"AVI" is kind of like a paper sack. You can put anything into that sack. In fact, someone could put something into that sack you may not be able to recognize.

The short answer is that your AVI contains a codec you do not have installed or you don't have a "Video for Windows" version installed which is what Vegas needs. You're two main options are: Find that codec and install it (you can determine the codec using something like gSpot) but DON'T install a "codec pack" - just the one codec you need. Your other option is to use some program that CAN read it and convert into a codec Vegas can read.

Howdy ASW, you might remember me from such other forums as TTM and KAE, yep, its me, 9, fancy seeing you here.

codecs will more than likely be the problem mate, as jetdv says, AVI is just the container, within that container is the output video codec, which can be one of many numerous varieties, Alot of converter programs dont make this clear to the end user, and tend to choose by default a certain output codec when converting files. It gets quite confusing for us ameteurs, dont worry, ive been at this video stuff for 18+ months now, and i only last month, realised just how containers and output codecs work together.

{REMOVED due to idiocy!!}

i'll email you on TTM with some programs that might help you out. Personally, i have had alot of trouble with AVI's in vegas, mainly with the dreaded "Red thumbnails in the timeline preview" which cause video drop outs when rendering. I now use the MP4 container, with the H.256/AVC codec, vegas seems to love these files, and i havent had a problem so far. Its a PITA having to convert my camera files [Mpeg2] to another format, but i now have a process that works for me, so im happy. The pro's will probly tell me im way off the mark, but like i said, it works for me. its a problem with using an OS that is so "variable" depending on the PC and hardware and has so many config possabilities, just depends which way you prefer to "skin the cat". BTW, you must have QuickTime installed to use my method.

Best o luck mate

"short answer is, you need to install a codec pack, or the specific codec for your equipment."

PLEASE DO NOT INSTALL A CODEC "PACK" ON YOUR VEGAS MACHINE!

It's just like letting bedbugs loose in your home:
You will get nothing but trouble and they can be almost impossible to get rid of.

Don't say you weren't warned. Follow the advice of the pros.
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=727578
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=727163
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=701204

For anyone who is about to say, "I installed a codec pack and it's working fine," good for you and I hope you never have to remove it.

Musicvid is 1,000.000 percent right. Install only the codec you need or you are almost certain to be in real trouble.

Richard