How to convert a .DAV file online
Three steps, all tab.
Open your file
Drop your .DAV file and every video, audio and subtitle track inside is listed with its codec, resolution, frame rate and language.
Preview
See frames from across your .DAV file before you convert, even when your browser can't play the codec inside.
Convert
Pick MP4, WEBM or MP3, or repack to MKV without re-encoding. Play the result right here, then download it.
What is a .DAV file?
Everything worth knowing about DVR365 / Dahua DVR Video File (DHAV stream).
A DAV file is surveillance footage exported from a Dahua DVR or NVR, also sold under brands like Amcrest, Lorex, Q-See, and DVR365. Open it with the free Dahua SmartPlayer (Windows and Mac), and current VLC versions play most DAV files too. For sharing or evidence, convert it to MP4 with SmartPlayer or with "ffmpeg -i file.dav out.mp4".
Programs that open .DAV files
- Windows
- VLC media player, FFmpeg, Amcrest Smart Player, Dahua SmartPlayer, Dahua SmartPSS Lite
- macOS
- VLC media player, Dahua SmartPlayer (Mac)
- Linux
- VLC / FFmpeg
| Full name | DVR365 / Dahua DVR Video File (DHAV stream) |
|---|---|
| Developer | Dahua Technology |
| First released | Mid-2000s (Dahua DVRs; sold under many OEM brands: DVR365, Amcrest, Lorex, Q-See, Mace and others) |
| Category | Audio & Video |
| MIME type | video/x-dav (unofficial) |
| Signature | 44 48 41 56 ("DHAV" - Dahua frame header (each frame starts with DHAV and ends with "dhav")) |
Related viewers
Other free tools to open and preview your files.
Is my .DAV file uploaded to a server?
No. Your .DAV file is converted for you. The converted file is created in memory,.
Why is conversion slower than desktop software?
Browsers give web pages a single CPU core for this kind of work and no hardware video encoder. Short clips convert in seconds; for long 4K films a desktop app like HandBrake is faster. Use Start and Length to convert just the part you need.
Which output format should I pick?
MP4 plays on every phone, TV and browser. WEBM is an open format that's great for the web. MP3 keeps only the sound. MKV (no re-encode) is instant and lossless, but only changes the container.
Can I keep all audio tracks and subtitles?
The MKV (no re-encode) option copies every track as-is. MP4 and WEBM keep the first video and audio track, which is what most players use.
Why can't some files be converted?
Files protected with DRM (for example purchased iTunes .m4p songs or some .wmv rentals) are encrypted. We can show what's inside, but nobody can convert them without the key.
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