What happens when you convert MPEG to AVI
| Inside a typical MPEG | MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio |
|---|---|
| Copy without re-encoding | Rarely: the codecs are not compatible, so the video is re-encoded |
| When re-encoded | MPEG-4 Part 2 video with MP3 audio |
| Opens in | Windows Media Player and VLC; phones and browsers usually do not |
Sizes are typical values; your files will vary with content and settings.
MPEG MPEG-1/2 Video
MPEG files hold MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video, the codecs used by VCDs, DVDs and older camcorders.
MPEG converterAVI Audio Video Interleave
AVI is Microsoft's 1992 video container. It is still found in old camera footage, DVD rips and legacy Windows software.
AVI converterHow to use the MPEG to AVI Converter
- 1
Choose a MPEG file or drop it onto the page.
- 2
Review the video options. The defaults suit most files.
- 3
Click Convert and download your AVI when processing finishes.
Why convert MPEG to AVI?
MPEG files come from DVD rips, old camcorders and TV capture cards. Compression is inefficient compared with H.264 so files are large. Choose AVI for older players, TVs with a USB port and legacy Windows software.
Frequently asked questions
Will the AVI lose quality?
Both formats are lossy, so converting re-encodes the data once more. Using a high quality setting keeps the generational loss very small. Avoid converting the same file back and forth repeatedly.
Does converting MPEG to AVI re-encode the video?
Rarely: the codecs are not compatible, so the video is re-encoded. A typical MPEG contains MPEG-2 video with MP2 audio. Otherwise the result is MPEG-4 Part 2 with MP3 audio.
Questions about privacy, file-size limits or conversion speed are answered in the general FAQ.