WTV File – What is .wtv file and how to open it?
WTV File Extension
Windows Recorded TV Show File – file format by Microsoft
WTV (Windows Recorded TV Show File) is a video file extension developed by Microsoft for recording over-the-air and digital cable TV shows on Media Center PCs. It contains the video and audio of the show and can be played back on a Windows computer.
Introduction to WTV Files
A WTV file, short for Windows Recorded TV Show File, is a video file format specifically designed by Microsoft for recording live television on Windows computers. It utilizes Digital Video Broadcasting technology (DVB) to capture and store TV programs in a compressed format. WTV files are commonly used with Windows Media Center, a media player and digital video recorder software included with certain Windows operating systems.
Technical Details of WTV Files
WTV files employ the Windows Media Video (WMV) codec for video encoding and the Windows Media Audio (WMA) codec for audio encoding. They typically feature a video resolution of 720×480 or 1280×720 pixels and a frame rate of either 25 or 30 frames per second. WTV files also contain metadata, such as program title, description, and date and time of recording. The metadata is embedded within the file and can be used by media players to display information about the recorded show.
Opening WTV Files in Windows 10 and Earlier Versions
WTV files, containing recorded TV shows captured using Windows Media Center, can be opened in Windows 10 and earlier versions. To do this, locate the WTV file in File Explorer and double-click it. The file will automatically open in the default video player, such as Windows Media Player or Movies & TV.
Alternatively, you can right-click the WTV file and select “Open with” from the context menu. Choose the desired video player from the list of options. If your preferred player is not listed, click “Choose another app” and browse to its location on your computer.
Opening WTV Files in Windows 11
Due to the absence of Windows Media Center in Windows 11, WTV files cannot be directly opened without additional software. To view these files, you need to convert them to a more compatible format, such as MP4 or MKV.
Several video conversion programs, both free and paid, are available for this purpose. Choose a reliable converter and import the WTV file into it. Select the desired output format and click Convert to initiate the process. After conversion, you can open the converted file in any media player on your Windows 11 computer.
Capabilities of WTV Files
WTV files are video files that are created using the Windows Media Center application. These files can store both recorded TV shows and movies, as well as other video content that is available through the Windows Media Center interface. WTV files can be played back on any device that supports the Windows Media Player software, including computers, laptops, and mobile devices. WTV files can also be converted to other video formats using a variety of software applications.
Compatibility and Accessibility
WTV files are not compatible with all video players, and some players may require additional codecs to be installed in order to play WTV files. WTV files are also not universally accessible, and some devices may not be able to play WTV files due to hardware or software limitations. Additionally, WTV files may not be supported by all streaming services or online video platforms, and some content may be restricted to certain devices or geographic regions.