m4v files don't play in quicktime

I have some files that made with handbrake and when i try to open them in quicktime, i get an error message that says:


The document "Kids playing" could not be opened. A required codec isn't available. To see if additonal software is available that will enable QuickTime player to open the movie, click tell me more.


However, i can open the files in VLC, and when i spress the space bar, the preview window plays the file. It also plays the file when i click on it once, then press the play button on the file itself.

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.1)

Posted on Sep 7, 2011 7:03 PM

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5 replies

Sep 7, 2011 7:23 PM in response to SteveEli

SteveEli wrote:


i can open the files in VLC, and when i spress the space bar, the preview window plays the file. It also plays the file when i click on it once, then press the play button on the file itself.

that tells me, the needed codecs are already on the system.


m4v is a container format for iTunes and contains mostly two streams. One video H264, one sound mp4

Check handbrake for its sound settings.


Try to rename the movie into kids playing.mp4 and check if Quicktime will open it.


Quicktime is a crap.


By the way...

  • What OS X ?
  • What version of Quicktime?


Generally ... if VLC, iTunes, FrontRow is available and plays the movies, why want to play it in Quicktime?

Sep 7, 2011 7:40 PM in response to lupunus

Changing it to an mp4 file didnt work with Quicktime. I thought i had set my OS version at the bottom of the post but in the event that doesnt show for you, its OSX 10.7.1 and Quicktime 10.1 (501).


I dont like VLC as a player as it remembers my past files viewed by cicking and holding on the cone off the dock. I keep all my video files on my drobo that is shared and itunes doesnt do a good job at remembering to go looking in my drobo for the files (the video does play in itunes though). I dont have front row in 10.7 as it was removed in Lion...so that leaves me with Quicktime. any other suggestions?

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m4v files don't play in quicktime

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