How do I view .avi files on a Mac?

[IU Scott]

I just switched from a PC to a new PowerBook G4 and am still trying to learn how to make DVDs. I've downloaded some .avi files and can't seem to get Quicktime Pro or Windows Media Player to play them. I've downloaded some files that claim to enable Quicktime to play .avi but it still doesn't work. I know this is probably a very easy question to answer. So, I hope you guys will help me out. Thanks.

[Regensturm]

The easiest solution is to get VideoLAN client or MPlayer, both UNIX apps now ported to X (versiontracker.com).

To play in QuickTime: Either the DivX 5 or 3ivX decoders (divx.com, 3ivx.com) should work on most files, but will not work well on anything with B-frames. Install only one, and make sure that the component in is system>library>quicktime.