Free online DV to XVID converter

Legacy media players, editing applications, and sharing workflows may require Xvid instead of DV, while Xvid usually produces a much smaller file. The conversion is therefore used to improve playback compatibility or reduce storage and transfer size.

What the DV format is

DV is a digital video format designed for tape-based camcorders, especially MiniDV and DVCAM devices. Captured footage commonly appears as .dv, .dif, or an AVI file containing the DV video codec.

Video capture utilities such as dvgrab, Adobe Premiere, Apple iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and older versions of Windows Movie Maker can create or export DV files. DV preserves camera footage at a relatively high bitrate, but its files are large: standard-definition DV commonly uses about 25 Mb/s before audio and container overhead.

What the Xvid format is

Xvid is an open-source implementation of the MPEG-4 Part 2 Advanced Simple Profile video codec. It is normally stored in an AVI container and is supported by many older software media players, televisions, and hardware devices.

Xvid provides substantially smaller files than DV at comparable standard-definition viewing quality. It is useful for distributing or archiving SD video when the target device specifically supports Xvid/AVI. Xvid is not the same as the container: .avi identifies the file container, while Xvid identifies the video codec inside it.

How to actually convert DV to Xvid

Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg is suitable for batch conversion and gives direct control over the codec, audio, and image format. Install a build that includes the libxvid and libmp3lame encoders, then run:

ffmpeg -i input.dv -c:v libxvid -q:v 4 -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 128k -ar 48000 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.avi

Replace input.dv with the source filename. The libxvid encoder creates Xvid video, -q:v 4 selects quality-based encoding, and the MP3 audio settings create an AVI combination accepted by many older players. Lower quality values generally produce better video and larger files; test values from 3 to 6 for the desired size.

For footage intended for progressive playback, deinterlace during conversion:

ffmpeg -i input.dv -vf yadif -c:v libxvid -q:v 4 -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 128k -ar 48000 -pix_fmt yuv420p output.avi

Do not add yadif if the interlaced structure must be retained for an interlaced television workflow. To inspect the source before encoding, use:

ffprobe input.dv

Using the website converter

You can convert the file for free on 101convert.com without installing software: choose the DV file, select Xvid or AVI/Xvid as the output when available, start the conversion, and download the resulting file. Check the downloaded file with the target player because support for specific Xvid audio and video settings varies.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

• Conversion from DV to Xvid is lossy. Keep the original DV file if later editing or preservation matters; do not use the Xvid copy as the new editing master.
• DV footage is often interlaced. Deinterlacing improves computer playback but permanently changes motion detail, so retain an untouched DV master.
• Use yuv420p for broad compatibility. Some older Xvid devices reject other pixel formats.
• DV can contain 4:3 or 16:9 standard-definition video. FFmpeg normally carries the source dimensions and display aspect ratio, but verify the result if the picture appears stretched.
• Xvid in AVI has compatibility limits with very large files, unusual audio codecs, variable frame rates, and modern subtitle features. MP3 audio at 44.1 or 48 kHz is the safest choice for older hardware.