is converting from avi to any other format that easy?

i want to cut several .avi videos and stitch them together.

but when i tried to import an avi video into iMovie, i got an error message at the very end.. i'm sorry i forgot what the error message was..

so i tried to use iSquint to convert the .avi video file into mp4, but all i got was a white screen when i try to play the output file in Quicktime or when i try to import it to iMovie. i also have Perian, which some people say should fix the problem, but it didn't fix anything..

i also tried MPEG Streamclip, but it says the audio isn't recognizable (or something like that)

i've read that opening the avi file in quicktime, pressing cmd + i and looking at the "Format" part would have something to do with converting an avi file, but i don't know what it is i'm supposed to do.. here's the information in the format if it helps..

Generic MPEG-4, 640 x 480, Unknown
MPEG Layer 3, Stereo, 48.000 kHz

i hope someone can help..i'm totally lost..

Open the file in quicktime Pro, hit file > Save as > self contained movie.

If that doesn't work, use the quicktime > File > Export, and then use one of those settings and it will convert it to h264 video. I've done it a lot of times, this one always works.

thanks! i will try that

Get 'Visualhub' It will convert back & forth & stitch them.