Converting M4V to AVI

[tj3]

Hello, Just downloaded Avidemux and tried to convert a m4v to avi and was unsuccessful. The output file didn't have visual. First time using this program.

Here are the steps I used:

Open file
Click on m4v file
-m4v file loads and then the"H.264 Detected" Dialog opens
Click yes in Dialog box
Click File>Save>Save Video
-the output file is saved as a blank file with "file" as the extension.
Renamed the output file with .avi at the end and the file changes to avi file icon but with no preview thumbnail indicating something might not be right.
-the output file plays but with no picture/visual and the sound seems to be choppy.

Any ideas on what I might have done better. Thanks in advance.

[Baldrick]

Try mp4camtoavi and see if it can change it to avi without reconversion.

[tj3]

Thanks for the recommendation Baldrick, but was unsucessful with that program as well.

Here are the steps I followed:

Downloaded the program
Unzipped the file in the same directory but not sure if it installed correctly.
Clicked Mp4Cam2AVI file in the program folder and program loads.
Navigated to source folder, but it doesn't recognize any files in that folder.
-Only files on computer that it recognizes are AVI files. (source files set to MP4/MOV option)

[Baldrick]

Rename the m4v to mp4.

[tj3]

Well, I renamed the m4v to mp4 and it was recognized, however I wasn't able to convert it to avi:

-In the program preview window it says "You can convert this file with 'Source Video' option". Not sure what that means.
Next, clicked Action>Start Conversion
-Dialog box appears about avi container not fully compatible with H.264 content, etc.
Clicked OK
-Dialog box appears and says program has stopped working and Windows is looking for a solution.
-Program closes.

[Dassy]

You need to know that there are two kinds of M4V files generally: one is DRM protected and the other is DRM free.

The M4V movies, TV shows and music videos purchased or rent from iTunes Store can only be played on authorized computers in iTunes or iPhone, iPad or iPod. If you want to convert M4V to DRM-free AVI, you first need to bypass the DRM.

M4V files that are not protected with Apple FairPlay can be opened in VLC, QuickTime, Windows Media Player, and probably other media players. And you can convert them to MP4, AVI, etc. easily with Handbrake, Avidemux, etc.

[Baldrick]

Dassy: This thread is 6 years old....please stop grave dig! And I hope you are not going to start spam some product....