AVI playback with Elements Files

I’ve been asked by a few people what is the “Right Way” to export ND2 files to AVI. A lot of problems arise when the file is moved from the computer where the file is saved, to a different computer for playback (think your laptop for lab meeting or better yet your mac)
Here’s the scoop:

AVI as a format is simply a format with specified data dimensions intended to hold color video data (640×480 or 320/240 resolution , 30fps, 24bit). This data can be saved (and tagged with the *.AVI extension) as long as you save the file using the correct descriptions and dimensions as specified in the format of the file. The problem here is the inherent size of the file. Without any compression, the file size for a 100 frame video will be something like 240mb. The file gets to be too big for practical use once over 1gb, so what do we do?
This is where the choice for CODECs comes into the mix. A Codec is a “Compressor/Decompressor” layer that sits between the normal AVI playing programs like windows media player and the file. When the file is saved it gets processed through the compressor side of this layer and you end up with a smaller file. When the file is played the decompressor side of the layer is activated, the compressed data is stretched back out and displayed on screen. 
       There are a lot of options for the codec you use. Making this more complicated is the fact that you need the codec installed on BOTH the saving computer and the playing computer. So using this knowledge here’s the common scenario:
1. Lab member uses elements to save ND-2 data as AVI, and uses the default codec.  (Intel Indio Video 4.5 in Elements). The file saves and a check of the file on the computer shows the file plays back. 
2. the lab member copies the file to his Mac and attempts to play the file. Quicktime doesn’t support Indeo Video, so the file doesn’t play. 
     In a nutshell the codec isn’t installed on the playback system. So what can we do?
     For PC to PC playback the simple option is to download Windows Media Player 9 or 10 using Windows Update. Microsoft’s tech support site lists Indeo 4.5 as a supported format for WMP 9+. 
     For PC to Mac playback (or to Ubuntu playback)  the simplest solution is to download the VLC player on the mac. VLC (or VideoLan) is a multi OS media player tool that will usually play any media file when everything else won’t. You will need to save the files as the previous generation Indeo (version 3.2) in order to play it in VLC on the Mac. Check out VLC’s media compatibility page for more information. 
     Just keep in mind when saving to AVI that a LOT of information is lost using these formats. These are for DISPLAY ONLY and not for data analysis!!!
    

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2 responses to “AVI playback with Elements Files”

  1. Nathan Avatar
    Nathan

    Nice stuff, Austin. I’ve added it to my reader. Thanks for letting me know.

  2. Austin Blanco Avatar
    Austin Blanco

    Thanks Nathan!