How to Convert WMV to MPEG With Open Source
You may want to convert your Windows Media Videos to MPEG or MPEG-4 (MP4) format for uploading to the Internet or to your MP4 player. There are several open source, or freeware, software options for you--including VLC Media Player and AVS Video Converter. Both of these programs can convert your WMVs to a number of different formats, including MPEG or MP4. The website Zamzar.com allows you to upload your WMV files straight to the Zamzar server, and will convert them to MPEG format free of charge. Please note that you may experience some loss in video quality, due to compression standards.
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Instructions
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VLC Media Player
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Direct your web browser to Videolan.org and download the latest version of VLC Media Player. Agree to the licensing terms, run through the installation process, and launch the program.
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Load your video into VLC Media Player by clicking "File" and selecting "Open Files..." Locate your WMV in the pop-up Windows Explorer menu and choose to open your video in VLC. Wait for your video to load.
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Select "Streaming/Transcoding Wizard" from the "File" menu. Click the "Transcode/Save to File" option and press "Next."
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Hit "Existing Playlist Item" and highlight your WMV in the playlist window. Click "Next."
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Choose one of the MPEG options from the "Transcode Video" drop-down menu. The boxes next to each of the "Transcode" menus should be highlighted. Select an audio codec (for general conversions, it may be best to stick with VLC's pre-determined audio option). Click "Next."
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Click the "Choose..." button to designate a save location on your computer. Rename your video--include the file extension in your movie's name (e.g. ".mpg," ".mp4," etc.).
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Review your summary screen and click "Back" to make any necessary changes. Click "Finish" to begin the conversion.
AVS Video Converter
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Download and install the latest version of AVS Video Converter, free of charge. Agree to the terms of use and run the program.
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Hit the "Browse..." button next to "Input File Name" to find your WMV in the Windows Explorer menu. Choose to open it in AVS.
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Click the "To MP4" or "To MPEG" button at the top of the AVS interface. Click the "Profile" drop-down arrow to choose different preset options, if desired.
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Press the output file name "Browse..." button to set a location on your computer where you want the video saved.
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Click "Convert Now!" to begin the conversion.
Zamzar.com
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Launch your web browser and direct it to Zamzar.com. Hit the "Convert Files" tab in the middle of your screen.
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Click the "Browse..." button to find your WMV in the pop-up window. Choose to open your video in Zamzar.
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Select "mp4" or "mpg" from the drop-down list of formats.
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Type in your email address so Zamzar can notify you when your conversion is done. You will receive a download link with your email alert so you can retrieve your video.
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Click "Convert" to agree to the terms of use and begin the conversion. You will be able to track your video's upload to Zamzar with the progress slide bar that will appear once you click "Convert."
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Tips & Warnings
If converting for a portable media device, consult your user manual for supported picture sizes so you don't convert your WMV to an incompatible resolution.
Conversions may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours, depending on the size of your input file and your output MPEG's settings.
