i was having codec issues so i read through glynor's terrific posts and wiki in detail. followed directions exactly.
i also was unable to play certain .avi files as well and was hoping this would get sorted out. unfortunately it hasn't.
i got an error (screenshot posted, not sure why it's so small but here's what it says)
"media center encountered errors while trying to play the last several files please make sure yada yada yada"
the interesting part is below that: "Real Player: The file contains an unsupported audio format. The needed codec is not installed on your computer"
i find this very strange for a couple of reasons
a) i installed the CCCP very carefully after remmoving old codec packs as i was instructed to do
b) i then installed the realalternative program which evidently allows you to play those files without that crappy realplayer junk.
c) the file is a .avi? this isn't even a 'real' file is it?