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MarkZuckerberg's avatar
MarkZuckerberg
Copper Contributor
Dec 19, 2024

Question about converting avi to mp4 in Windows PC?

Till now, AVI still has compatibility issue. I can't play them with Windows Media Player and my iPhone as well. I have a collection of AVI video files that I need to convert to MP4 format for better compatibility with my devices and easier sharing online.

I’m using a Windows PC running Windows 10, and while I’ve tried a few basic AVI to MP4 conversion methods, I’m not satisfied with the quality or the time it takes to process the files. Additionally, some of my AVI files are quite large, so finding a solution that handles batch conversions efficiently is important to me.

I’m open to all suggestions in order to convert avi to mp4 without quality loss, as long as they offer reliable performance and maintain high video quality during the conversion process. Features like customizable settings, fast processing speeds, and user-friendly interfaces would be ideal.

Please share your insights.

Regards,

Mark

9 Replies

  • Adriang-Q's avatar
    Adriang-Q
    Iron Contributor

    Many devices don't support .avi video natively. Instead, all devices support .mp4 video. You can take a look at this easy guide to bulk convert avi videos to mp4 on a Windows PC or Mac: https://www.mobiledic.com/convert-avi-to-mp4

    P.S. I tested 5 videos on my Windows 10 PC and all without quality loss.

  • Josew's avatar
    Josew
    Iron Contributor

    I am using MEncoder AVI to MP4 converter on my Windows 11 PC. It is a command-line video decoding, encoding, and filtering tool that is part of the MPlayer project. It is a robust tool for converting video files between different formats, including AVI to MP4. While powerful, MEncoder is geared towards users with a good understanding of command-line operations and video encoding principles.

    How to convert avi to mp4 free using command prompt:

    Step 1: MEncoder is typically bundled with MPlayer. Visit the MPlayer official website to download the latest version for Windows.

    Step 2: Extract the downloaded archive to a preferred location (e.g., C:\MPlayer\).

    Step 3: To access MEncoder from any Command Prompt location, add the MPlayer directory (e.g., C:\MPlayer\) to your system's PATH environment variable.

    Step 4: Now, start batch converting .avi videos to mp4 using the below command.

    mencoder "my.avi" -o "my.mp4" -ovc x264 -oac faac -of lavf -lavfopts format=mp4

    With this free avi to mp4 converter, you have a robust set of options for converting AVI to MP4 on your PC.

  • Almaiw's avatar
    Almaiw
    Iron Contributor

    While optimizing settings like resolution and bitrate is great for reducing file size, if you push it too far, you risk noticeable quality loss. I’ve had moments where I converted a video, thinking I was saving space, but ended up with visuals that looked a bit fuzzy, especially after watching on a bigger screen. So if you're going for quality, be careful with how much you cut back.

    Even though MP4 is widely accepted, you might run into hiccups with certain devices or software not playing nice with the codecs you picked, especially if you go for something like H.265. I’ve tried playing my recently converted files on older devices and had to pull my hair out figuring out why they wouldn’t load. It's a headache!

    If you're converting AVI to MP4, it can take a while. Depending on your settings, the power of your computer, and the number of files, you might find yourself waiting longer than you'd like. I’ve started a batch conversion before bed, only to wake up and discover it still had a few left to go. 

    This has happened to me more times than I care to admit—using a converter, and it crashes midway through the process, leaving my files in limbo. If your converter isn’t stable, you could lose your original files or end up with incomplete conversions.

  • MatildaOP's avatar
    MatildaOP
    Iron Contributor

    Do you know what is disadvantages of using HandBrake to convert AVI to MP4 in Windows computer? Although HandBrake is user-friendly, if you’re not tech-savvy, it might take a bit of time to grasp all the settings. The options for adjusting video encoding and quality can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just looking to quickly convert a file.

    Depending on the size of the files and your computer’s specs, HandBrake can be quite resource-intensive. If you're running it on an older machine, it might slow down your system or take a lot of time to process big files. While there are presets for specific devices, I’ve found that sometimes none of them perfectly match what I need, which means I have to tweak the settings manually. This can make the process a bit tedious, especially if you're in a rush.

    After converting AVI to MP4 in Windows computer, you’ll have to open it in a separate media player since HandBrake doesn’t have one built in. If you save it to a location that's hard to find, it may take some extra clicks to find your converted file.

    If you stumble upon any of these issues, Microsoft’s own Movies & TV app (or Films & TV, depending on your version of Windows) might be a good option for converting formats directly. While it doesn’t convert files, it plays a wide array of video formats and could serve as a useful tool to view your AVI files without needing to convert them first.

    Another option could be using Microsoft Photos (yes, the photo app does a bit more than just show pictures!). It has video editing capabilities and can handle basic video conversions by exporting videos in different formats, although it’s primarily for simple edits rather than wide-ranging conversions.

  • Rakssd's avatar
    Rakssd
    Iron Contributor

    When converting AVI to MP4, optimizing your settings is crucial to balance video quality and file size. Adjust parameters such as resolution, bitrate, and codec settings based on your needs. For instance, reducing the resolution can significantly decrease file size without a noticeable loss in quality, especially for videos intended for online streaming. Additionally, choosing efficient codecs like H.264 or H.265 can enhance compression, resulting in smaller MP4 files while maintaining good visual fidelity.

    Another important tip is to utilize batch AVI to MP4 conversion if you have multiple AVI files to convert. Tools like HandBrake and V1C Media Player support batch processing, allowing you to convert several files simultaneously. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across all your converted videos. Before starting the batch process, organize your files and set a common destination folder to keep your converted MP4s well-organized and easily accessible.

    Lastly, always verify the compatibility of your converted MP4 files with your intended devices or platforms. After conversion, play the MP4 files on different devices such as smartphones, tablets, or streaming platforms to ensure they work smoothly.

  • Converting AVI to MP4 on a Windows PC is a common task for those looking to enhance video compatibility, reduce file sizes, or prepare videos for online streaming. MP4 is widely supported across various devices and platforms, making it a preferred choice for many users. Below, you'll find an introduction to the conversion process along with V1C player to accomplish this task using reliable software tools.

    How to convert avi to mp4 free on Windows 11/10 PC:

    1. Download V1C player from Microsoft App Store.
    2. Launch V1C from your desktop or Start menu.
    3. Click on “Media” in the top-left corner. Select “Convert / Save...” from the dropdown menu.
    4. In the “Open Media” window, click the “Add...” button. Browse and select the AVI file you want to convert. After adding the file, click “Convert / Save” at the bottom.
    5. In the “Convert” window, under "Settings," select “Convert.” In the “Profile” dropdown, choose “Video - H.264 + MP3 (MP4)” or another MP4-compatible profile.
    6. Click the “Browse” button next to “Destination file.” Choose the folder where you want to save the MP4 file and provide a filename ending with .mp4.
    7. After configuring the settings, click “Start” to begin the conversion process. A progress bar will appear, indicating the conversion status.
    8. Once the progress bar completes, your MP4 file will be available in the designated destination folder.

    Advantages of Using V1C Media Player:

    Multi-Functionality: Serves as both a media player and a converter, reducing the need for multiple applications.

    User-Friendly Interface: Simple steps make it accessible for beginners.
    Free and Open-Source: No cost with regular updates and support.

    It is a straightforward process to convert AVI to MP4 on a Windows PC. HandBrake offers more advanced settings and is ideal for users seeking greater control over the conversion process, while V1C provides a quick and easy method, especially for those who already use it as their primary media player. Both methods are effective, free, and reliable, ensuring that you can efficiently convert your video files to the MP4 format with ease.

  • OregonPine's avatar
    OregonPine
    Iron Contributor

    While FEmpeg is a super powerful tool for converting AVI to MP4, but if you're not familiar with the command line, FEmpeg can feel like a black box. The commands might look like Egyptian hieroglyphics at first, and that can be super frustrating. I remember starting out and spending way too much time just trying to figure out the right syntax. It’s daunting, especially if you’re used to GUI (Graphical User Interface) tools!

    Unlike other software that has nice buttons and sliders, FEmpeg is all about typing commands. If something goes wrong, you won’t get a clear error message like "Oops, you clicked the wrong button." Instead, the output could just be a bunch of text that doesn’t make much sense. You’ll have to either read through it or Google for answers. I’ve had to do a lot of troubleshooting online just to get back on track!

    With GUI tools, you often get a preview feature where you can see how the final product will look. FEmpeg? Not so much. You need to run the command and wait for the conversion to finish before you see the results. This is super annoying if you need to make adjustments. One time, I converted a video only to find out the sound was distorted – and I had to do the whole process again!

    FEmpeg allows for customization, which is great if you know what you’re doing, but for the average user looking to quickly convert files, it can be a pain. In other software, you might just click “convert to MP4” and bam, it’s done. With FEmpeg, you might have to spend time tinkering with settings, especially with options like codec and bitrate. If you don’t get it right, you could end up with a video that’s either too large or too compressed.

  • TexasOasis's avatar
    TexasOasis
    Iron Contributor

    A rookie mistake is not paying attention to the output settings. When you’re converting AVI to MP4 on Windows PC, ensure that you select the right resolution, bit rate, and codec for your MP4. Sometimes the default settings aren't the best for your needs. I remember just hitting “convert” without checking, and my file ended up being way too big or losing quality. 

    After conversion, you definitely don’t want your video and audio to be out of sync. That’s super annoying! Some converters have issues maintaining sync, especially with AVI formats. Always do a quick check after converting. If you find a sync issue, you might need to try another converter or adjust audio settings in the software.

    When converting, the file size might end up being larger than you hoped for. If you're short on storage, it’s good to tweak the bitrate or use compression settings. I’ve had times where I didn’t realize a 1GB AVI ended up being 5GB in MP4 because I didn’t look at the settings. 

    Some software can have bugs, especially if you’re using older versions. Keep your conversion software up to date for better performance and features. This has saved me some headaches when unexpected errors popped up during conversion.

    Always keep a backup of your original AVI file. Sometimes conversions can fail for various reasons, leaving you high and dry without the original video. Trust me, having a backup has saved my butt more than once when I accidentally corrupted a file.

  • Holaway's avatar
    Holaway
    Steel Contributor

    Mark, it's really annoying to have trouble converting AVI files to MP4, especially the video quality and processing speed. There are actually several ways to efficiently convert AVI to MP4 and keep the video quality high. Here are a few methods I recommend to you:

    1. Use HandBrake (Open Source Tool)
    HandBrake is a very popular free tool that can easily convert AVI to MP4, and the conversion quality is very good. You can adjust the video encoding settings to balance the quality and file size. It supports batch conversion, so processing multiple large files is not a problem. And the interface is simple, which is very suitable for beginners.
    Steps:

    1. Download and install HandBrake from the official website (HandBrake official website).
    2. After opening HandBrake, click the "Open Source" button in the interface and select the AVI file you want to convert.
    3. Select MP4 in the "Format" option on the right side of the interface.
    4. By default, HandBrake will select the H.264 encoder, which is suitable for most devices. You can adjust the settings under the "Video" tab as needed, and choose the appropriate Bitrate or Quality.
    5. If you have multiple AVI files to convert, you can click "Queue" to add more files to the queue and process them all at once.

    Choose a path to save the converted files, and click "Start Encode" to start the conversion process.

    2. FFmppeeg (Command Line Tool)
    If you don't mind using the command line, FFmppeeg is a powerful tool that can convert AVI to MP4 very efficiently. You can do batch processing through the command line, and it has almost no loss of video quality. It also allows you to customize encoding options and quickly complete the conversion of large files. As long as you are familiar with its commands, it is easy to set up.

    Steps:

    1. Visit the FFmppeeg website to download the version suitable for your operating system and follow the installation guide.
    2. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
    3. In the command line, use the following command to convert AVI to MP4:
    FFmppeeg-i input.avi -c:v libx264 -c:a aac -strict experimental output.mp4


    Wherein, input.avi is your source file and output.mp4 is the target file. You can adjust the encoder options as needed. libx264 is a common H.264 codec and aac is a common audio codec.

    Batch conversion (optional):
    To batch process multiple files, you can use the command:

     

    This command will convert all AVI files in the current folder to MP4.

    FFmmpeeg will automatically start the conversion, and you will find the MP4 file in the specified directory after it is completed.

    3. Use Format Factory (lightweight software)
    Format Factory is a very popular conversion software, which not only supports AVI to MP4 conversion, but also supports batch conversion. The interface is simple and the operation is simple, especially suitable for users who don't want to spend time studying complicated settings. It will process the video without losing quality, and the conversion speed is also quite fast.

    All three methods can effectively help you convert AVI to MP4, maintaining high quality and reasonable conversion time. Hope it helps you!

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