A little while ago I reviewed VLC for the iPad. At the time it was the only app that I used to play my .avi’s and Divx formats. Since then I have completely ditched VLC in favor of CineXPlayer and I bet you will too!
Why the switch?
So why was I even looking for a new app for my video playback? The reason is twofold. First, I review apps, that’s what I do, so I’m always checking out new apps for you guys (and girls). Second (and more importantly) I was having issues with HD playback with the other app. Sometimes I would get random freezing mid playback and the app would completely crash. I have been using CineXPlayer for a couple of months now and not once has it even stuttered during HD playback. So that’s why I was testing CineXPlayer, but there were other huge advantages that have made me happy. Transfer time for the video files to the iPad is faster. I performed an unscientific speed test where I transferred the same video file to CineXPlayer, and then to VLC. It took twice as long to transfer to VLC as it did to CineXPlayer. Secondly while the code isn’t a universal binary (same app working on both iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad) there is a version of CineXPlayer for the iPhone. It has the same UI (user interface) feel and plays back .avi videos just as well.
Make the UI Attractive!
If I have any complaint at all about CineXPlayer, it’s that the UI is bland. You get rows with your video titles, no option for thumbnails or previews. With the introduction of Airplay in iOS 4.2 I’m waiting for streaming integration to be added to this app. Other than that, this app has everything that could want.
You can get the iPad app from the iTunes store for $2.99 here from the 
You can get the iPhone app from the iTunes store for $1.99 here from the
I had been using CineXPlayer until recently and I switched to the Azul Media Player… Not only does it play a whole lot more formats than the CineX but also doesn’t need iTunes to put movies on your device — just lets you download it directly from the internet.