How to Play Avigilon .AVE Files and Convert Them to MP4?

If you work in the security industry or own a business that uses surveillance cameras, chances are you've come across .AVE files (Avigilon Native Video Export File). These files are created by Avigilon Control Center (ACC), a security suite with end-to-end video security and access control solutions.

Simply put, an AVE file is a proprietary video file chock-full of details like event data and camera settings, all bundled up in a neat, albeit slightly complex, package. But here's the kicker: you can't just open it with any third-party media players and editors, and that's where the article comes in.

Buckle up, folks! We're about to dive in how to play Avigilon .AVE files and convert them to MP4 format so you can easily view, edit, and share your surveillance footage.

If you happen to have the ACC (Avigilon Control Center) Client installed on your computer, you can find the Avigilon standalone player in the software installation directory:

C:\Program Files\Avigilon\Avigilon Control Center Client\PlayerInstaller

Without the ACC Client installed, just snag the Avigilon Player Standalone from their Official Website. This portable, single-executable (EXE) file requires no installation and provides a straightforward way to play AVE files with timeline controls and search capabilities.

Here's how to use it to open AVE files:

• Locate the Avigilon Player and double-click to launch it.

• When the application first opens, you will be prompted to open an AVE file.

• Navigate to the location where your .ave file is stored, select it, and click "Open".

• The AVE footage will open in the ACC Viewer. You can now view and control the video playback.

But what if you want to share your footage with someone who doesn't have the ACC Client or Avigilon Player? To your surprise, the Avigilon standalone player isn't just a one-trick pony, it also moonlights as a converter, allowing you to convert your AVE files to the playable and shareable MP4. Here's how:

• Just like when playing the AVE file, start by opening the Avigilon Player Standalone.

• Open and load an AVE file you want to convert.

• Click on the "three lines" icon at the top-left corner, open the "Export" tab.

• Click "Add" > "Video" to import the AVE file you want to convert.

• Select it and navigate to "AVE Options" section.

• Choose "MP4 video" from the drop-down list of "Format".

• Finally, click "Export" and choose a destination folder to start exporting AVE files to MP4.

Q1: Can I play AVE files on my regular media player like VLC?

A: Afraid not. AVE files can only be opened using Avigilon ACC software or the standalone Avigilon Player. If neither, you won't be able to view or edit AVE footage on your computer.

Q2: Is the Avigilon Player Standalone free to use?

A: Absolutely! It won't cost you a dime.

Q3: Can I convert AVE footage to MP4 online?

A: Impossible! Neither video format conversion software nor online conversion tools can process AVE files.

Q4: Does AVE to MP4 conversion reduce video quality?

A: Slightly, since MP4 is a compressed format. But the differences are negligible in most cases.

Q5: Can I convert AVE files to other formats besides MP4?

A: Yes, apart from MP4, the Avigilon Player 7 also support AVI video export.

Q6: Can I convert AVE files on a Mac?

A: Not at this time. Both the ACC Client and Avigilon Player Standalone are only available for Windows.

Q7: Why does it require a password when opening an AVE file?

A: ACC 6.8 and higher allows password-protected export. If the AVE file is password-protected, enter the password when prompted. However, the password-protected video cannot be converted to MP4 or AVI anymore.

Now you have the power to view, share and edit your important surveillance video anywhere. No longer will Avigilon's proprietary AVE format get in the way of accessing your security footage.

Remember, the tools and techniques mentioned in this article are subject to change as technology evolves. Always refer to the official Avigilon documentation for the most accurate, up-to-date information.