File conversion

[TVR-NUT]

Hi all.

Just a quick question that I need to ask. Does anyone know if there is a file conversion program available, that will convert a video file saved in .wmv format to an .avi file or a mpeg file? The reason that I ask is that I have some file that I have downloaded and saved in Windows Media Player and I want to burn them to DVD, via Pinnacle Studio 9.

If I can convert them, would this be possible?

Mark

[lotusfan]

TVR-NUT said:

Hi all. Just a quick question that I need to ask. Does anyone know if there is a file conversion program available, that will convert a video file saved in .wmv format to an .avi file or a mpeg file? The reason that I ask is that I have some file that I have downloaded and saved in Windows Media Player and I want to burn them to DVD, via Pinnacle Studio 9. If I can convert them, would this be possible? Mark

doesn't pinnacle studio allow you to load a file and save it in any format? mine does, i think its V10 (actually its my GF's so i'm not really sure of the version as i dont often use it) but it does support file format conversion

[__Lee__]

have a look here here there are many types of file converters and guides on the best way to do it.

HTH

[ErnestM]

Keep in mind, however, that WMV files are compressed and AVI files are not. You are probably going to get some artifacts regardless which converter you use. There are some programs out there that WILL let you burn DVD's stright from WMV files (DVD is basically MPEG-2 so it is compression with another name). If you choose to go to AVI first then you will be (1)decompressing to AVI (artifacts added) (2)recompressing from AVI to MPEG-2 (yet more artifacts added).

Also, don't forget, if you want to have the video properly display on your TV then you have to resize the video and/or interperate the pixel ratios (720x576 with 1.06 pixel ratio for standard PAL and 720x576 with 1.422 for widescreen)

Hope this helps

ErnestM

[tonyvid]

Just found this while looking for something else - if you import the file back into XP Windows MovieMaker you can then save it as an AVI from there, loads of choices for file type under the profile dropdown so choose DV-AVI for the best output.

[meeja]

www.xilisoft.com/video-converter.html

Works a treat....

Will even convert DVD VOB files down to 3GP files (ie so you can play them on your phone!)

[chrisjl]

ErnestM said:

Keep in mind, however, that WMV files are compressed and AVI files are not.

As AVI only specifies the container, and not the content, I suppose that could be true, in exceedingly rare cases. But generally an AVI most definately is compressed (MPEG4, H.264 etc...).
720x576x24-bit color @ 25 fps = 30 Megabytes per second un-compressed (or 1h50 mins per 200GB drive), so you wouldn't generally go the un-compressed route.