Converting old AVI files

If you are like me and have been taking pics and video’s for many years, you will no doubt also have some old .AVI Video files that are becoming harder to view and will probably need to be updated or converted to a newer video format, like .MP4

So if you are in the same boat and want to convert them, here are a few options:

Converting an AVI file to MP4 is quick and easy. The best method depends on whether you prefer a fast, free desktop application or a quick, web-based tool.

Method 1: Using HandBrake (Recommended Free Desktop Software)

HandBrake is a widely trusted, free, open-source tool that offers the best control over your video’s quality and file size.

1. Download and open HandBrake.
2. Drag and drop your AVI file into the main window.
3. In the Summary tab, ensure the Format is set to MP4.
4. Choose a destination to save your new file at the bottom of the screen.
5. Click Start Encode at the top.

Method 2: Using VLC Media Player (Quick Offline Option)

If you already have VLC installed, you don’t need to download any additional software.

1. Open VLC and click Media > Convert/Save (or press Ctrl + R).
2. Click Add to browse and select your AVI file.
3. Click Convert/Save at the bottom.
4. In the Profile dropdown, select Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4).
5. Click Browse to choose where to save the file, name it (ending with .mp4), and click Start.

Method 3: Using an Online Converter (No Installation Needed)

If your file is small and you don’t want to install software, you can convert it right in your browser.

1. Go to a trusted online converter like CloudConvert or FreeConvert.
2. Upload your AVI file.
3. Select MP4 as the output format.
4. Click Convert and download your new file once it processes.

• Using the online conversion tool has a few advantages, these are the facts that you can upload a file, convert it and then save/download it and it is done:
• On the down side you have a daily limit of 10 conversions or select a paid version
• The issue is that you do not know if they keep a copy of your data and that could be a security risk

Option 1 & 2 on the other hand requires you to download a piece of software, in option one it is a dedicated video file converter and in option 2, you need to download a audio/video player, that has many build in features like playing your music playlists, video playlists and the reason we would want it to convert and save video files.

VLC media player may require a few settings changes depending on the old AVI format:

If the AVI file is old, either the video or the audio may not convert, here are some additional setting that may need to be changed.

If you are getting an audio-only file, you likely missed enabling the video stream inside VLC’s conversion profile settings, or VLC is failing to re-encode the original video codec.

Follow these quick steps to fix it:

The 10-Second Fix

1. Open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save.
2. Click Add to load your AVI file, then click Convert/Save.
3. Look at the Profile dropdown (where Video – H.264 + MP3 (MP4) is selected).
4. Click the Wrench/Gear icon right next to that dropdown to edit the profile.
5. Go to the Video codec tab.
6. Check the box that says “Video” (if this is unticked, VLC strips the video and only saves the audio).
7. Optional but helpful: Check the box for “Keep original video track”. This stops VLC from wasting time compressing the video again and just copies it over.
8. Click Save, choose your destination, and hit Start.

Why This Happens

• The “Video” Box was Unticked: VLC defaults to the last used parameters. If you ever used VLC to extract audio from a video into an MP3, that “Video” box stays unchecked until you turn it back on.
• Codec Incompatibility: Some AVI files use old or proprietary video codecs that VLC’s converter struggles to read while transcoding.

The Encapsulation tab must be set to MP4/MOV.

Setting this tells VLC to use the proper container for your final file.

How to check the setting

1. Open the profile editing window (click the Wrench/Gear icon).
2. Click the Encapsulation tab.
3. Select the radio button for MP4/MOV.
4. Click Save.

If the video convert works but it fails to convert the audio, the audio track in your original AVI file is likely in a format (like AC3 or DTS) that VLC failed to convert properly into the MP4 container.

You can fix this easily by forcing VLC to copy the original audio track directly without changing it.

The Quick Audio Fix

1. Open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save.
2. Add your AVI file and click Convert/Save.
3. Click the Wrench/Gear icon next to your profile.
4. Go to the Audio codec tab.
5. Check the box for “Audio” if it is not already checked.
6. Check the box for “Keep original audio track” (this bypasses VLC’s encoder and just copies the sound).
7. Click Save and run the conversion again.

If that fails (The Standard MP4 Audio Settings)

If copying the original track results in an error or still no sound, change the audio settings to the universal standard:

1. Go back to that Audio codec tab.
2. Uncheck “Keep original audio track”.
3. Change the Codec dropdown to MPEG 4 Audio (AAC).
4. Set the Bitrate to 128 kb/s (or 192 kb/s).
5. Set Channels to 2.
6. Click Save and try converting one more time.

Check if keeping the original track bring the sound back, or do we need to try a different audio codec standard?

If both checkboxes are checked, yet the audio still fails to convert, it means VLC is trying to copy an audio format that the MP4 container cannot accept, causing the audio stream to drop entirely.

To fix this, you need to force VLC to transcode (convert) the audio into a standard format rather than trying to copy it.

The Fix: Force Audio Conversion

1. Open VLC and go to Media > Convert/Save.
2. Add your AVI file and click Convert/Save.
3. Click the Wrench/Gear icon next to your profile.
4. Go to the Audio codec tab.
5. Uncheck the box that says “Keep original audio track”.
6. Change the Codec dropdown to MPEG 4 Audio (AAC).
7. Change Bitrate to 128 kb/s (or 192 kb/s).
8. Change Channels to 2.
9. Click Save and run the conversion.

Why This Happens

AVI files often use old audio formats like PCM (uncompressed) or AC3/DTS (surround sound). While the standard MP4 container loves AAC audio, it will reject or mute raw PCM or DTS streams if you try to force them in using the “Keep original” checkbox.

Did switching to the MPEG 4 Audio (AAC) codec finally give you both picture and sound, or should we switch to HandBrake to save time?

I personally use the VLC Player as I have it installed as my default media player.

Wolf