AVI Codec

What is an AVI Codec?

AVI or more specifically Audio Video Interlace Video is a multimedia container format initially created for use on Microsoft PCs. Many people mistakenly consider AVI a codec, which it is not. It is able to store different types of formats, including audio and video codecs, the most common of which are DivX and Xvid codecs. Its ability to hold both forms of audio and video formats makes it an ideal multimedia container.

How does AVI work?

AVI is based on a Resource Interchange File Format or RIFF. Basically the information will be divided into chunks; these chunks are then tagged and will hold different portions of video and audio information. These chunks can then be encoded or decoded by software which will allow the data to stream fluidly between raw data to compressed data format. Any number of compression techniques may be used to create an AVI, the ones chosen will determine the final size and quality of the video and/or audio.

Uses of the AVI file format

The AVI codec is compatible with most video players; this makes it great for regular video storage. While MP4 in some ways overshadows AVI because of its range of features, the AVI is still the preferred method of video storage for some because of its greater level of compatibility with most video players. The quality of the AVI can be fine tuned dependent on what it is you are trying to achieve. If the AVI will be used to stream videos online then you will need to tweak the properties of the AVI so that you can achieve a more compressed file format although you will be comprising quality. However, in general, the codecs that are used to create an AVI makes it more useful than using a regular DVD format. Unlike the standard DVD format (MPEG) which will typically use 3.4 GB of space the AVI video will only require about 700MB of storage space per movie. This means that on a regular DVD only one MPEG movie will be housed when compared to the 5 or so AVI movies that can be placed on a regular disc. But will there be compatibility issues? Not necessarily, that is, if you have an MP4 or AVI player. These have become more prominent in recent years meaning you won’t be restricted to watching your video files on computer. The files that are written to the DVD will be created more effortlessly.

When you burn a standard DVD compatible format you will need specialized software to convert it from your computer playable MP4 or AVI file format into the much larger MPEG video file. This will require at least 4 GB of hard drive space and will take a few hours to complete. Once this is done you will then need to burn your CD as an ISO image, or as is. However, with your AVI format you will be able to directly burn to your DVD files using data format. Once this is done it can be played in your compatible player. Additionally the price for these players are fairly inexpensive and will save you money in the long run when you consider the price you will pay for multiple discs over time.