A multimedia container format introduced by Microsoft in 1992 as part of its Video for Windows technology, Audio Video Interleave (AVI) stores both audio and video data in a single file. The AVI format uses a chunk-based structure derived from the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), enabling the storage of multiple streams of audio, video, and metadata in various codecs within a single file. This structure allows for synchronized playback of audio and video streams.
Chunk-Based Structure
The AVI format’s chunk-based structure, derived from the Resource Interchange File Format (RIFF), supports multiple streams of audio, video, and metadata. This structure allows for the inclusion of various codecs within a single file, ensuring synchronized playback.
Compatibility and Codecs
The AVI format supports a wide range of codecs, with MPEG-4 ASP being a popular choice, often encoded by DivX or Xvid. However, due to its age and the variety of codecs available, AVI files may sometimes have compatibility issues with certain media players or devices.
Evolution and Replacement
While AVI was once a popular choice for video storage and playback, it has been largely replaced by more advanced and efficient container formats such as MP4, MKV, and MOV. These newer formats offer better compression, improved streaming capabilities, and support for additional features, such as subtitles and chapters.
OpenDML Extensions
In February 1996, the Matrox OpenDML group developed file format extensions for AVI, which are supported by Microsoft and unofficially known as AVI 2.0. These extensions enhanced the capabilities of the AVI format, although they did not prevent its eventual replacement by more modern formats.
