AVCHD to AVI Converter
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Supports: AVCHD
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Need help?How to Convert AVCHD to AVI
- Upload your AVCHD video — Click "+ Add Files" or drag and drop your AVCHD camcorder files.
- Choose compression — Under "File Compression," select "Quality Preset" (Highest to Lowest), "Target file size (%)" to reduce by percentage, "Specific file size" in MB/KB, "Constant Bitrate," "Variable Bitrate," "Constant Quality" (CRF), or "Constraint Quality" (CRF + max bitrate).
- Adjust resolution — Under "Video resolution," keep original, pick a preset (1080p, 720p, 480p, etc.), or enter exact width/height in pixels.
- Trim if needed — Under "Trim," set a start time and duration to extract a specific clip.
- Convert and download — Click "Convert" and download your AVI file.
Why Convert AVCHD to AVI?
AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) is the format used by Sony, Panasonic, and Canon HD camcorders, recording in 1080i/1080p with H.264 compression. While AVCHD produces excellent quality, many older video editors (Windows Movie Maker, older Premiere versions), media players, and embedded systems don't support it. AVI (Audio Video Interleave) is Microsoft's universal video container — supported by virtually every Windows application, video editor, and media player since the 1990s.
Converting AVCHD to AVI is essential when you need to edit camcorder footage in legacy software, play it on older media players, or import it into systems that only accept AVI input. AVI's broad codec support means the converted video works everywhere.
AVCHD vs AVI Comparison
| Feature | AVCHD | AVI |
|---|---|---|
| Codec | H.264 (fixed) | Any (DivX, Xvid, H.264, etc.) |
| Resolution | 1080i/1080p | Any |
| Container | MPEG-2 Transport Stream | Microsoft RIFF |
| Editing support | Modern NLEs only | Universal |
| Player support | Limited | Universal (Windows) |
| Camcorder native | Yes | No |
| File size (1hr 1080p) | 4–8 GB | Varies by codec |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camcorders use AVCHD?
AVCHD is the standard for HD camcorders from Sony (Handycam HDR-CX/FDR-AX), Panasonic (HC-V/HC-X series), Canon (VIXIA/LEGRIA), and JVC (Everio). It records 1080i or 1080p video with H.264 compression and AC3 or PCM audio.
What compression setting should I use?
"Quality Preset: High" works well for most editing workflows. For archival, use "Constant Quality (CRF)" at 18 (near-lossless). For smaller files, "Target file size (%)" at 50% roughly halves the file while maintaining good quality.
Will the file size increase?
It depends on the compression setting. AVI with similar H.264 encoding produces comparable file sizes. AVI with older codecs (DivX, Xvid) may produce slightly larger files at equivalent quality since they're less efficient than H.264.
Can I trim the video during conversion?
Yes. Under "Trim," set a start time and duration to extract a specific clip from your camcorder recording.
Should I convert to AVI or MP4?
For modern workflows, AVCHD to MP4 is usually better — MP4 is more widely supported on web, mobile, and modern devices. Choose AVI only when you specifically need AVI compatibility for legacy software or Windows-based systems.