What is AVI?

AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992. It is one of the oldest video file formats and was designed to store both audio and video data in a single file, allowing synchronous audio-with-video playback.

History

AVI was introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of its Video for Windows technology. It was one of the first formats to allow audio and video to be played together on personal computers.

How it works

AVI files use a simple structure where audio and video data are stored in alternating chunks. The format supports various codecs for both audio and video compression, making it flexible but sometimes leading to compatibility issues.

How to open AVI files

AVI files can be opened with many media players and devices. Here are some common ways to open AVI files:

• Windows Media Player
• VLC Media Player
• Media Player Classic
• PotPlayer
• Most modern web browsers
• Most video editing software
• Many media players on mobile devices

Tips for working with AVI files

Here are some useful tips when working with AVI files:

• AVI files are widely supported across different platforms
• They can store both audio and video in a single file
• The format supports various codecs for compression
• AVI files can be large due to limited compression options
• Some AVI files may require specific codecs to play properly

Useful links

For more information about AVI files, you can visit these resources:

• Microsoft AVI File Format Documentation
• AVI File Format Specification
• Video for Windows Documentation