.3GPP File Extension
3GPP Media File
| Developer | Third Generation Partnership Project |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Video Files |
| Format | .3GPP |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an 3GPP file?
The .3GPP file extension is associated with multimedia files saved in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) format.
Primarily designed for mobile phones, this format is widely used for storing audio and video streams in a compressed manner, making it suitable for transmission over the internet or mobile networks.
.3GPP files are often used for recording and playing back video on mobile devices, especially in 3G networks.
More Information.
The .3GPP format was developed in the early 2000s, a period when the telecommunications industry was transitioning from 2G to 3G networks.
The primary purpose of the .3GPP format was to provide a standardized, efficient way to handle multimedia files, such as video and audio, on mobile devices.
As mobile phones started incorporating video recording and playback capabilities, there was a need for a format that could compress and transmit multimedia content efficiently over limited bandwidths.
The .3GPP format fulfilled this requirement by offering a high level of compression while maintaining reasonable quality, making it ideal for mobile video recording, streaming, and video messaging.
Origin Of This File.
The .3GPP file format was developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a collaboration between telecommunications standards organizations to establish global protocols for mobile phone systems.
The format was introduced as part of the 3GPP’s efforts to create a standardized multimedia format that could work across different mobile networks and devices, ensuring compatibility and efficiency in the transmission and playback of multimedia content.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .3GPP file format is based on the MPEG-4 Part 12 standard, which defines the general structure for time-based multimedia files.
It uses the ISO base media file format (ISO/IEC 14496-12), similar to the MP4 format, but with some specific modifications tailored for mobile applications.
File Structure:
- Container: .3GPP files act as containers for audio and video streams, allowing the storage of different types of multimedia data within a single file.
- Audio Codec: The format typically uses AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) or AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) codecs for audio streams.
- Video Codec: For video streams, the format usually employs H.263 or H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codecs.
- Metadata: .3GPP files can also contain metadata such as file title, creation date, author, and other information related to the multimedia content.
Technical Specifications:
- File Extension: .3gp or .3gpp
- MIME Type: video/3gpp for video files, audio/3gpp for audio files
- Resolution: Usually supports low-resolution video suitable for mobile screens, but can vary depending on the device’s capabilities.
- Bitrate: Optimized for low bitrates to ensure smooth playback on mobile networks.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .3GPP files to other formats is a straightforward process, thanks to the availability of various multimedia conversion tools. Here’s how you can convert .3GPP files using different methods:
Using Online Converters:
- Websites like Zamzar, Convertio, and Online-Convert allow you to upload your .3GPP file and choose the desired output format (e.g., MP4, AVI, or MP3). After conversion, you can download the converted file directly to your device.
Using Desktop Software:
- VLC Media Player: This popular media player also functions as a file converter. Open the .3GPP file in VLC, go to
Media > Convert/Save, select the format you want to convert to, and start the conversion process. - HandBrake: This open-source video converter supports a wide range of formats, including .3GPP. Simply load your .3GPP file, select the output format, and start the conversion.
Using Mobile Apps:
- Video Converter Android: This app allows you to convert .3GPP files to different formats directly on your Android device.
- The Video Converter: Available for iOS, this app provides an easy way to convert .3GPP files to formats like MP4 or MOV on your iPhone or iPad.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Compatibility: .3GPP files are compatible with a wide range of mobile devices and media players, making them a versatile format for mobile multimedia.
- Compression: The format offers high compression ratios, which reduces the file size, making it easier to transmit over mobile networks and store on devices with limited storage.
- Standardization: Being a standardized format ensures that .3GPP files maintain a certain level of quality and compatibility across different devices and platforms.
Disadvantages:
- Quality: While .3GPP files are efficient in terms of compression, this can lead to a reduction in video and audio quality, especially when compared to other formats like MP4.
- Limited Use: The format is primarily designed for mobile devices, which can limit its use on other platforms or for higher-quality video production.
- Obsolescence: With the advent of newer, more efficient formats like MP4 and advancements in mobile technology, the .3GPP format is becoming less common, particularly for high-definition video.
How to Open 3GPP?
Open In Windows
- VLC Media Player: VLC is one of the most versatile media players available for Windows, capable of opening .3GPP files without any additional codecs.
- Windows Media Player: While older versions may require codec packs, newer versions of Windows Media Player support .3GPP files natively.
Open In Linux
- VLC Media Player: Available for Linux as well, VLC can open and play .3GPP files without any hassle.
- MPlayer: Another popular media player on Linux, MPlayer supports .3GPP files.
Open In MAC
- QuickTime Player: QuickTime supports .3GPP files, allowing you to open and play them directly on your Mac.
- VLC Media Player: As with Windows, VLC is a reliable choice for playing .3GPP files on macOS.
Open In Android
- Default Media Player: Most Android devices have a built-in media player that supports .3GPP files.
- Third-Party Apps: If your default player doesn’t support .3GPP, apps like MX Player or VLC for Android can be used to play the files.
Open In IOS
- Default Media Player: iOS devices can play .3GPP files using the native video player app.
- VLC for Mobile: VLC’s mobile app is also available on iOS and supports .3GPP files.
