Version 26.05 · BSD-2-Clause · Windows · macOS · Linux
Looking for an alternative to MediaInfo?Compare Audacity, Spek, QCTools, MediaConch.Compare alternativesWith MediaInfo you can read technical data from a video or audio file. For example, you can see the used codec, resolution, playing time and sound tracks present. This helps when a file on one device does not work and on the other.
You can use the information to choose an appropriate conversion or explain a problem. A file extension doesn't tell you everything about the content. An MP4 file can contain different types of image and sound.
Download MediaInfo
Downloads are available for Windows, macOS, Linux.
Researching a playback problem
Look at the video and audio codec next to the file extension. Two MP4 files can use different codecs and therefore do not play on the same devices. Also record resolution, image speed and any HDR information. MediaInfo shows these properties, but doesn't convert the file; for that you need a separate sales program.
Compare MediaInfo with alternatives
To check audio files you can view technical metadata or the sound spectrum. Metadata tells you how a file is stored; a spectrogram shows which frequencies are present. Neither gives a complete assessment of the audible quality in itself. For monitoring audiovisual files, you can examine metadata, format rules or image content. Those are different layers of quality control. Choose the problem you want to find: a wrong codec, a file that does not match an archive profile or visible errors in digitized image.
| Software | What can it do? | Platform and licence |
|---|---|---|
| MediaInfoYou are viewing this app | You will read technical data such as codec, bitrate, channels and subtitle tracks of media files. This helps with compatibility problems, without changing the content. | Windows, macOS, LinuxBSD-2-Clause |
| AudacityView this alternative | You record audio and mount multiple tracks with effects and support for plug-ins. That fits podcasts and sound editing where you want to keep a lot of control. | Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-2.0-or-later|GPL-3.0-only|CC-BY-3.0 |
| SpekView this alternative | You are viewing a spectrogram to examine the frequency content of an audio file. You don't edit the sound with this. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| QCToolsView this alternative | You investigate digitized video with graphs and analysis filters to recognize image problems. The focus is on the content and signal properties of the image. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
| MediaConchView this alternative | You check audiovisual files for supported format rules and own policies. This fits with archiving where files have to comply with technical requirements. | Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source |
Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.
Who is it for?
You can use MediaInfo for playback problems, video conversion and control of provided media. It suits you if you want to compare technical properties without changing the file immediately. For actual conversion, repair or assembly you need other software.
Getting started
Open the file and choose a clear text or tree view. When playing, record the video and audio codec and resolution.
Privacy
The report may contain title, author, used software and full file names. Check that before you post a report on a forum. With the desktop app, you work with your local file; do not confuse that process with a separate online analysis tool. You don't have to share the full video to answer many format questions.
Good to know
MediaInfo doesn't play or fix your file. It provides information that allows you to continue in a player or sales program.
Please note
A reported bitrate or image speed is not automatically a quality assessment. Variable image speed and different tracks may require additional explanations. Do not draw conclusions from only the container type. Compare the actual codec and features with what your playback device supports.
Advantages
- You will receive separate information about container and tracks.
- Report Views help to make technical differences visible.
- You can more specifically determine which conversion or setting is needed.
Things to consider
- You need to learn how to interpret codec and format concepts.
- The program does not change or restore the file.
- A technically valid file may still have substantive or playback problems.
Download MediaInfo
The download page opens in a new tab.
Provider’s website · mediaarea.net
Version history
26.05
You can now also view information about animated PNG files. In addition, you will recognize more HDR information with ERVC and AV1 video clips.
Report a new version
More from MediaArea
AVI MetaEdit 1.0.2
You manage metadata and check the structure of AVI files.
BWF MetaEdit 26.08.1
You view, check and edit metadata in Broadcast WAVE files.
MediaConch 25.04
You check audiovisual archive files for technical requirements and own rules.
QCTools 1.4.1
You're investigating digitized video with graphs and analysis filters.
Our verdict
MediaInfo is useful when you want to understand why a video or audio file doesn't do what you expect. You can see the container, codecs and separate tracks, with data such as resolution, image speed and audio channels. That technical breakdown makes an aid question concrete. After all, an extension like MP4 does not tell enough about what is in the file.
Use the data to compare a working and non-working file. Note the individual footage, sound and subtitle tracks. If conversion proves necessary, another program must run it: MediaInfo describes the content. For support you can ask a more targeted question with some relevant fields than just the notification that an MP4 is not playing.
Ratings
No ratings yet. Share your experience.
Log in to rate this software.
Comments
Share your experience. Comments appear after approval.
No comments yet.