What Is an RMVB File | 3 Best Ways to Open and Play RMVB Format

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Edited by Ben Jacklin
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If you’ve just searched the web for information on RMVB files, you’re probably sitting with one you can’t open right now. This article will give you everything you need to know about how to play RMVB file formats, how to convert them to other file formats, and the best way to open them without hassle in the future.

What is an RMVB file?

RealMedia Variable Bitrate (RMVB) files are media types that were designed for video and audio streaming. Most computers are not furnished with an RMVB player by default, so downloading one may be necessary to open these files. You can recognize an RMVB file by the extension; the file will end with “.rmvb”.

The way these files have been formatted allows for a more compressed file size without compromising on the quality of the file’s content. But compatibility of these files may be a challenge if you have typical media players like Windows Media Player or other default media players. That is why we’ll show you how to convert these files or play them in their original format.

Best ways to play RMVB files

If you choose to play RMVB files using a free RMVB player, you can easily find one on the web and download it. But you may also be one of many PC owners who doesn’t want to install additional players on your device, in which case you can play these files using either RealPlayer, VLC, or 5KPlayer. If you already have any of these installed on your device, here’s how to play RMVB file formats through those existing applications:

To play your RMVB file on RealPlayer, simply follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the RealMedia website, go to RealPlayer, and download the installation file.

    Download RealPlayer
  2. Wait for the file to download and keep it available on your desktop for the time being. If it doesn’t download directly to your desktop, simply check your Downloads folder and retrieve it there.
  3. Double-click on the file and follow the installation prompts. The file will install onto your device while you fill in your email address (compulsory), and tick two boxes. Be sure to tick the Agree and Continue option.
  4. Once the application is installed, you can go back to your RMVB file and open it. Your computer will prompt you asking which application you want to use to open the file. Choose the RealPlayer option. If the option doesn’t appear, click on Other Options and locate RealPlayer on your computer. This will automatically add it to the list for future use.

Pros:

  • Comes standard with many PCs

  • Easy to use and navigate, i.e. skipping, rewinding, etc

  • Compatible with the most file formats, including RMVB

Cons:

  • No video-grabbing ability

  • No video-editing capability

  • Possesses fewer features compared to other media players

If you already have VLC on your device, you can use this application to open your RMVB files since it is compatible with RMVB and many other formats (though not all). If you don’t already have it, here’s how to install it:

  1. Visit the VLC official website to download the installation file for your PC.

    Download VLC
  2. Download the file to your desktop or Downloads folder.
  3. Double-click (or tap) to open it and follow the setup prompts.
  4. After VLC has successfully installed, you can then go back to your RMVB file and open it using the VLC application, which will appear on the list of possible options. If you don’t see VLC on the list, you can always open VLC directly and play the file by browsing for it from the application itself.

Pros:

  • Plays various file formats

  • Automatically plays certain file formats by default

  • Compatible with RMVB

  • Available completely free of charge

Cons:

  • Slightly slower loading of video and audio files with some least common extensions

  • No advanced video or audio editing capability

  • Can be difficult to navigate for beginners

5KPlayer is a good application choice if you have a Mac device, but it is also compatible with Windows. 5KPlayer is also compatible with other formats, making it a comprehensive player to have on your device if you’re accustomed to downloading video or audio files of various formats. To download it:

  1. Go directly to the 5KPlayer website to download the app. Select 5KPlayer from the menu. On this page, you’ll notice download buttons for either Windows or Mac. Choose the one that’s applicable to your device and begin the download process, following any prompts you are given.

    Download 5KPlayer
  2. Go to the folder (or your desktop) where the file has been downloaded to and open it to begin the installation process.
  3. Once 5KPlayer has been successfully installed, you should be able to open your RMVB file without any hassle (this should be automatic). If you still can’t open it, simply choose 5KPlayer as the desired application to view the file, which will open the application and play your RMVB file.

Pros:

  • Good for Mac and PC computers

  • Automatically plays certain file formats

  • Can also be used for recording the screen

  • Compatible with popular formats, including RMVB

Cons:

  • Can’t open and play some file formats

  • A fairly large player software which may slow down your device

  • Slow download of the installation file

  • Slow in downloading videos and audios

Convert RMVB videos with Movavi Video Converter

Choosing to simply convert your RMVB files into a format that will be compatible with applications you already have on your device is also a viable option. An effective and easy way to do this is using Movavi Video Converter. The program is simple to use and handy to keep on your device for future file conversions. Advantages include:

  • Converting your files into a format that’s compatible with your current list of viewing applications so that you can view different file formats without any hassle.
  • Compressing larger files so that they take up less space on your computer or tablet, leaving room for more important software and files.
  • Editing existing audio and video files, being able to cut sections out, and fixing visual or audio flaws within the file to up the quality.
  • Adding subtitles to your videos, which is perfect for business video, or videos that contain hard-to-discern audio.
  • Enhancing the quality of your audio and video files (both audio and visual enhancement options) for better viewing and without taking up that much more space on your device.

Summary

Now that you know your various options on how to navigate RMVB files, you can safely open yours via the method of your choice. If you still struggle to play your files with new installed applications, consider converting them instead and simply using an application you already have on your device. Converting your files allows you to bypass installation processes that add more software or apps to your device. Overall, using a file converter that’s comprehensive is the best option for watching or listening to files of different formats. Downloading applications that play each and every type of file is not only time-consuming, but inconvenient. Whichever method you choose, you’ll now be able to watch RMVB files without any problems, and enjoy your video files whenever you want.

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* The trial version of Movavi Video Converter has the following restrictions: a 7-day trial period; a watermark on output videos; when converting audio files, an ability to convert only half the file length; and, when working in the SuperSpeed mode, an ability to convert only half the video file length.

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