File Extension Database

Open WTV File

WTV stands for Windows Recorded TV Show file, which is created by Windows Media Center, a digital video recorder and media player developed by Microsoft. This file format is used for storing TV content, hence, if you have WTV files on your system, chances are you or someone else recorded TV shows using Windows Media Center. This format significantly improves television viewing and recording. It supersedes the older DVR-MS file format that was used in the previous versions of the Windows operating system.

WTV File Playback Options

WTV files can be played not only on the Windows Media Center but also on a few other media players. For instance, if you're a VLC Media Player fan, you'll be glad to know it supports the WTV format since VLC 2.1.0 version (VLC website). However, if you want to play a WTV file on a media player that does not support this format, you must convert it to another, more universal format such as MP4 or AVI.

WTV File Conversion Options

Converting a WTV file to another format can be done using a few different methods. The process of conversion can be completed using Windows itself or a third-party software application. Windows provides a built-in option for converting WTV to DVR-MS format, which can be easier for other players to handle. Additionally, a number of third-party tools are available, such as the Free WTV to MP4 Converter (visit website), which can convert WTV files directly to other file formats that can be played on a variety of players and devices.

Edit WTV Files

The WTV file format also provides options for editing. You can use the Windows Media Center to trim and remove commercials from the recorded television show. You also have a feature to resize, crop, and alter the aspect ratio. There are third-party software tools that offer more advanced editing options, including VideoReDo (official website).

WTV Subtitle

Most players that support WTV files also support the display of subtitles, which are often embedded in the file. However, if your player does not support subtitles or the file does not have subtitles, you can use third-party tools like Subtitle Edit (official website) to add them. You can also convert your files to formats that support separate subtitle files, such as MP4 or MKV.

WTV File Important Information

While the WTV file format has been replaced by MP4 in Windows 10, it is still widely used by people who record TV shows using Windows Media Center on older versions of Windows. Regardless of what platform you are using, playing, converting, editing, and adding subtitles to WTV files is relatively easy with the correct software. It's also worth remembering that due to the size of these files, they can take a significant amount of storage space, particularly if you have a habit of recording lengthy TV shows.

How Can I Open WTV File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open WTV file is to find a WTV file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WTV file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open WTV file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as WTV file opener then try to search online for "WTV viewer", "application to open WTV file" or "open WTV file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open WTV file

How Can I Open WTV File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a WTV file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WTV file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with WTV file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as WTV file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open WTV file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open WTV file then try to search for "WTV viewer", "application to open WTV file" or "read WTV file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read WTV file

How Can I Open WTV File on Android

If you downloaded a WTV file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded WTV file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "WTV".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "WTV viewer", "WTV file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open WTV File on iPhone or iPad

To open WTV File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the WTV file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "WTV". This way you can find apps which can open WTV files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "WTV viewer" or "WTV file" online in your favorite search engine.

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