MPEG-4 files run choppy and sound doesn't work.

Question

MPEG-4 files run choppy and sound doesn't work.

As the title states, in Quicktime, I cannot for the life of me get my MPEG-4 video files to play properly. The sound doesn't work, and the video is choppy at best. It might play smoothly for a little bit, but then the picture will freeze soon thereafter.

This is a recent issue... in fact, I just noticed it yesterday. I've had many of these files for months, and have played them dozens of times without any issues. I upgraded QT to 7.0.3 when it was released, and didn't have a single issue.

I've tried the following:
- "Reinstalling" 7.0.1 via Apple support link.
- Uninstalling QT player completely and downloading a fresh copy online
- Deleting .plist files found in Preferences folder
- Restarting computer

Here's the kicker: these videos play just fine in VLC player. But I want them to play properly in QT... so what's the problem? I've run out of ideas.

Posted on Nov 15, 2005 8:51 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 15, 2005 9:25 PM in response to keepaustinweird

I fixed it after doing a quick search.

As bizarre as it sounds, a recommendation was to open Garageband. I did, started a new project, messed around with it for a bit.. and opened up a MPEG-4 file in Quicktime. It worked flawlessly.

Don't ask me how or why.. but it did. I'm satisfied.

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Answer 2

Nov 16, 2005 6:34 AM in response to keepaustinweird

The "Garageband fix" merely resets the Audio MIDI Setup application (Utilities folder).
For those computers (not all have the issue) having trouble with audio or stuttering video playback in QuickTime simply setting the audio output format to 44100Hz in the Audio MIDI Setup will correct it.
The symptoms can return when other applications (many audio editing apps) adjust audio settings.
You may need to do this "fix" more than one time.

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