Why do I receive an error when attempting to play AVI-files created by MATLAB or SimMechanics with the Indeo 5 codec?

When using an external movie player to view AVI-files created with MATLAB or SimMechanics, I receive an error related to the Indeo 5 codec.

I receive the following error with Windows Media Player:

ERROR: Windows Media Player cannot play the file. One or more codecs required to play the file could not be found. 

With QuickTime Player, the following error is returned:

ERROR: You may experience problems playing a video track in "YOURFILENAME.AVI" because the required compressor could not be found. 

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

These errors can occur for a number of reasons. Here are the three most common causes, with workarounds provided for each:

1. Windows Media Player does not allow you to play Indeo 5 AVI-files from a remote network location.

Microsoft recently added this restriction. If you attempt to play the AVI-file directly from the internet or from a mapped network drive, you will receive the error. 

To work around this issue, copy your AVI-file to a local hard disk before attempting playback.

2. The Indeo 5 codec is not installed on your system.

Microsoft did not include the Indeo codecs for Windows Media Player with Windows XP Service Pack 1.

You can purchase the Indeo codecs separately from Ligos Corporation

3. The Indeo 5 codec is not supported by your movie player.

To work around this issue, use a different compression method when creating your AVI-files.

For a list of codecs supported by Windows Media Player and QuickTime Player, please view the documentation for the specific players. The following links may be helpful in answering questions related to codec support:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions-392483a0-b9ac-27c7-0f61-5a7f18d408af

https://help.apple.com/finalcutpro/mac/10.4.4/

[Walter Roberson]

There are no 64 bit Indeo5 codecs for MS Windows. The manufacturing company recognizes the limitations of Indeo5 and would prefer that the format dies.