That's correct. The codec must be installed. Unfortunately Micorsoft published its recent OSes with a codec set that differs with every version, so basicly you'll never be sure if all users have a certain codec installed (thought CInepak radius is on all windows versions, but then it turned out it's not)
My advice is, use a good codec that may be distributed freely, then add the codec installer to your game release. You may mention in the help docs if the codec is missing then they may install the one provided with the game.
A more advanced method would be to open the moviefile, check the returned handle and if it's zero (failed to open the movie) then run the codec installer.
Please note "Avi" is no specific codec, but an undefined container. So a system may support some avis and some not.
BTW: Blitz has its built in simple Movie command set, check out the manual / Command Reference! (DirectShow).
My advice is, use a good codec that may be distributed freely, then add the codec installer to your game release. You may mention in the help docs if the codec is missing then they may install the one provided with the game.
A more advanced method would be to open the moviefile, check the returned handle and if it's zero (failed to open the movie) then run the codec installer.
Please note "Avi" is no specific codec, but an undefined container. So a system may support some avis and some not.
BTW: Blitz has its built in simple Movie command set, check out the manual / Command Reference! (DirectShow).