Why are so many posts in AVI format?

[ErikRP]

This is a super newbie question I'm afraid, but I can't figure out why so many posts in the newsgroups are in AVI format. Is there something that I'm missing, do some people have software that lets them drag and drop and burn in one easy step?

It seems such a HUGE pain in the butt to have to download a 600-700 Mb AVI file, then convert to an MPEG (after maybe splitting the AVI file, maybe not) and then burn. I can only assume there is a really big reason why all files posted aren't in MPEG format but I have no idea what it is.

I'd appreciate any feedback (flames ignored as always!) to help me get my head around this.

Thanks!

[mortisvanberg]

Many people only watch the movieson their PC. AVI is a more compressed version than MPEG. A 600 AVI file might convert to a 1.2GB MPEG (VCD format).

[dumwaldo]

discover alt.binaries.vcd

not all people use VCD's to watch their video. look for groups with vcd in the title and you will find VCD and SVCD rips. groups with the word movies in the title are usually more divx related. just dont write off any groups because every so often you will come across a killer VCD in alt.binaries.movies or some other group that is usually divx related.

always remember that even though there are rules to usenet it is not moderated and people often mispost to the wrong group.