How to Convert Windows Media Audio & Video Files

by Arn Goldman
WMAs and WMVs are standard Windows-based formats.

WMAs and WMVs are standard Windows-based formats.

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Microsoft's Windows Media Player uses two proprietary file formats for its multimedia files. One is the Windows Media Video container, stored with the WMV extension, which is based on the ASF video standard. The Windows Media Audio or WMA format is the WMV's music counterpart; WMAs are typically near-CD quality audio and are structurally similar to MP3s. In order to get the files to work with certain applications, particularly those on a Mac, you may need to convert them to a different format; many free online tools perform this service.

Zamzar.com

Step 1

Load Zamzar.com in your favorite web browser.

Step 2

Click "Choose File" button and find the file on your hard disk. Then select from one of the many available output formats on Zamzar.

Step 3

Give Zamzar your email and click "Convert." You'll receive an email containing a download link to the new file in your inbox.

Mediaconverter.org

Step 1

Open mediaconverter.org in your web browser of choice.

Step 2

Click "Upload a file" and track down the Windows Media Player-friendly file; its name appears in "Selected Files." Then pick your output format.

Step 3

Click "Start" to get the conversion underway. Once it's done, click the link to download the new file.

About the Author

Arn Goldman is a recent liberal arts grad interested in all things culture, both high and low. He writes about entertainment, tech and sports. Goldman received his B.A. in English and philosophy in 2009 and has written for eHow, Trails Travel and Answerbag.

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