Audio Video Interleave
Audio Video Interleave
Audio Video Interleave (AVI) is a multimedia container format for storing audio and video data in a single file, allowing for the simultaneous playback of synchronized audio and video streams. AVI files are compatible with a wide range of media players and can be used across different platforms.
What does Audio Video Interleave mean?
Audio Video Interleave (AVI) is a Multimedia container format that stores audio and video data in a single file. Developed by Microsoft in 1992, AVI files are widely supported by various Media players, software applications, and operating systems.
The AVI file format is based on the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), which is a container format for storing multimedia data. RIFF files consist of a header chunk, which contains general information about the file, and a series of data chunks, which contain the actual audio and video data.
In an AVI file, the video data is typically encoded using a video codec, such as Motion JPEG (MJPEG), H.264, or VP9, while the audio data is encoded using an audio codec, such as PCM, MP3, or AAC. The AVI file header contains information about the video and audio codecs used, the resolution and frame rate of the video, the sampling rate and bit depth of the audio, and other details.
Applications
AVI files are commonly used for storing and playing video content on personal computers and other devices. They are also widely used in video editing software, as they offer a relatively simple and flexible container format that is compatible with a wide range of video and audio codecs.
Additionally, AVI files are often used for streaming video over the internet, as they provide a reliable and efficient container format that can be easily streamed over various networks.
History
The AVI file format was originally developed by Microsoft as part of the Video for Windows (VFW) API, which was a set of libraries that provided support for video playback and capture on Windows-based systems. The initial release of the VFW API in 1992 included support for the AVI file format.
Over the years, the AVI file format has been updated and expanded to support new video and audio codecs, as well as new features such as interlaced video and alpha channels. The latest version of the AVI file format, AVI 2.0, was released in 2000 and includes support for advanced features such as variable Bitrate encoding and multiple audio streams.
Despite the introduction of newer container formats such as MP4 and MKV, AVI remains a widely used and supported format for storing and playing video content. Its simplicity, flexibility, and compatibility with a wide range of software and devices continue to make it a popular choice for both consumers and professionals.