Viewing .avi file formats?

Thanks to an earlier post I am now able to view/listen to most all of the audio/video files that I wanted to. Except...

The .avi format

I see some real long Star Trek movies/episodes (99.9% are the avi) but don't want to take the time downloading them because I have tried playing smaller .avi's and they won't play.

I am NEW to video viewing (never had a machine fast enough or storage space - I have both now) - I know nothing.

lasvegas - I have Windiows Media Player 7 now, as you suggested version 7.0.1.01.0629. This has allowed me to use the other formats I was having trouble with. Thanks

Thanks
Randy

[This message has been edited by rwm (edited 28 September 2001).]

[lasvegas]

Quicktime will handle most 'avi' formats. Some codecs that are MS proprietary will not work on a Mac in any way, shape or form. For these, you need Virtual PC to run them in Windows (Ech!).

OK THANKS

Is Virtual PC a good program or a headache?

Thanks
Randy

[lasvegas]

Is Virtual PC a good program or a headache?

It's Windows! Need I say more? http://macgurus.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Seriously though¬Ö It's much less headache than any other PC emulator.

[ICCAFSN]

A lot of traded AVI files are actually Divx files, and I'm guessing that these are the AVI files your coming across. It seems that this codec is most predominant in the PC world (it's not supported by QuickTime) and is used for a lot of 'shady' purposes, like trading full-length movies and porn. The codec is ideal for file trading because it has very good compression and still retains pretty decent quality. To further complicate the issue there seem to be variants of Divx as well. Fortunately there is a Divx player for Macintosh - it's creatively called Divx Player and can be downloaded from http://mac.divx.st/

A lot of times in order to have Divx files play properly on the Mac, the AVI file needs to be 'doctored'. Fortunately the Divx Player has an option for this built into it. Give this program a try before you decide to plop down some money for a PC emulator.

[tekcan]

Thanks for the tip ICC, always wanted to view the "other guys" AVI files, this little program really does the trick!

Terribly impressed!