Quicktime and AVI

I have a few files (from my windows machine) that are probably encoded (by the author) with a DIVX codec, but since on the windows side, I have lost track of how many different codec packs I have applied I am not sure.

Having a new mac-mini, I'd kind of like to keep the number of installed programs to a minimum. With the simplicity of the machine, I am going to try a minimalist approach instead of junking it up.

Here's the question and thanks for haning in there with me....when I open the file with Quicktime, it takes me to a page with a ton of codec packs that are upgrade for a price or free (with a trial of the pro for 6 months) like DIVX.

What is the video player that I can use that will have the widest range of file playablity/compatibility. Is is quciktime with codec packs or should I try something else.

Thanks - D

A lot of people seem to recommend VLC

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

It seems it will play back most things you throw at it!

~~ TS ~~

Use either VLC or Mplayer...

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/


Or


http://mplayerosx.sourceforge.net/

I had heard about VLC

Thanks for the suggestions....

Am I being silly with my minimalist approach? Or does it not really matter becuase of the simple uninstall of MAC vs. WIN?

Some people prefer keeping there machines completly clean and organised, some people just chuck things on and off as and when they feel like it!

Each to their own in the end!

Mac has a very good install/uninstall system so if you dont like an app its easy to get rid off!

Give VLC a go, i woulda thought that should play it

~~ TS ~~

chi2flat said:

Thanks for the suggestions....

Am I being silly with my minimalist approach? Or does it not really matter becuase of the simple uninstall of MAC vs. WIN?

Click to expand...

You shouldn't need to download any drivers for VLC or mplayer... they "just work"...

You may also want to install (or check out) Flip4Mac...

http://www.flip4mac.com/

You're not being silly at all, I prefer not to have random apps laying around that I don't need too. My PC is covered in all kinds of rubbish as I just didn't care before, that was a lesson to me and I don't wish to repeat it on my Mac.

moss918 said:

You're not being silly at all, I prefer not to have random apps laying around that I don't need too. My PC is covered in all kinds of rubbish as I just didn't care before, that was a lesson to me and I don't wish to repeat it on my Mac.

Click to expand...

I install a lot of apps... then once in a while, when I get the urge, I go through my Apps folder and get rid of everything I have not used or won't be using... To do this I use CleanApp (yes... another App )

Link: CleanApp

Ride added a good point about http://www.flip4mac.com/ (Flip 4 mac)

It allows you to play WMV files etc on your mac. Very helpful if you find some sites dont allow video to be played etc.

~~ TS ~~

RIDE said:

I install a lot of apps... then once in a while, when I get the urge, I go through my Apps folder and get rid of everything I have not used or won't be using... To do this I use CleanApp (yes... another App )

Link: CleanApp

Click to expand...

It's strange, I should have been more worried about how much I'm installing on the PC, not the other way round, but it's too late now...

You can also install codecs so that you only need QuickTime to play all of your files

RIDE said:

You shouldn't need to download any drivers for VLC or mplayer... they "just work"...

You may also want to install (or check out) Flip4Mac...

http://www.flip4mac.com/

Click to expand...

if you already have flip4mac would you need to dl vlc or anything else?

Depends what codecs are involved. As far as im aware flip4mac only plays basic WMV files etc it doesnt deal with strange codecs.

Best bet (imo) is to install VLC and Flip4mac, you shouldnt need anything else past that

~~ TS ~~

i have flip4mac only and it plays avi files. i think ill dl vlc too just incase

VLC did the trick

Played the 4 avi files that I was having problems with....seems lite-weight so I am sold.

Thanks