There are many video formats and video players out in this world today; and just the same, there are many video converters that allow you to convert your videos to just about any format imaginable. For example, a .M3U8 file is a extensible playlist file format which is saved with the “M3U” or “m3u” filename extension. It is basically a playlist containing UTF-8 encoded text that points at video files. “m3u” and “m3u8” files are the basis for the HTTP Live Streaming format used by Apple to stream video to iOS devices, so with m3u8, you can directly access the videos with a HTTP server, and will be able to view the files in real time without waiting for the buffer.
Have downloaded or received some flv files and got creative ideas to convert your flv video file to a m3u8 container using AAC and H264 encoding for better video experience on media players such as Winamp, KMPlayer, iTunes, VLC media player etc.? You might have tried FFmpeg old version 0.7.15 and got an error like this:
In fact, this issue is caused by FFmpeg itself, only recent FFmpeg has a segment muxer built in. (Here is the documentation reference) You just need to download a recent static build, or compile it from source. Yeah, FFMPEG is a refined piece of software, but is there a simpler and easier to use video convertor that is less cumbersome to use as a viable alternative to FFMPEG? The short answer is yes without any remux issue as above? Here Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate (Read why choose it) is a desktop software that is simple and easy to use and highly dynamic.
It is able to convert files of any size and supports high definition including H.265 and 3D formats, encode 2D/3D Blu-ray, standard DVD and ISO files to playable m3u8 format with the default H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7. The converted m3u8 file can be dragged to any point correctly if you want to enjoy on your m3u8 players immediately and the player will ensure smooth m3u8 playback without interruption of network speed and resolution. Mac version available.
So if you want to get started and convert your flv video files to m3u8 but don’t have any idea where to begin, we are here to help you. Just read further to know what things you can do to successfully convert your flv video files into m3u8 format. Download it from below and install the best m3u8 Video Encoder on your computer and launch it.
Converting FLV Videos Files to m3u8 Files on Windows/Mac
Step 1: Add flv video files
To add source flv video to the FLV to M3U8 Video Converter, you can choosing “Add Video”, a file folder will pop up and from there you can browse and choose the file you want to convert. The second and simpler way to do this is by opening the folder containing the file you want to convert and directly drag and drop it into the software window. Check the “Merge into one file” box, you can join several .mp4 clips together if necessary.
Step 2. Choose m3u8 as the Output Format
In order to convert flv videos to m3u8, you just have to select the format you want your file to be converted to. You can do this by choosing the format icon in “Format” pane to see the drop-down format available in the software, choose “ipad m3u8 streaming” or “iphone m3u8 streaming” you can see from the “HLS Streaming (m3u8)” category.
Tip: If you want to convert a flv file into another one like H.265 or other formats, simply choose what format you want your file or files to be converted to.
And then costume customize the output video and audio settings by yourself by going to the “Settings” option. Video codec is the default H.264 and audio codec is the default AAC. You can change the resolution, bit rate, frame rate as you need. But if you are not good at it, you’d better use the default parameters, they will ensure you a good balance between file size and image quality basically.
Step 3. Start to convert flv to m3u8
When everything is done, you can take a preview by hitting “Play” button. If you are satisfied with the final result, you can Press on “Convert” button in the bottom part of the video converter software window and the m3u8 video encode will then begin. Wait until it’s done, the speed of completion always depends on how big or how many your files are. You can easily find the output files in the output folders once the conversion is done. This video converter software also provides good editing features like trim, crop, adding watermarks, effects, srt subtitles and a lot more.
Note:The output m3u8 files should be named without space and file path should be in plain English or pure digital, otherwise you couldn’t play them successfully. After conversion, you just need to set up a HTTP server to enjoy M3U8.
How to Play m3u8 videos on Windows devices?
So it says on the Apple website that only OSX Safari works and any Apple handheld. No Windows devices are compatible straight off the bat (like how it’s been for all this time) An easy workaround is this:
- Download VLC Player from here: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-windows.html
- Install it and everything, make sure it works correctly.
- Open the program. Click on Media (top left) > Open Network Stream.
- You will see this screen:
- Paste this link into that field: http://p.events-delivery.apple.com.edgesuite.net/14pijnadfpvkjnfvpijhabdfvpijbadfv09/m3u8/atv_mvp.m3u8STREAM IS LIVE!!! CAN CONFIRM IT WORKS!!!
Note: If it freezes, simply press STOP button and then PLAY to get it working again
ALSO IF IT CRASHES, I DON’T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, BECAUSE IT WORKS ON MY OWN COMPUTER JUST FINE.
Or read this article to learn how to playback m3u8 on Apple iOS Mobile Devices.
Conclusion: As you see, Pavtube Video Converter Ultimate wins over FFMPEG in many aspects. It is a versatile tool to do everything for you with the fastest speed and better output quality. If you are interested in it, just have a try.
