M2V is a format containing only video data, audio is stored in other accompanied file. The extension is widely used in DVDs and video compression systems. Actually it is an MPEG-2 video stream. M2V is also used in digital TV where serves as a standard that defines the structure of transport streams and data transmission methods.

WMV is a codec usually used for video compression in ASF format. It is possible to open WMV files both on Mac and Windows with almost any player or convert the format to another one. WMV supports DRM protection that prevent users from copying information. It is the main reason why the format is widely used by companies that sell digital video and audio online. Also the format is well-known among users because WMV files are used on popular Xbox 360 devices. Low bitrate makes such files an ideal solution for HD DVD and Blu-ray discs.