What video format must a movie be to be viewable?

[RobInfinity]

Probably a stupid question that most of you already know, but how do I get my .avi movies to play on the Nexus 7? If I have to convert it to something else, what does it need to be converted to?

If I have to convert the movies, anyone know of a good free program that I can download to my computer to make the conversions?

Thanks in advance for all replies!

[JayJ]

Install a 3rd party video player from the Play Store like MX Player, Mobo Player or VLC.

[S.Prime]

I use Mx Player and it handles all of video formats (including avi) but I have yet to find an app that will play my mkv music videos.

[Tiny]

+1 on MX Player.  If you want to convert files, I recommend Format Factory.  It is freeware and converts Video, Audio and Pictures.  It has lots of options and supports several formats.

Get it here:  http://www.pcfreetime.com/

[Flybear]

+1 on MX Player. For video conversion, try Handbrake, it's free!

[bjs229]

BS player plays an MKV file that I have.

[RobInfinity]

Thanks for the replies everyone! I tried the MX player, and it worked... sort of. The play back is very herky jerky.

What is the format that needs to be used for the built in video player?

[S.Prime]

What video formats are you trying to play? You will find that avi requires sw decoding,  for example.

[RobInfinity]

Yes! I want to play mostly .avi files on it, how do I do that? What SW decoding? Decoding to what? This is what I'm trying to find out! 

[S.Prime]

The setting varies from one player to another, but if you tap menu you will find hw or sw decoding

[anubis520]

If you have to convert just convert to an open codex like .264 or mp4