Maya.mp4 Today

If you use an MP4 on an image plane, it may drastically slow down your viewport. If it does, switch the image plane's display mode to None when you aren't actively using it as a reference. codec issues - Forums, Autodesk

If you need to import an MP4 into Maya to use as a background for tracing movements: Maya.mp4

A "Playblast" is a way to preview your animation without a full render. If you use an MP4 on an image

Use the Maya Hardware 2.0 renderer to output a sequence of frames, then compile them into an MP4 using video editing software. Quick Tips for Maya Video Workflow Use the Maya Hardware 2

Before working with heavy video files, ensure Autosave is enabled under Windows > Settings/Preferences > Preferences > Files/Projects to prevent data loss if a codec causes a crash.