I have a file that is an avi file. It is saved on a DVD disc and I downloaded it to my hard drive. I want to use it make a movie. When I try to open the file in Pinnacle it says it can't open. It is the same format as the files I download off my mini DV tapes. Why can't I open the file?, Thanks, John

Do you have the proper video codec installed to view or play the file? If not, this could be one reason why it will not open.

How do I make sure I have the proper codec installed. The files I download from tapes are avi files and those work.

If you check the properties of the file, it should tell you which codec is used. Otherwise, here is a good free program that will tell you that info, as well as all codecs currently installed on your system:

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/GSpot.htm