Free online TOD to 3GPP converter

What the TOD format is

TOD is a video container used mainly by JVC Everio high-definition hard-disk and memory-card camcorders. It normally stores MPEG-2 video with MPEG audio, often at 720p or 1080i resolutions, and may be accompanied by metadata or playlist files created by the camera software.

TOD recordings are encountered when copying footage directly from an Everio camera or its storage media. Many current players can decode the contents, but mobile-oriented applications and older devices may not recognize the .tod extension or its MPEG-2 video stream.

What the 3GPP format is

3GPP is a multimedia container standardized for mobile networks and cellular devices. Files generally use the .3gp extension and can contain MPEG-4 Part 2 or H.263 video with AAC, AMR, or related mobile audio codecs.

3GPP files are usually smaller and less demanding to decode than original camcorder footage. They are useful for older phones, embedded mobile players, messaging systems, and applications that specifically accept 3GP rather than a general-purpose MP4 file.

How to convert TOD to 3GPP

You can convert the file for free on the 101convert.com website without installing software: choose the TOD file, select 3GPP or .3gp as the output format, start the conversion, and download the result when processing finishes.

For local conversion, FFmpeg provides predictable control over codecs and output size:

1. Install a current FFmpeg build and place the source file in an accessible folder.
2. Run this command, replacing the filenames as required:

ffmpeg -i input.TOD -c:v mpeg4 -q:v 5 -c:a aac -b:a 96k -ar 44100 -f 3gp output.3gp

The command decodes the MPEG-2 video and re-encodes it as MPEG-4 Part 2, then stores it with AAC audio in a 3GPP container. -q:v 5 controls video quality; use a larger value for a smaller, lower-quality file or a smaller value for better quality. To limit the output for an older phone, add a scale filter such as -vf scale=640:-2.

If the source is interlaced, deinterlace it during conversion with -vf yadif,scale=640:-2. Use the File → Export or File → Convert command in a desktop video converter that supports TOD as an alternative, and choose 3GPP or 3GP as the output profile.

Quality and compatibility limitations

This conversion normally requires re-encoding because TOD commonly contains MPEG-2 video, whereas 3GPP targets mobile codecs. Re-encoding reduces quality, and converting high-definition interlaced footage to a small 3GP frame can remove fine detail; keep the original TOD files for archival use.

3GPP support varies by device. Newer players may accept H.264 and AAC in a 3GP container, but older phones are more likely to support MPEG-4 Part 2 with low resolutions and modest bitrates. If the generated file does not play, try -vf scale=176:-2 or -vf scale=320:-2, reduce the video bitrate, and use a device-specific 3GP preset.