I just bought a mac and am trying to move all my files over... what program can I use to view .avi files? Alternately, can I convert them?
ThX
2007-01-27 18:54:06 · 3 answers · asked by magicpixie 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
.avi files are a Windows Media Player extention which can be played unchanged and unconverted if you wish by a Windows Media Player add-on to the Quicktime program. Flip4Mac was created in conjuction with Microsoft and Telestream. I too recently go a mac and literaly love it, however I've had to also figure things like this out. Once in a while I will come into contact with an online Media Player file which won't play in the Flip4Mac program, however I have had no issues with my personal .avi collection of videos. Check the link out and try it.
Alternatively there are programs out there to convert .avi files to .mov (Quicktime) files. Off hand I don't know any which are available for the Mac, best thing to do for this method is search. I would recommend finding some forums to join; I'm a member of www.mac-forums.com and have found a ton of excellent, helpful information. With using Flip4Mac I've had no need to do this.
I hope my information helps and enjoy your Mac.
2007-01-27 20:12:00 · answer #1 · answered by prmaples 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AVI is not a true video file format. It is a file container that Microsoft uses to hold whatever type of audio format file or video format file and matching codec. It's a way of keeping the appearance simple. Even though almost anything can be inside an AVI container file, Microsoft usually puts DivX video inside it nowadays so you need a DivX converter and a 3ivX MPEG-4 codec. Read all about it in the link below which explains a few options for getting the video out of an AVI container and into a standard video format, such as a MOV file.
Don't forget that any AVI file can be handled by Windows Media Player for Mac without any conversion so long as the file is on your hard drive. Flip4Mac is only needed when:
1. the Windows Media Player file is imbedded in a web page or
2. you have a WMP file on your drive but you don't want to download the free Windows Media Player program which can play any WMP file from your hard drive. Then Flip4Mac will supply the software components needed by QuickTime Player to handle the DivX video.
The free download of Windows Media Player for Mac will play any Windows Media Player file that is on your hard drive.
2007-01-29 06:40:58 · answer #2 · answered by SilverTonguedDevil 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
windows media? ew!
download VLC. look it up on versiontracker.
2007-01-28 04:14:17 · answer #3 · answered by chrisdazzo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋