.DAV File

File extension dav is mostly known to be used for a special video format from several digital video recorders (for example DVR365, DVR-1600HP, etc.) as well as CCTV security solutions from several different manufacturers, including DVR365, AlienDVR or Mace.

The dav file represents video recording in a specially modified version o MPEG format saved in the SightBoss Central Station software which is installed on the DVR.

These dav files are also encrypted so they cannot be played by standard media players with MPEG support. A special playback software (DVR365) is needed to view the footage. You may also need older MPEG codecs installed on your computer for the playback to work.

Note: It seems that the DVR365 family of video recorders was superseded by AlienDVR devices that offer better resolutions and video encoded using the H.264 codec.

The latest AlienDVR video recorders do not use the original DAV format and it appears the recordings no longer even use the dav file extension as well, but the standard mp4 or 264 suffix.

Files with dav file extension can be typically encountered as older video recordings from video recorders and security camera systems, for example the DVR365 series. Specially encrypted and encoded MPEG that can be only viewed using the default DVR365 Player.

How to open:

The official DVR365 Player software allows for playback of .dav recordings. Standard media players won't work.

How to convert:

You can find special utilities that allow for conversion of DAV format to AVI, for example the small utilities from Bahamas Security.