I am using Fedora 9, Totem 2.23.2 with Gstreamer backend.

Playing most AVI video files (not xvid - I need a codec) will cause the screen to blank out after ~5-10 seconds of no movement. If I want to watch a vid using GStreamer, I have to spasmodically move my mouse.

I'm pretty sure it's GStreamer specific as other applications (i.e. Rhythmbox) has issues playing video files - after some time it will blank out (black background).

And is there any way to stop Rhythmbox from wanting to sell me codecs? It's very annoying when every 30 seconds, a dialog pops up asking me to download codecs and purchase them. I was compelled to uninstall Rhythmbox (even though I liked the app. in general).

I personally prefer VLC (plays every format under the sun without a hitch, except WMV) but I have no clue how to use that instead of GStreamer/Xine on most applications that use GStreamer. The audio playback in some cases is something to be desired - but when watching a video, its hardly an issue. Is there a way to use it as default?

Currently I'm using Banshee for my multimedia, it is less painful - it has some features I like but the UI is somewhat lacking. I like Listen's UI - but it lacks something that I can't put my finger on. I like Exaile too but it doesn't update information correctly. I do like its tag editing ability, over Banshee (whose ability to edit IDv3 tags are horrid).

</ramble>... stop me now.

You are victim of a design. You need to set your screen saver controls to accommodate your video viewing length. Also check your power settings while you're there.

Screensaver set at 5 seconds?

Currently, via GNOME settings, it shows to be set at 10 minutes.

If you run the setting out to 90 minutes or even to the extreme limit of 2 hours you won't have the fading out during your video viewing.