I tried VirtualDub but it can't seem to do it while file is still downloading. VLC, KMPlayer and PotPlayer can but only when a lot of the file is already downloaded. I'd like to preview as soon as possible, maybe at 10% - 25%. Thought I'd see if anyone knows of something. Commercial or free, doesn't matter. Win XP.
MPC isn't working either, the download's at 30% and still can't render. I remember in the past being able to do this on VLC with MP4s and very small partial files, 5% or 10%.
Try GOM Player (just use the installer from Ninite, without crapware). GOM can play incomplete, broken or damaged AVI files by skipping bad frames and rebuilding the file's index when necessary. https://ninite.com/ http://player.gomlab.com/?language=eng
No better or no worse. Most will behave the same with the same file but there could be differences depending on the codecs installed. Some files will play easily and some not.
There was once a dedicated player that could do that, it stayed in beta but worked well. I just have to find its name...
Torch Browser can play even @ 2% but I doubt you want to use that. I was always able to use VLC and it worked unless something has changed. Vlc should still work especially if you use Qbitorrent because with that you can set to download a file in sequential order.
Novastar, I just started using qBittorrent. Found sequential order and that's exactly what I needed. It starts playing right away. Many thanks!