How to Convert a VCD Disc Into an AVI File

VCDs can be ripped to a computer with minimal effort.

While the VCD format (video compact disc) never took on in America, it was wildly popular in other parts of the world, especially Asia. Most DVD (digital video disc) players support VCD playback, but it is also possible to rip a VCD to an AVI file (audio video interleave) using software that can be found online for free.

Things You'll Need

• VCD
• Any Video Converter (see link in resource section)

Instructions

1. Put the VCD in your computer's DVD or CD drive.

2. Go to My Computer and open the disc. Inside one of the disc's folders (usually MPEGAV) there should be a very large DAT file. Drag this file to your desktop.

3. Download and install the free Any Video Converter and launch the program.

4. Next to "profile" in the top right corner make sure that the format chosen is "Customized AVI Movie."

5. Click on "Add Video" and select the DAT file you copied from the VCD.

6. Click "convert" and the Any Video Converter will convert the the DAT file to AVI. Click on "open output folder" under the file menu to locate the newly created AVI file after the conversion process is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Delete the DAT file after conversion is complete, because they take up a lot of space on your hard drive.

References

• Any Video Converter: FAQs for DVD/Video Converter
• Lifehacker: Top 10 Free Video Rippers, Encoders

Resources

• Any Video Converter Download Page