With the correct codecs, QuickTime for OS X 9.2.2 should be able to play .avi files
or at least recognize them; if they are recognized and yet do not play, there is or
there was a software download to correct or change them so they'd play properly.
An .avi file may not be what is called a Real .avi file; so changing some of them
had been necessary in some cases, and of those .avi - like files, some do not
need to be changed to play in the last versions of QuickTime for OS 9.2.2.
There were downloadable extensions from places such as Doctor Divx 2
and 3ivx, to help the system handle .avi file types. I do not know if these
are still available or if there are other alternatives now. Also some had
suggested the use of some software but when I look, it no longer exists.
So perhaps someone out there who is using OS 9.2.2 or Before has
access to a workable answer, maybe some hold-out still produced?
I've done a few basic searches for .avi converter, etc; didn't see much.
Apple released some Indeo Video codecs for use with QuickTime 3 Pro, for the purpose of enhancing its ability to handle AVI files (and perhaps others) directly. I do not know if these codecs provide any functional enhancements with later versions of QuickTime; I do know that I had them installed when using QT 6 with OS 9.1, with no ill effects. If you wish to try them, you can download them from this page -
Apple - Indeo Video
Lots of good advice so far. A few problems you may encounter come to mind.
One is that your computer may not have what it takes in terms of processing power to play compressed video. I remember my G3 freezing up all the time when I tried to play compressed video. I added more RAM, more video RAM, a new video card, no-go. I had to get a G4 to play video.
Second, AVI frequently has mp3 as the audio component and some form of mp4 as video. OSX players can handle this combination, and of course OS9 can handle mp3 as stand-alone audio, but I remember that even when my G3 started to play an AVI it would only play video. This mp4 + mp3 mix was something OS9 just didn't like.
