpace, FaceBook etc.
A professional Flash to DVD burner designed for users who want to Burn FLV (YouTube video), SWF to DVD for backup and entertainment.
Convert video and HD vdieo to YouTube FLV format and other popular video. Convert YouTube video (FLV) to MP4, MPG, AVI, WMV, MOV, ASF, MKV, 3GP, 3G2.
Convert DVD to Zune formats (MP4, WMV) with fast conversion speed and excellent quality.
Convert video to Gphone 3GP, MPEG4, H.264, WMV etc. for Andriod phone such as T-mobile G1.