.m2v file not playing in Quicktime Pro

Question

.m2v file not playing in Quicktime Pro

I just purchased Quicktime Pro 7.6. I have a bunch of MPEG2 (.m2v) files that worked on my old iMac and am trying to get them to work on my new iMac. When I open the MPEG2 files using Quicktime, I get a "the file is not a movie file" error. Again, these are the same MPEG2 files that worked on my previous iMac. When I open the files using VLC, the video works fine, but it VLC doesn't play MPEG2s with audio, nor can it convert. Any idea why Quicktime Pro would not be working? I've tried the files with and without the .m2v extensions also.

24" iMac, Intel 2.4ghz, 250gb, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Mar 12, 2009 4:24 PM

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Answer 1

D. Fraser

Level 3

560 points

Mar 14, 2009 8:39 PM in response to Michael Clark12

There should be a second, audio file that is associated with the m2v. The m2v container does not have the audio. VLC probably can't find the audio track.

So in other words, you guys are saying that Quicktime Pro does not come with the MPEG-2 player component, and that will be another $20?

Unfortunately, that is correct. Another option is [ffmpegx|http://ffmpegx.com>. It is shareware and costs $15.

D.

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Answer 2

D. Fraser

Level 3

560 points

Mar 12, 2009 5:16 PM in response to Michael Clark12

Quicktime 7 needs the MPEG-2 Playback Component for you to view .m2v. Costs $19.99.

http://apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2

Have you tried converting it with Handbrake. I know Handbrake can handle MPEG-2s in VOB, Transport Streams, and Program Streams. It would be worth a try.

D.

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Answer 3

Limnos

Level 10

428,177 points

Mar 12, 2009 7:56 PM in response to Michael Clark12

You are positive you have QT Pro on this new computer?

You are certain you have heard audio in these exact same files? .m2v strictly only should be used for mpeg-2 video component, not files with both

VLC really can't play the audio? That's a first for me.

The error message you are getting is often due to a corrupt file.

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Answer 4

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Mar 13, 2009 9:39 PM in response to Limnos

You're right that M2V are video streams and there is no audio. Perhaps like Streamclip or Toast if there is an MPEG-2 audio or AC3 audio file with the same name in the same directory VLC plays both automatically. His new iMac simply hasn't the MPEG-2 playback component hence no playback in QT (or MPEG Streamclip if he tries that route).

He can go to the Apple Store online and download it again for free, end of problem.

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Answer 5

Mar 14, 2009 2:16 PM in response to Ricktoronto

Download what for free to solve it?

I definitely have Quicktime Pro 7.6, the most recent available on their page. I've confirmed this in the "About Quicktime Player" menu.

So in other words, you guys are saying that Quicktime Pro does not come with the MPEG-2 player component, and that will be another $20?

Thanks to all for the feedback!

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Answer 6

Ricktoronto

Level 6

11,560 points

Mar 19, 2009 9:45 AM in response to Michael Clark12

If you bought the MPEG-2 component once it is available to download in the Apple Store, and has been updated and you can re-download it as often as you feel like. If you have never owned it they buy it, but I based the statement on you saying you were playing MPEG-2 in Quicktime on an older mac.

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