wrote:
On Mar 11, 6:19 pm, "Stuart" wrote:
wrote in message

ups.com...



This is again a question about avi files. I never thought that it is
another one of such messy thing that we created. I tried to open an
avi file in my PC using different versions of Windows Media Players,
and they did not recognized it. When I checked the internet, I found
out that there are different versions of avi which are exceptable to
different version of computers. What a mess. It is similar to saving
a spreadsheet file (xls), in which there are so many choices and
confusing. They are all with extension .xls, but cater to different
version of the software (in which changing perhaps every other day!).
My questions a
- How to convert this avi file to a file which can be excepted to 95%
of computers? If you have an mp3 file, you likely be able to play it
on most computer, dont' you?
- What file is generally accepted by many computer? I just want a
basic format that can be opened by most computers (old and new).
I recall a long time ago, an avi file (whatever it was called or
version) can be open easily and compatible for most OS. Is this true?
Is avi file equivalent to MPEG4 file?
Thanks for the info.
AVI is not a file format like mp3 or .xls but rather a container.
Having said that it sounds like you haven't all of the various codecs
installed on your computer. To do this go tohttp://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htmand download
and install "K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 1.67" this will update everything. You
might also consider installing Windows Media Player version 11.

Stuart - Thanks
I downloaded the K lite codec pack and run it in my computer. After
that, I can play the video and sound in the Window Media Player of my
WinME. But, after a few runs, then it does not work any longer....
the screen turns grey and nothing. The sound continues and OK though.
I reinstall the K lite, but still does not work. Now, I don't know
what to do. I think I will uninstall first and try installing again.
This is such a mess... that is the reason I don't like downloading
stuff, if I do not understand what happens. It ends up messing up my
computer and slowing it down.
I still don't have the answer to my question.... is .mpg a general
format acceptable to most PC computers? Then how do I convert from avi
to MPG file?
Thanks for your info anyway
PS
I did not know that this topic is such a heated one! Perhaps due to
many variety of formats in video? The music and photo appears to be
much simpler.... mp3 or jpg. Most computer can use it. In the past,
it was midi and I still don't know why it is abandoned (except for
difficulties in getting human sound). It is still the best for
instrumental music and the file is so tiny!.


The Klite pack is not intended to just work temporarily. And, actually,
what you have really just done is install a whole bunch of additional
stuff in addition what the (likely) Xvid codec you needed.

Why not just quit bashing your head against windows media player and
just put in the videolan player? (www.videolan.org) Its free, it has not
spyware, and it has its codecs self contained to play a variety of
formats. Almost certain it will play your particular file without
difficulty.

Stuart wrote:
"Ken Maltby" wrote in message
...
"Stuart" wrote in message
...
"Laurence Payne" lpayne1NOSPAM@dslDOTpipexDOTcom wrote in message
news On Mon, 12 Mar 2007 10:34:50 +0000, Tony Morgan
wrote:

...and again, you've snipped out the main question in order to lecture
us on a detail.
**** off troll.

You never contribute - only carp and try to start arguments.
So contribute. What codec do you recommend?
I recommend Xvid for avi Divx files as WMP and MPC and VLC seem to handle
these files without difficulty also 90% of TV series downloads are
typically 350MB avi with Xvid as the codec. Basically you need to update
monthly with K-Lite or similar to handle all the emerging formats and
updates. So far I have never experienced a "can't play this file" I'm
running XP with SP2 and all updates. My preferred media player is VLC

You are aware that VLC doesn't use those codec you download, it
has its own.

I prefer Media Player Classic.

Luck;
Ken

Yer but I believe in having high levels of redundancy - so WMP and MPC use
the K-Lite codecs. So basically I have VLC, WMP, MPC and for DVD's I use
NeroShowtime - I'm a media player junkie!!



Most people experience few problems with the batch o codecs on their
system. Now and again, when the wind blows the right away and the dog
howls at the moon at the right time, people end up with hair pulling
type conflicts.

Usually when people post to this forum about not being able to play a
file, it can be guessed that they downloaded an episode of something,
double clicked it and ended up with Windows Media Player not playing it
right. My feeling is that the first course of advice, absent any
knowledge of the posters level of skill, or desire to further edit the
file, is to give them the least intrusive solution. As Videolan has its
own codecs and can install and uninstall with few concerns over
conflicts, I generally suggest this first.

On 11 Mar 2007 16:42:48 -0700, wrote:

whether there is a basic video/audio file that can be excepted in any
version of computer O/S. Can an . mpg file be opened in any WMP
regarless of its version?

You already have the answer to this question. MPEG 1 is
has been playable since Windows 3.0 if you keep the video
bitrate low enough. MPEG 1 does not need a CODEC.

Nick.

"Nick Austin" wrote ...
wrote:

whether there is a basic video/audio file that can be excepted in any
version of computer O/S. Can an . mpg file be opened in any WMP
regarless of its version?

You already have the answer to this question. MPEG 1 is
has been playable since Windows 3.0 if you keep the video
bitrate low enough. MPEG 1 does not need a CODEC.

Every file (except maybe plain text files) requires special
software to code and decode (called a "codec"). Some
codecs are built into the application software (like Microsoft
Word, etc.) but for audio and video files, they are usually
separate DLLs so that all application software can share
use of them.

Saying that MPEG anything "does not need a codec" makes
no sense to me. Perhaps Mr. Austin means that the codec is
likely already installed.