iMac freezes when playing videos

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Level 1

5 points

iMac freezes when playing videos

I always keep up to date with the latest Mac OS X software. Since the release in late 2010, I have been experiencing frequent freezes of the user interface when playing videos. The majority of videos are internet-based videos via Safari, Chrome, Firefox.

I have read many posts regarding video freezing, but my symptoms are a little more than that. The playback of the video freezes, the sound continues, and my whole user interface is unresponsive. Usually within a 1 minutes or so, it all comes back. This behavior is very sporadic. Sometimes no issues for an hour yet I could get 3 when playing a 3 minute video.

I should note that I have had a history of issues with graphics - at different times, depending on the OS X update, I would get digital artifacts appearing. The severity varies per OS X update but for the most part still exits.

iMac 24" - Sept 2006, Mac OS X (10.6.3), DVD - Pioneer DVR-K06

Posted on Jan 12, 2011 10:54 AM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Jan 12, 2011 11:51 AM in response to zinc1oxide1

I always keep up to date with the latest Mac OS X software.

However, your profile shows 10.6.3. As for your graphic issues, run the Apple Hardware Test program, extended tests at least twice. Then, download and run Rember. If the hardware passes those, peruse http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/sbbod.html to see if there's anything there to that could solve your issue. Finally, tell us how much RAM is installed.

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Answer 2

zinc1oxide1 Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 21, 2011 4:15 PM in response to baltwo

Thanks for the update. Yes, as for 10.6.3, I didn't update my profile on the original post 😉

I just ran the hardware test a couple of times and the Rember utility. Both passed ok. Additionally, I did peruse the suggested Beach Ball of Death document but nothing seemed too obvious. As for the RAM, I do have 2.5 G. When I purchased the box, it came with 2 500M cards. I replaced one with a non-apple 2 G card. The Rember did come up clean so I'm not leaning towards a Ram issue - although I don't intend to close this door yet.

This freezing issue did not occur prior to Mac OS X 10.6.5. However, the artifacts have always appeared, with different levels of severity ever since I upgraded to Leopard years ago. Soon after that upgrade, I did report this issue to Apple - I did mention that I upgraded my Ram. They did suggest for me to revert to my original 1 G setup but I recall that didn't make any difference.

After viewing (youtube) what is involved with replacing the Graphics card, I don't think I would be interested in cannibalizing my machine - especially when I can't be certain it is the Graphics card. In the past (over a year ago), I did apply fan control settings which did make some difference.

I will just keep hunting. Thanks again for the troubleshooting ideas. Certainly feel free to ask anything or suggest other ideas.

thanks.

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Answer 3

CMCSK

Level 6

11,452 points

Jan 21, 2011 5:45 PM in response to zinc1oxide1

How much hard drive space do you have? Make sure you are using the latest versions of Adobe Flash Player, VLC, Perian and Flip4Mac.

Disconnect all peripherals from your computer. Boot from your install disc & run _*Repair Disk*_ from the utility menu. To use the Install Mac OS X disc, insert the disc, and restart your computer while holding down the C key as it starts up.
Select your language.
Once on the desktop, select Utility in the menu bar.
Select *Disk Utility.*

Select the disk or volume in the list of disks and volumes, and then click *First Aid.*
Click _*Repair Disk.*_
Restart your computer when done.

Repair permissions after you reach the desktop- http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751 restart your computer.

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