How to Convert MOV to AVI in OpenSource

by David Bello
It can be very useful to transfer digital video between file formats when there are so many available right now.

When computer users choose to use an open source program instead of commercially developed software designed for a given purpose, it is often due to the fact that open source software is usually free. Convert MOV video files to AVI video files using a number of open source software programs, whether you have a Mac, PC or Linux operating system.

Using HandBrake

Download HandBrake (see Resources for link).

Open HandBrake and select "Source." In the window that appears, select the MOV file you wish to change into an AVI file.

Select the location on your hard drive where you wish to save the finished AVI file, under "Destination."

Choose "AVI File" as the specified format.

Click "Start." When the progress bar reaches 100%, your AVI file will be completed in the location you specified.

Using VLC Media Player

Download and install VLC Media Player (see Resources for link).

Open VLC's "Streaming/Transcoding Wizard" from the File menu.

Follow the instructions in the on-screen wizard. Choose the AVI format when prompted.

Using FFmpeg

Download and install FFmpeg (see Resources).

Choose your MOV file as the source and AVI as the specified format.

Select the folder where you wish the AVI to be created as the destination and select "Start" to begin the conversion.

Items you will need

References

About the Author

David Bello began writing in 1995. He has published work about human-computer interaction theory and has written for the West Virginia music resource Couches on Fire. He has a Master of Science in communication and rhetoric from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a concentration on digital media studies.

Photo Credits

  • photo_camera A silver digital video camera - close up image by Werg from Fotolia.com