What is the .m4p file extension?
The file extension .m4p is primarily recorded to be associated with Apple iTunes audio files that are encoded using Advanced Audio Coding (AAC). This format offers better sound quality than the MP3 format at similar file sizes.
One distinguishable feature of .m4p files is that they incorporate Apple?s Fair Play DRM copy protection, which keeps a tab on the distribution of audio tracks (.m4p files) purchased from the iTunes Music store by limiting the number of machines on which the purchased audio file can be played on.
.m4p files are protected AAC files and they fall under the audio files category.
Is it necessary to authorize a computer via iTunes in order to play an .m4p file?
Yes, you will need to authorize the computer via iTunes? in order to play an .m4p file. This is done by entering the username and password of the account that was used to download the file.
For your information, a maximum of 5 computers can be associated with one account at any given point in time. In other words, at any given time you can play an .m4p file (audio track purchased from Apple iTunes Music Store) on 5 computers.
Besides the .m4p file format, what are the other common file extensions used for audio tracks in the Apple iTunes Music Store?
Other file formats used by the iTunes Store are .m4a and .m4b. Both of these formats are similar to the .m4p file extension in terms that they all are MPEG-4 containers capable of storing an audio stream. However, unlike .m4p, .m4a and .m4b files do not incorporate Apple?s Fair Play DRM copy protection.
How to open .m4p files
If you use Windows, you may open an .m4p file using the following programs:
- Apple iTunes
- QuickTime Player
If you use a Mac operating system, you may open an .m4p file using the following programs:
- Apple iTunes
- QuickTime Player
Steps to convert .m4p files to .mp3 files for free
- Insert a blank CD in your CD-ROM drive.
- Open iTunes.
- Create a playlist of the .m4p files that you wish to convert to .mp3.
- Click the Edit menu of iTunes and then click Preferences to open its corresponding dialog box.
- Click the Advanced tab.
- Next, click the Burning button, click Audio CD, and then click OK to covert m4p file to Audio CD format.
- Now, select the playlist you created and then click the Burn Disc button to burn m4p files to the CD.
- Open the contents of the CD in iTunes, click Convert Selection to MP3.
If you are unable to open an .m4p file using either iTunes or QuickTime Player then it is likely that the .m4p file you are trying to open is corrupt. The solution is to use FileCure, which is an excellent software that diagnoses and fixes various issues with your files, including .m4p files.