Video format
The DV format
DV is raw footage captured from MiniDV tapes and camcorders. DV launched in 1995 with MiniDV tapes, the camcorder format behind a decade of home videos.
When to use DV
Keep DV captures as masters; convert copies to MP4 to watch and share.
It is best for capturing and editing tape footage without further loss, and it opens on VLC, iMovie, Final Cut and Premiere.
How to open it: VLC plays DV files; iMovie and Final Cut import them.
| Full name | Digital Video |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .dv, .dif |
| MIME type | video/dv |
| Introduced | 1995 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Usually contains | DV video with PCM audio |
| Support | Specialist format |
| Typical size | About 13 GB per hour of footage |
Good at
- Every frame compressed on its own, so it edits cleanly
Not so good at
- About 13 GB an hour
- Interlaced video that shows combing on modern screens
The common mistake
DV is interlaced, so converted footage shows comb-like lines on motion unless it is deinterlaced while converting.
Questions
What is a DV file?
DV (Digital Video) is raw footage captured from MiniDV tapes and camcorders. DV launched in 1995 with MiniDV tapes, the camcorder format behind a decade of home videos.
How do I open a DV file?
VLC plays DV files; iMovie and Final Cut import them.