Convert MP4 to AVI
About MP4
MP4 is the most widely used video file format in the world. It's a multimedia container that can store video, audio, subtitles, and images. Its success is due to its excellent balance of high-quality compression, which results in relatively small file sizes, and its universal compatibility across virtually all devices, browsers, and platforms. It most commonly uses the H.264 video codec and the AAC audio codec.
About AVI
AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is one of the oldest video formats, developed by Microsoft in 1992. As a container format, it can use a wide variety of codecs for video and audio. While it was once extremely popular, it has been largely superseded by more modern formats like MP4. It lacks modern features like native support for streaming or subtitles and can result in very large file sizes.
MP4 vs AVI
| Feature | MP4 | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Support | true | false |
| Subtitle Support | true | false |
| DRM Support | true | false |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 3 |
| Patent Status | patented | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2001 | 1992 |
| Developed By | ISO/IEC | Microsoft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MP4 the same as MPEG-4?
Not exactly. MPEG-4 is a compression standard, while MP4 is a container format. An MP4 file often contains video compressed with the MPEG-4 standard (specifically, codecs like H.264), but the MP4 container can also hold video encoded with other standards, like H.265.
Is MP4 better than MOV?
For general use, especially for web streaming and sharing, MP4 is better due to its universal support and smaller file sizes. MOV is a professional, high-quality format that is excellent for video editing, especially within the Apple ecosystem, but it is less compatible and results in larger files.
Is AVI still a useful format?
For new video projects, AVI is not recommended. Its main use today is for compatibility with older systems or legacy content. Modern formats like MP4 offer better compression, more features, and wider compatibility.
Why do some AVI files not play audio?
This is a common issue with AVI files and is due to its reliance on codecs. The AVI file itself is just a container. If your system does not have the specific audio or video codec installed that was used to create the file, it will not be able to play correctly.
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