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What is DAV?

Dahua DAV, proprietary surveillance video format from Dahua DVR systems — stored as video/x-dahua — uses lossy encoding to handle surveillance footage conversion, dahua dvr playback, security video archiving. Typical file sizes: varies by content.

What is WMV?

WMV (Windows Media Video) is Microsoft's compressed video format designed for Windows Media Player and streaming.

When Should You Use DAV vs WMV?

Use DAV When...

Reach for DAV when your priority is surveillance footage conversion, dahua dvr playback, security video archiving — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

Use WMV When...

Reach for WMV when your priority is windows media, office presentations — its efficient compression makes sharing fast and storage minimal.

DAV vs WMV: Key Differences

  • •DAV and WMV diverge on compression: lossy compression for the source, lossy compression for the target.
  • •Both formats share lossy compression, so quality behavior is similar across the two — file size differences come from algorithm efficiency rather than compression philosophy.
  • •How transparency is handled: WMV does not support alpha channels — transparent areas in the source will become opaque.
  • •Storage footprint: varies for DAV vs Similar to MP4 at equivalent quality for WMV.
  • •Use case fit: DAV targets surveillance footage conversion, dahua dvr playback, security video archiving and WMV targets windows media, office presentations — your choice depends on which workflow stage you are serving.

Advantages of DAV

  • ✓DAV uses lossy compression tailored for Surveillance footage conversion, Dahua DVR playback, security video archiving.
  • ✓DAV is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
  • ✓DAV files are compact and quick to transfer, even over slow connections.
  • ✓DAV integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Advantages of WMV

  • ✓WMV uses lossy compression tailored for Windows media, Office presentations.
  • ✓WMV is supported natively on virtually every device, browser, and operating system.
  • ✓WMV files are compact and quick to transfer, even over slow connections.
  • ✓WMV integrates seamlessly with all major creative tools and workflows.

Common Use Cases for DAV to WMV Conversion

  • Educational content
  • Marketing videos
  • Video archiving
  • Broadcast production
  • Video game cutscenes
  • Product demonstrations

Industry Applications

E-learningMarketingBroadcast MediaVideo SurveillanceGamingLive Events

Best Practices for DAV to WMV Conversion

  • →For DAV to WMV: encode at the target platform's native resolution — upscaling or downscaling adds unnecessary artifacts
  • →Test a short clip before converting the entire DAV file — this confirms WMV settings produce acceptable quality
  • →WMV is widely supported but choose bitrate carefully to balance quality and file size
  • →Use constant bitrate (CBR) for streaming delivery and variable bitrate (VBR) for archival storage
  • →Keep the original file in case you need to re-encode with different settings
  • →Check audio sync after conversion — container changes can sometimes cause drift

Related Article

Video Compression Guide: Reduce File Size Without Losing Quality

Learn more about DAV and WMV formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting DAV to WMV Conversion

  • !WMV won't play on target device → check codec compatibility (H.264 has broadest support)
  • !Audio out of sync after DAV to WMV conversion → try re-muxing with a different container format
  • !WMV quality is too low → increase the bitrate; for 1080p video, 8-15 Mbps is recommended
  • !File size increased converting DAV to WMV → lossless or higher-bitrate outputs naturally produce larger files

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Convert DAV files to WMV online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

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About DAV and WMV

DAV

DAV (DAV) - Dahua DAV, proprietary surveillance video format from Dahua DVR systems. Best for surveillance footage conversion, dahua dvr playback, security video archiving.

WMV

WMV (WMV videos) - Windows Media Video, Windows media format. Ideal for windows media, office presentations.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossy → Lossy
TransparencyN/A
Use CaseConvert from surveillance footage conversion, dahua dvr playback, security video archiving to windows media, office presentations
File Size~Similar to MP4 at equivalent quality after conversion

FAQs

Is converting DAV to WMV free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of DAV to WMV for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert DAV to WMV?

Most DAV to WMV conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is WMV best used for?

WMV is ideal for windows media, office presentations. Windows Media Video, Windows media format

What file size should I expect after converting DAV to WMV?

File size after DAV to WMV conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

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