Got a pile of old .dat files that your player won't open?
DAT files usually come from VCD discs and older video recorders. Many modern players and phones skip them or play them badly. 4Media DAT Converter turns them into formats that work almost anywhere, and it can pull the audio out as well.
Quick facts
- Version: 6.5.2.0225
- Platform: Windows (Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP SP2 or later)
- Price: $19.99
- Download size: about 28.9 MB
- Input formats: DAT, MPG, MPEG, MPA, VOB
Key features
Convert DAT to AVI, DivX, MP4, MPEG-1/2, MPEG-4 AVC, WMV, 3GP and FLV
You pick the target format and the program does the rest. Output covers the common video containers, plus 3G2 files.
Extract MP3 and M4A audio from a DAT video
If you only want the soundtrack, such as a concert or a recorded talk, you can save it as MP3 or M4A. M4A output can also carry a cover image.
Batch conversion and multiple profiles per file
Add several files and convert them with one click. You can also attach multiple profiles to a single DAT file to get several formats in one run.
Split files or convert only the part you want
You can split a video into clips by time or by file length. You can also set a start time and duration to convert just one section.
Control bit rate, frame rate, resolution and file size
The output settings include bit rate, frame rate, sample rate, resolution, codec and quality. A built-in Bitrate Calculator works out the video bit rate from the file size you want.
Faster conversion with multi-core CPUs and GPU acceleration
The converter supports dual-core and multi-core processors. It also uses NVIDIA CUDA and AMD APP technology to speed up conversion.
Preview, snapshots and after-done actions
A resizable built-in player lets you preview files. You can capture frames as JPG, PNG, GIF or BMP. When a long batch finishes, the program can shut down, exit, hibernate or put the PC on standby. It can also run in the background while you use other programs.
Who it's for
It suits you if you have old DAT clips from VCDs or camcorder-era recordings and want them in MP4, AVI or WMV for a modern player. The settings are detailed enough for people who want control over output, and the profile-based approach keeps things simple for everyone else.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide range of output formats, plus audio extraction
- Batch mode, splitting and partial conversion
- GPU acceleration and multi-core support
- Detailed output settings and a bit rate calculator
Cons
- Windows only
- Input is limited to DAT, MPG, MPEG, MPA and VOB files
- The listed output formats are older ones, and no newer codecs are listed
FAQs
Can it convert DAT to MP3?
Yes. It extracts the audio from a DAT video and saves it as MP3 or M4A.
Can I convert several DAT files at once?
Yes. Batch mode converts two or more files with one click.
Can I convert only part of a file?
Yes. Set a start time and duration, or split the file into clips.
Will it run on Windows 11?
The listed requirements include Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP (SP2 or later).
Can it run while I do other work?
Yes. It can work in the background so you can run other programs at the same time.
System requirements
- OS: Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP (SP2 or later)
- Processor: 1GHz Intel/AMD or above
- RAM: 256MB (512MB or above recommended)
- Disk space: 100MB for installation
- Graphics: Super VGA (800×600), 16-bit graphics card or higher