- Compared to AVI, WMV is a relatively new multimedia format. AVI was introduced to the computing world by Microsoft's designers in late 1992, while WMV would not be ready and released until 2003, and its standardization would not be approved by the SMPTE, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, until 2006. The most normal format used as a container file for WMV files is Advanced Systems Format (ASF) though using AVI is easy enough on its own.
- One easy method for converting from WMV to AVI is to use a freeware or a purchased conversion program. A popular program for users is the Prism freeware program, downloadable from the link to nchsoftware.com in Resources. Users can simply visit the web site and download the program for free. The Prism software is handy in that it converts many popular video formats outside of WMV and AVI.
- After downloading Prism, install the program onto your computer. There are many options for elements to be installed into your computer, but the most important is the basic conversion software, which will allow the conversion from WMV to AVI. Once installed, open the program and click the plus sign in the top left-hand corner to add the file you wish to convert. Choose the desired WMV file to convert, and then choose AVI in the "Output format" field. Click "browse" to choose where the AVI file will be placed. Now click "Convert." The program will convert the WMV to AVI for you.
- Many other software programs make the conversion from WMV to AVI possible. Windows MovieMaker is useful for this purpose, and on some computers comes standard, as it is sometimes packaged with the Microsoft XP and Vista operating systems. Other companies sell a pay model, available for around $30 to $60 (as of 2010). These include Xilisoft and Blaze Media Pro, both designed for Windows operating systems installed on PCs. For Mac, mp4converter.com sells a program that makes the WMV to AVI conversion possible.
- After converting to AVI, not much changes with the video file other than the quality and the size of the file. An AVI, since it is a lower compression than a WMV, will take up more room but run at a higher level of quality than a WMV. Invariably, this will cause whichever program you are using to play the file to need to devote more resources to the playing of the file. Close any unnecessary programs during playback, to ensure seamless viewing.
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