Why HEVC files don’t open
HEVC (H.265) is patented, so not every device pays to support it. Windows needs a paid extension, many TVs older than 2016 and cheap projectors don’t decode it at all, and some editors import it slowly or not at all. H.264 is supported by practically every phone, TV, browser and editing program made in the last 15 years.
What the conversion does
- Video: HEVC → H.264 (High profile), resolution up to 1080p kept as is
- HDR (iPhone Dolby Vision, HLG) → normal SDR colors, so the picture isn’t grey
- Sound: AAC — plays everywhere
- Capture date and location are kept
Expect the H.264 file to be about 1.5× the size of the HEVC one at the same quality — that is the price of compatibility. If size matters, set it with the slider.
Fast on most computers
Conversion uses your graphics card’s video engine through the browser (WebCodecs), so a 10-minute 1080p clip usually takes 1–3 minutes. Nothing is uploaded: your files never leave your computer.
HEVC vs H.264 at a glance
| HEVC (H.265) | H.264 (AVC) | |
|---|---|---|
| File size at same quality | ≈ 60% | 100% |
| Windows 10/11 | needs HEVC Video Extensions ($0.99) | plays out of the box |
| Web browsers | Safari, Edge and Chrome only with hardware support | all |
| TVs and projectors | most from 2016+, few older | practically all |
| Editing software | slow on older computers | smooth |
| Social platforms | accepted, re-encoded | accepted, re-encoded |
Where HEVC files come from
- iPhones (since iOS 11) and most Android flagships
- GoPro, DJI drones and action cameras at 4K and above
- Security cameras and NVRs, which use HEVC to save storage
- Screen recorders and OBS when set to HEVC with NVENC or Quick Sync
Batch conversion
Drop a folder from your phone backup or drone card and every HEVC clip is converted in turn. Files that are already H.264 and fit your settings are copied as they are, not re-encoded. The folder structure is recreated in the output folder, so a DCIM/100APPLE/101APPLE layout stays intact.
Questions
Is H.265 the same as HEVC?
Yes, they are two names for the same codec.
Will I lose quality?
Any re-encoding loses a little, but at the default settings the difference is not visible. Choose “Reduce size without losing quality” for the highest setting.
Can I convert many files at once?
Yes — drop a folder; subfolders are recreated in the output folder.
My MKV file plays but has no sound on TV
That is usually the audio track (DTS/AC3), not the video. Use the TV & USB tool — it fixes just the sound without re-encoding the video.
Last updated: 2026-10-30