Convert Google Video to AVI

The Evolution and Current Status of Google Video

In 2006, Google completed the acquisition of YouTube. Following this, Google’s own video uploading platform was discontinued in 2009.

Currently, Google Videos functions as a video sub-search engine. Content that was previously uploaded to the original Google Video service remains accessible.

The Demise of the Google Video Player and GVI Format

Development of the Google Video Player was halted in 2007, shortly after the integration of YouTube. The ability to download videos hosted on Google Video was also removed at that time.

As a result of these changes, the GVI format is gradually becoming obsolete.

What to Do with Existing GVI Files

Do you find yourself with video files still saved in the GVI format? Are you seeking methods to download any remaining Google Video content?

If so, this article provides the information you need to address these concerns.

This guide will outline how to handle these older video files.

Understanding Google Video Files

Google Video files, identified by the .gvi extension, are fundamentally based on the RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) structure, specifically utilizing the AVI (Audio Video Interleave) subtype.

Unlike standard .avi files, Google Video files incorporate an additional list immediately following the header, distinguished by the FourCC code "goog".

What is a FourCC Code?

FourCC stands for 'four character code' and serves as an identifier for the video codec, compression method, and pixel format employed within the media file.

Essentially, a Google Video file can be converted into a conventional .avi file through a straightforward manual adjustment.

Interestingly, despite the unique file type, many common media players are capable of playing .gvi files directly.

VLC Player supports Google Video files.
KM Player can also handle the .gvi format.
Windows Media Player is often compatible as well.

It's noteworthy that Google developed and implemented its own file type, effectively branding its video content.

This decision to introduce a proprietary format allowed for specific identification and potentially optimized playback within Google's ecosystem.

Is Manual Conversion of Google Videos to AVI Possible?

The answer is yes. As noted by Wikipedia, Google Videos utilize MPEG-4 encoding. Consequently, for videos without Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, a simple file extension change from .gvi to .avi is technically feasible.

However, this method represents a rather inelegant approach to file conversion. A more robust solution involves utilizing a Hex editor to directly modify the file structure.

For this process, a Hex editor like the freeware XVI32 is recommended. This editor is portable, requiring only extraction of the archive and execution of the .exe file to open your .gvi video.

The following illustrates the file structure before and after editing. The initial LIST segment, extending up to LIST2, was removed.

To proceed, select the first element intended for deletion and press the [DEL] key repeatedly until the final item is removed. Upon completion, navigate to File > Save As... and specify a filename.

Remember to manually append the .avi file extension to the new filename. This will finalize the conversion process.

Converting Google Videos to AVI Format: A Practical Guide

Simply changing the file extension is an inadequate solution, and utilizing a Hex editor can be unnecessarily complex. For those seeking a more streamlined approach, employing a dedicated conversion tool is recommended. While numerous shareware and trial programs claim to facilitate the conversion of GVI files to AVI, many free options prove cumbersome and lack user-friendliness. The most efficient and straightforward solution is detailed below.

Gvi2Avi – A Dedicated Conversion Utility [No Longer Available]

This compact utility excels at transforming .gvi files into the .avi format. The executable file, measuring only 96 KB, requires no installation process. However, it necessitates the presence of the .NET Framework 2 on your system.

A limitation of this tool is its inability to handle batch conversions; it processes only one file at a time. Despite this, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable resource.

Downloading Google Videos: A Comprehensive Guide

Google no longer provides a direct download option for its videos on the video pages themselves. Nevertheless, several tools are available to facilitate the process. These tools typically download videos in widely compatible formats like FLV or MP4, eliminating concerns about the proprietary GVI format.

Utilizing PwnYouTube

For those seeking to download Google Videos, the PwnYouTube Bookmarklet presents a viable solution. Despite its name referencing YouTube, this tool is also effective with Google Video and other video platforms. Here's a breakdown of how it functions:

First, drag the PWNYOUTUBE Bookmarklet button to your browser’s bookmarks bar for easy access.

Next, navigate to a page hosting a YouTube or Google Video and activate the Bookmarklet from your browser toolbar.

You will then be redirected to a page containing links to various download services, offering the video file in FLV or MP4 formats.

Essentially, PwnYouTube acts as an aggregator, directing users to a range of online download services. In my testing with Google Video, SaveVid proved to be the most straightforward option, while others yielded less satisfactory results. However, individual experiences may differ based on the video source.

This concludes our exploration of Google Video and .gvi file conversion techniques. You can now return to YouTube if you wish. If you have a broader interest in video downloads or file conversions, consider exploring these related articles:

Steven’s article: Capture Streaming Video From Any Website With These 5 Tools
5 Easy-to-use Freeware Video Converters
The Top Ten Dead Google Projects Floating About In Cyberspace
Tina’s guide: How To Download A YouTube Video To Windows Media Player

Reflecting on Google Video’s past, do you have any personal recollections or a collection of GVI files?