> The remaining question is why QTP tells me I need Flip4Mac, which I've already got, to which end I've filed a bug report with Telestream, the F4M developer.

Turns out that was the wrong question...that QTP was merely telling me that I need something non-specific other than VLC.

F4M support sent me a test .wmv file that opened just fine in QuickTime Player/F4M and advised me that .avi is a "general" wrapper for many different video formats (codecs?).

So the apparent correct question was "In which codec that is not recognized by VLC is my .avi formatted, and which app will open it?"

That question is, of course, now moot (with Perian stuck in the back of my head as a possible escape valve if I ever run into a similar situation).

Thanks to all who contributed.

The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire