MPEG1 to AU Converter
Processing entirely on your device — large files may take a moment.
Converting AU to WAV preserves the samples in a format every modern tool reads. If your files are still in MPEG1 format, this page is the shortcut: MPEG1 names the first-generation MPEG codec family (VCD era) — the same program stream data MPG files carry.
This converter runs entirely in your browser using WebAssembly — your files never leave your device, nothing is uploaded, and there are no watermarks, sign-ups or queues. Drop in several files at once to convert them as a batch.
How MPEG1 compares to AU
| MPEG1 | AU | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | MPEG-1 / MPEG-2 | µ-law or PCM |
| Quality | Standard definition | Mono voice-grade (µ-law) |
| Compatibility | Universal decode | Legacy Unix tools |
| Best for | Legacy disc and capture video | Old system sounds and recordings |
How to convert MPEG1 to AU
- 1
Select your files
Select your MPEG1 video.
- 2
Convert instantly
The engine demuxes the container and encodes the audio track into your chosen format.
- 3
Download results
Download the AU audio — the video track is simply dropped.
About the MPEG1 format
MPG (MPEG program stream) usually means MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 video — the codecs of VCD, SVCD and DVD, and of countless home video captures in the 1990s and 2000s. MPEG-1 tops out around VHS-grade 352×288; MPEG-2 delivers proper standard definition and still runs inside broadcast and DVD infrastructure.
Playback compatibility is its superpower: MPEG-1/2 decode paths exist in every player and hardware made this century. Quality-to-bitrate efficiency, however, is a generation behind H.264 — converting old MPG files to MP4 typically halves their size.
+Strengths
- ✓Decodes on essentially every player and device
- ✓Simple, battle-tested standard
!Limitations
- −Inefficient codecs by modern standards
- −MPEG-1 is VHS-grade at best
About the AU format
AU is Sun Microsystems' audio format from the Unix workstation age: a small header followed by µ-law (or PCM) samples. Java's applet era shipped it everywhere, and old Unix sound tooling still emits it.
Modern players increasingly skip it. Converting AU to WAV preserves the samples bit-for-bit while moving the file into universal territory — the standard rescue path for system sounds and old recordings.
+Strengths
- ✓Simple, lossless sample storage
- ✓Native to old Unix/Java tooling
!Limitations
- −µ-law flavor sounds dated and mono
- −Dropped by modern players
Why convert MPEG1 to AU?
Think of it as moving your file to the container that fits the job. Inefficient codecs by modern standards AU works differently: Simple, lossless sample storage If any of that sounds like your task, run the conversion — it takes seconds and nothing leaves your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is this MPEG1 to AU converter really free?
Yes — completely free, with no sign-up, no watermark and no daily conversion limits. The site is supported by advertising.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs entirely inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your files never leave your device — that is what makes it instant and private.
Does it work on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android?
Yes. Anything with a modern browser works: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. No software installation is required.
Is there a file size limit for MPEG1 to AU?
The only limit is your device's memory, since nothing is uploaded. Files up to a few hundred megabytes work fine on a modern desktop browser; very large files simply take a little longer.
Does converting MPEG1 to AU re-encode my video?
Yes. The video is decoded and re-encoded with the settings chosen by the quality slider, which is what allows the format and size to change. For an archival copy, keep higher quality; for sharing, lower quality gives a much smaller file.
Will the audio track be kept?
Yes. The audio is carried over and re-encoded to the standard audio codec of AU, staying in sync with the video. If your MPEG1 file has multiple audio tracks, the first one is used.