surely one must exist?!

hello people, i need a file converter... a .DAT file converter to say avi, been looking for a free one but god all mighty when i need something i can never find it :/ found one or two but they only convert 1 min of the file but pointless really or there is a 100mb limit :/ #fail. Anyone know of a free converter? an actual converter that does what it says on the tin.

 

I'm afraid the .DAT filetype is really too abstract to work with reliably. Depending on the program generating it, it's contents could be just about anything, in just about any format. I would be surprised to find a commercial video encoder that would be willing to touch it.

As a long shot, I might try running it through the converter at: http://www.zamzar.com/

Or if you really wanted to get to the nitty-gritty, you could try:
http://ffmpeg.org/

But my belief is that this may be a big learning curve with little hope of success. If it is indeed video content, it is likely in a proprietary format, meant specifically for the program reading/displaying it.

Best of luck.

 

oh sorry should mentioned the file opens up in windows media player. it's video file, i wish to convert it so i can edit it in an editing program. not many recognise .DAT files lol. dont know if this information helps you or not :/

 

Have you tried the suggested tools?

 

http://www.vcdgear.com/faq.html

 

zamzar has a 100mb limit. so no good to me.

the other on ffmpeg..i have no idea which link on the download page is to the program it's so confusing..maybe you can point it out as i can't make head nor tail of it.


going to try the VCD gear link suggested too.

 

that VCD gear is the one!! brilliant! works a treat! and so quick! lightning!


now i wish to edit that video..windows live movie makes is not all that..i remember on the xp there being a much better video editor..you could save small clips out of a video file..can't work out how to do it on this windows live movie maker :/

 

Yes, VCDGear is the tool, back 'before' DVD VCD was gaining acceptance. Just a side note if you click 'about' take the cord from the dog and plug it in the wall and click on the TV you see credits..btw I am listed there as a contributor.

On to the next question and video editor.. try
http://www.lightworksbeta.com/