In the 1990s, the AVI and WMV formats were introduced by Microsoft. Since then both formats have been staples for computer internationally. AVI which stands for Audio Video Interleave, was introduced in the year 1992 and is technically known as a container format. As a container format, AVI can include both video and audio while allowing synchronous playback. AVI files are found online as music videos, television programs, streaming videos and even full length motion pictures. On the other hand, WMV is the acronym for Windows Media Video and was developed by Microsoft specifically for streaming. However, WMV can also be saved to a hard drive or disk media for playback with Windows Media Player and other typed of players such as Winamp, DivX and VLC player. The file formats are favored for two reasons; first, they are easily played in media players like Windows Media Player, which come equipped with the Windows operating system. Second, they are easily compressed and can be uploaded, downloaded or streamed on the internet. The process of converting AVI file formats to WMV file formats is relatively easy and it only requires conversion software. 
Things you will need
- Conversion Software
Instructions
- Install and Launch conversion software on your computer to convert either an AVI or WMV file.
- Choose the type of conversion that you would like to achieve.
- Load the AVI source file that you would like to convert to WMV. Most times the software will prompt you to browse of quickly choose the file from a folder on your computer. Most applications will also allow you to drag and drop source files into the application window. Name the destination file and ensure that it is saved into a specific directory.
- Once you’ve finished steps 1 through four, you may choose between additional features. Each software will have its own features, so before using the software, look through the bells and whistles that the software has available.
- Once you have made all your specifications, you may start the conversion process. The process should last between a minute to over an hour depending on the size of the file, the conversion specifics and the computer configuration.
- Once the conversion process is completed the software will notify you. You will get an error message at the moment the error took place if a problem occurs. Open the media player of your choice and confirm that the file has been converted correctly.
Do’s
- Be careful to choose the right audio and video codecs; WMA for audio and WMV8/9 for a video are the best choice.
- Be careful to choose the relevant video size; usually the original size.
- Also, be sure to you choose the relevant bit rate; for decent quality, use at least 128 kbit/s for audio and 768 kbit/s for video. Keep the frames per second the same as the source file.
