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WTV to AVI Converter

Convert WTV to AVI online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality conversion with no sign-up or software required.

Free to useNo file stored beyond 1 hourEncrypted over TLS 1.2/1.3No watermarks

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How it works

Three steps to your converted file

Everything happens in your browser tab - upload, pick a format, download. The heavy lifting runs on our servers.

01

Upload your file

Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste a URL. Batches take up to 20 files at once - 230+ input formats across video, audio, image, document, and archive types.

02

Choose an output format

Pick from over a hundred output formats. Filter by category or search by name - every option is open to everyone, no account needed.

03

Convert & download

Hit Convert and grab your download link moments later. Originals are erased when the job completes; results are cleared within about an hour.

What is a WTV file?

The WTV (Windows Recorded TV Show) format is a proprietary video container developed by Microsoft for recording television content via Windows Media Center, replacing the earlier DVR-MS format. It utilizes the Stream Buffer Engine (SBE) architecture to allow simultaneous recording and playback. The container typically encapsulates MPEG-2 or H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video streams and MPEG-1 Layer II or Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, often including extensive metadata and DRM restrictions to enforce broadcast copyright policies.

How to open a WTV file

WTV files are designed for Windows Media Center, which is discontinued in Windows 10 and 11, though the files may still play in standard Windows Media Player if the content is not DRM-encrypted. For reliable playback on modern systems or non-Windows platforms, VLC media player is the primary solution for non-encrypted WTV files. Encrypted WTV files generally cannot be opened by third-party software and require the original recording hardware environment.

WTV Technical Info

Full Name
Windows Recorded TV Show
Developed By
Microsoft
Initial Release
2008
MIME Type
video/wtv

What is an AVI file?

Audio Video Interleave (AVI) is a multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of the Video for Windows technology. It adheres to the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF) specification, storing audio and video data in tagged chunks (specifically 'movi' lists) to allow synchronous playback. While widely compatible, the legacy AVI architecture lacks native support for modern features found in MP4 or MKV, such as variable frame rates (VFR), B-frames, and sophisticated chapter markers. It typically utilizes codecs like DivX, Xvid, or MJPEG.

How to open an AVI file

AVI files enjoy broad compatibility on Windows via Windows Media Player. However, because AVI is a container that can hold various codecs (e.g., DivX, Xvid), playback may fail if the specific codec is missing. macOS users can view AVI files using QuickTime Player if the content is MJPEG, but third-party players are often required for other codecs. VLC media player and MPC-HC are standard recommendations for handling the vast array of codecs potentially encapsulated within an AVI file.

AVI Technical Info

Full Name
Audio Video Interleave
Developed By
Microsoft
Initial Release
1992
MIME Type
video/x-msvideo

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Why RunConvert

The fastest way to convert any file

Purpose-built for speed, privacy, and breadth of format support.

Convert WTV to AVI in seconds

Every WTV to AVI conversion runs on our servers, so your device stays fast and the output quality stays intact.

Fast, cloud-powered

No queue, no waiting. Files are processed on high-performance servers and returned in seconds, even for large files.

Secure & private

Encrypted in transit and never shared with anyone. Uploads are erased the moment your job completes, and results shortly after.

Free - no account needed

Convert without creating an account - no credit card, no trial clock. Sign in only if you want history and higher daily limits.

Developer API

Convert WTV to AVI via API

Automate WTV to AVI conversions in three steps: create a job, upload your file, then poll for the result.

# 1. Create job
curl -X POST https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "tag": "wtv-to-avi",
    "tasks": {
      "upload-file": {
        "operation": "import/upload"
      },
      "convert": {
        "operation": "convert",
        "input": "upload-file",
        "output_format": "avi"
      },
      "export-result": {
        "operation": "export/url",
        "input": "convert"
      }
    }
  }'

# 2. Upload your file (use upload_url from the response)
curl -X PUT "$UPLOAD_URL" --upload-file input.wtv

# 3. Poll for result
curl https://api.runconvert.com/v3/jobs/$JOB_ID?include=tasks \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your RunConvert API key. Get your free API key at runconvert.com/api.