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AVI is abbreviated as audio video interleave. The '.avi' file extension refers to AVI files. Microsoft first developed the AVI file format in November 1992 as part of the videos for Windows software. The video format is based on a container RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) used to store multimedia data. AVI file format is relatively old but still widely used because it is compatible with various media players and supported by all Microsoft and Apple operating systems.
An AVI file extension can store audio and video tracks with various codecs like DivX and XviD in a single file. So, this multimedia container allows a user to play back audio and video synchronously.
Audio Video Interleave format offers limited playback capabilities on Android and iOS operating systems or devices lacking expandable storage. The AVI files are not best for sharing or streaming video because they can't support 4K or ultra HD resolution. AVI can support features like captions, subtitles, streaming, multi-audio tracks, and 3D containers with the help of third-party software.
MP4 stands for MPEG-4 Part 14. It is a digital multimedia container format that wraps around the video. MP4 was developed by the Motion Picture Experts Group(MPEG) in 2001. It stores video, audio files, and streaming video. It is a trendy format for streaming video because it does not require ample storage space. MP4 is a valid multimedia container format for all devices, such as iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows. MP4 is a modern file format incorporating three compression techniques, leading to more compression potential. MP4 provides flash video at a low bit rate. MP4 is considered the perfect format for broadcasting and HTTP.
Regarding the question of AVI vs MP4, which file type is better? It is important to consider features such as file size, video quality, compatibility, etc. Audio Video Interleave may be better for Windows and MacOS or specific software, but MP4 offers better compression and is broadly compatible with the latest devices and platforms. The table below explains all the differences between AVI and MP4 video file formats.
Video Parameters | AVI | MP4 |
Developer | Microsoft | Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) |
Video Compression | AVI is an older format that cannot incorporate B-frame compression techniques. So, this video format typically has less compression potential for video and audio data. | MP4 is a modern file format that can incorporate compression techniques including, B-frame (bidirectional predicted), I-Frame (intra-coded), and P-frame (predicted). So, this format leads to more compression potential. |
File Size | Due to lower compression AVI files are larger in size. An AVI video file size is typically 2-3 GB/minute. | MP4 file is smaller in size because it supports more advanced video codecs for better compression. An MP4 video file size is typically 300-500 MB/minute. |
Quality | AVI brings slightly better image quality for playback because it has a larger file size. | For similar compression settings, MP4 files get a bit lower image quality. |
Supported Video Format | Almost all formats | MPEG-2, MPEG-4 ASP, H.265/HEVC, MPEG-4 AVC, H.263, VC-1, Dirac, etc. |
Supported Audio Format | Almost all formats | MPEG-4 (HE)-AAC, MPEG-2 Layers I, II, III, AC-3, ALAC, ALS, SLS, etc. |
Audio & Video Codecs | It supports older codecs like XviD, DivX, Cinepak, Indeo Video, and MPEG-4. | It supports advanced codecs like H.265/HEVC, Theora, H264, VP8, VP9, and AV1. |
Compatible Devices | PC, Microsoft & Apple devices, Games consoles | Compatible for all devices |
Supported Media Players | VLC, Windows Media Player, Quicktime, and other AVI players like JetVideo and KM Player. | It is supported by all media players. |
Streaming | It doesn't support streaming | Supported |
Maximum Resolution | 1080x1920 | 2048x2048 |
If you want to watch a movie or video on your phone but your phone isn't playing AVI files? Many AVI converters are available, but we recommend UniFab Video Converter. UniFab Video Converter is the best AVI converter for easily converting your videos into your desired format. UniFab can convert efficiently over 1000 video formats such as MP4, MKV, WMV, etc. You can convert your videos from AVI to MP4 format with the help of UniFab converter in a few seconds. It also offers Crop, Effect, Trimming, Watermark, Subtitle, Audio, and Speed features that make the video more compelling.
UniFab video converter is an open-source AVI to MP4 converter as it has a user-friendly interface and one-stop video production tool that saves your valuable time for other things. It not only converts AVI to MP4 but also compresses many video files at a time while retaining the original quality. You can convert multiple files using the batch mode. All the files will be processed once after another automatically at a rapid pace. This open-source video converter is ideal for professional videographers or enthusiasts who need the fastest video conversion and editing solution. So try it today and make your AVI video playable on any device without losing quality.
The AVI format is generally higher in quality but inferior to formats like MP4 and WebM because of the larger size and limited supported devices. UniFab AVI converter can help you convert AVI files to modern MP4 video format for faster loading and a better user experience.
UniFab AVI to MP4 converter performs the file conversion task automatically in three steps:
Step 1: First, launch UniFab Video Converter on your PC. Once done, select the AVI video/file you want to convert to MP4 and drag it to UniFab Converter.
Step 2: Choose the desired format, 'MP4', then click the 'Start' button to convert videos to MP4.
Step 3: UniFab Video Converter converts AVI to Mp4 in seconds without loss. Within seconds, you can enjoy your MP4 videos on any device anywhere.
Tip: This Avi to MP4 converter has many customization tools. If the source video has multiple audio tracks and subtitles, you can edit them and add external subtitles before clicking the "Start" button. The built-in video editor feature can trim, rotate, change aspect ratio and more in the 'Advance Setting' panel.