video out to TV - playing avi files - why can I play mpg but not avi?

[PeterDragon]

OK, I'm sure that there is something I'm missing,
but I finally used my ATI AIW 8500DV for video out.
I set my TV to 2nd monitor, using s-video.

well, I can see my computer desktop fine on the TV.
I can play mpg files fine.
when I try and play avi files, it is blank.

I wanted to use my computer to play divx files and out them to TV for others to watch, but no matter what player I use, the avi file is seen fine on my computer monitor, but blank on my TV. if I don't make it full screen, everything else is visible too.

Anyone know why? I would think it isn't resolution, since my monitor is set at 1028x768, and that is seen.

[QuickStop]

convert it the avi to mpeg. thats probably the long way around the problem, but its the only one i know.

[HollywoodJewMoses]

while on this subject, how the Hell do i get my video out to work

in the back of my laptop there is a video out plug, its the yellow video plug, so i connect it into my tv, but nothing shows up

[QuickStop]

try looking for videocard options on the laptop. you'll probably find something.

[HollywoodJewMoses]

please continue to explain

[PeterDragon]

convert it the avi to mpeg.

I know I COULD do that, but it is a crappy divx - not worth the conversion. I just wanted to know why avi's don't work.

try looking for videocard options on the laptop. you'll probably find something.

please continue to explain

go to display ->settings->advanced. There is probably something about using 2 monitors, or changing to external monitor. This is not on by default - you've got to turn it on.

[HollywoodJewMoses]

well

i finally got my wireless network working

tv out is next!