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Advanced Systems Format or ASF is a multimedia file format that was created by Microsoft as part of their Windows media framework. ASF was explicitly designed for the streaming of audio and video content on the internet. But if you try to open an .asf file today on your iPhone or other devices, you’ll probably hit an error. It’s a legacy container that holds Windows Media Video and Audio codecs. Modern devices, editing software, and video playing platforms support MP4 as it is easily playable everywhere.
Why Convert ASF Video to MP4?
An ASF Video file is ideal when it comes to streaming content on Microsoft media environments. However, it does come with a few setbacks which are as follows:
- Limited compatibility with media players: ASF is the proprietary software of Microsoft. Hence, it has limited support to other multimedia playing platforms whereas MP4 is widely compatible with all the media players.
- Limited usage: Since all the multimedia playing platforms do not support ASF video files, it has limited use only. MP4 video files are the video format preferred by most users due to its versatility.
- Low-quality video: ASF video files are highly compressed, and so the quality of the video is usually low. It even has a relatively low-resolution limit of 352×288 because of its streaming requirements. Due to these reasons, there arises a need to change video file format into a better file format like the MP4, which is widely used and even maintains the quality of videos.
- Helpful in streaming: The MP4 files are also highly compressed but without losing the quality of the video, which makes it ideal for streaming videos over the internet.
Methods to Convert ASF File to MP4 Video File (For a Few Videos)
You can convert ASF file to MP4 either with online converter tools and VLC Media Player. Here are the steps for each method listed in detail:
Method 1. Using online video conversion tools
One of the easiest approaches is converting an ASF file into MP4 File using the video conversion tools available over the internet. Some of these online converters are:
- Zamzar
- Online Convert
- Covertia
- Convert File
These converters have a simple method – just add the required ASF video, and it will automatically convert ASF to MP4. They can also be used to convert a MP4 file to other format. Make sure to have a stable internet connection and continuous power supply. However, online video conversion tools do raise an eyebrow due to these concerns:
Limitations of using online converters
- Lack of safety: As you save the converted MP4 file on your system, it opens a door for various bugs and virus attacks.
- Privacy in question: Some tools ask the users to fill in their contact details, leading to bombarding the user with spam emails. Also, avoid working with online converters when dealing with confidential video content.
- Limit in file size: There is often a limit to file size while converting videos which is not suitable when converting large-sized video files.
- Quality loss: There is a huge possibility that the quality of the video gets degraded during the conversion process.
- Limited storage time: Usually, the online tools let the user store the converted video file for only a limited period.
Method 2. Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is an open-source multimedia playing platform that is widely used across the world. It has a lot of unique features to offer including, converting one video file format into another. Follow these steps to convert an ASF video file into an MP4 file:
- Launch the VLC Media Player on your computer system.
- From the Menu bar, click on Media and then go to Convert/Save.
- Using the Add feature, choose the ASF video file and then click on Convert/Save.
- From the available options, choose MP4.
- Click Browse to provide a destination to save the converted video file.
- Click on Start, and it will start the conversion process.
Converting video files through VLC Media Player is suitable for small videos only as it can be done with much ease.
Limitations of using VLC Media Player
- Lack of metadata retention: Copyright data, markers, or creation date can be stripped out during VLC conversion.
- Disrupted video quality: VLC re-encodes the video completely, resulting in a visible drop in resolution and bitrate.
- Issues with corrupted files: If the ASF video is corrupted, then there is a high possibility of VLC crashing or freezing.
- No batch processing for folders: You can add multiple video files, but you can’t add multiple folders in VLC.
Method 3. Using FFmpeg
Users can even use FFmpeg to convert ASF to MP4. Here are some FFmpeg commands that you can utilize to convert your ASF files.
- Standard/compatible option
- Ultra-fast option (No Re-encoding)
- High-quality archive option
How to Convert ASF File to MP4 in Bulk?
Manual video conversion methods come with some drawbacks that may affect the video quality and conversion process. To convert ASF file to MP4, a better approach is to opt for a professional tool like the Kernel Video Converter Tool. This is an advanced software that allows users to convert bulk video files into a wide range of formats. You can choose videos of different formats simultaneously and convert them into your desired format.
Further, it comes with a simple interface with no file size limitations. It can even convert a MKV file to MP4. It offers an exclusive approach to every video, making sure that its quality does not get affected at all.
Convert ASF Video to MP4 Using Kernel Video Converter: Step by Step
- Open the tool and select all the videos you want to convert by clicking on the plus sign.
- Choose the videos from anywhere on your desktop and click on Open.
- The selected video will be displayed, and now click on Next.
- Tick the checkbox MP4 and click on Convert Now.
- Choose a destination to save the converted MP4 video file.
- The conversion process will start, and the status will be changed from Processing to Success.
- Once the process is completed, click Save report to CSV to keep progress report on your system.
Concluding Note: How to convert ASF to MP4?
Both ASF and MP4 are video container file formats. But due to restrictions with ASF video files, users convert ASF to MP4. An ASF video can be converted into an MP4 file effortlessly with the help of online free video conversion tools or VLC Media Player. But for bulk conversion, it is recommended to use a specialized software.
