I'm trying to open an AVI from a disc, but QT says that a codec is missing. Any ideas?

Question

All my systems are up-to-date, and I've tried opening with Flip4Mac, but the file just opens in QT anyway.  Any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Okay...  So, I DLed Perian, Ctrl-Clicked on the AVI file and selected it using Open With.  It started opening, and then Quick Time jumped in over it, and I get the same error message as usual.  Should I try the other programs on Perian's page?
I would work on one problem at a time. If, as you indicated, you have already installed the Perian package located at the URL posted by QTKirk, the next QT playback question would be, "Do you have the QT 7 Player v7.6.6. also installed?" followed by "Did you try playing the file in the QT 7 Player app?" As previously noted, the Perian support may require access to the 32-bit routines embedded in your system OS via the QT 7 app. Normally, if both QT X and QT 7 are installed on your system and if QT X does not support file playback, the system may ask if you wish to open the file with the QT 7 app. If you don't have QT 7 installed on your system and QT X cannot play the file using the Perian codec component support, then you will likely continue to receive the "missing codec" modal message.
If you have not already downloaded and installed the QT 7 v7.6.6 Player, I would recommend you do so now using the instructions and download link found HERE. Please note that both players may be simultaneously installed and used on your Lion system but they should be left in their default installed locations. (I.e., QT X is isnstalled in your "Applications" folder while QT 7 is placed in your "Applications/Utilities" folder.) I usually keep both apps in my dock for easy access. In any event, when it is installed, try playing the AVI file using the QT 7 Player app which will likely require manual opening/path navigation. If the file opens and plays back correctly, then you know the codecs involved are only supported in the older "legacy" player.
If the file still does not open correctly, my recommendation would then be to download and try playing the AVI files using the free VLC media player. I keep this app installed as my primary backup media player for files which are not otherwise supported on my system (e.g., those using esoteric AVI codecs, BD exports to MKV, etc).