The .avi (Audio Video Interleave) file format is one of the most common formats for playing audio and video data on a computer. The .avi file format was developed by Microsoft in 1992. AVI files store video and audio content that may be compressed using a variety of codecs.
The names of a few video codecs that are frequently used in .avi files are:? XVID codec, Uncompressed RGB, DV codec, DivX codec, YUY2 codec, MJPEG codec, Cinepak codec, and Indeo codec.
Names of a few audio codecs that are frequently used in .avi files are: Microsoft Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation (MS ADPCM), AC3 codec, Uncompressed Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) codec, and P3 codec.
AVI files come under the category of video files and the mime type is: video/x-msvideo, video/msvideo, video/avi, image/avi, application/x-troff-msvideo, video/xmpg2, audio/avi, audio/aiff.
Names of the programs that can play .avi files
If you use Windows, you may use any of the following applications to play .avi files:
- Microsoft Windows Media Player
- Nullsoft Winamp Media Player
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player
- Apple QuickTime Player
- Roxio Creator 2010
- CyberLink PowerDirector 8
- CyberLink PowerDVD 10
- Adobe Flash CS5
If you use a Mac OS, you may use any of the following applications to play .avi files:
- Apple QuickTime Player
- Elmedia Multiformat Player
- Microsoft Windows Media Player
- Adobe Flash CS5
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player
- Roxio Toast 10 Titanium
- Roxio Popcorn 4
If you use Linux, you may use any of the following applications to play .avi files:
- VideoLAN VLC Media Player
- xine Multimedia Player
Is it possible to convert an .avi file to other file formats, such as MPEG?
Yes, file converter programs are available that can convert .avi files to other formats.
Issues while playing .avi files
As mentioned above, .avi files contain audio and video data that may be compressed using various codecs. Due to this, you may find that while your media player is able to play some .avi files there are others which it cannot play.
To play an .avi file, a media player must support the codecs used in that particular .avi file. So, if your media player is unable to play an .avi file, chances are that it does not support the codec used in that file. Also, it is possible that while your media player supports the audio codec used in compressing the audio content but does not support the video codec used in the .avi file.
When this happens, your media player will play the audio content but without any video. To resolve the issue, use either of the following methods:
- Install the required codecs
- Use another media player
At times, damaged file openers on a Windows system may prevent you from opening some files. If this is the case, we recommend you use FileCure, which is a dependable file extension repair software that promptly fixes damaged or corrupt file openers.