Quicktime Pro 7 Error: -2048 | Want to convert mpeg-2 to .mov

Clint@duke, how's JJ?

Sorry to be the one to tell you this, but QT pro doesn't come with the ability to play mpeg-2 content. You need an additional component, which costs another $19.99.

dual 867 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.4)

perhaps... Are you using a muxed source? That is do you have one mpeg-2 that has audio and video wrapped up together? Or do you have an mpeg-2 file and a corresponding audio file (.aiff or something)?

What export settings are you using?

What is the file extension? Have you tried changing it to .mpg or .mpeg and trying again?
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/faq.html

EDIT: if you want to have editable files, you must demux it.

Looking at the faq that Kirk just posted, I see that a muxed file (which you have) can only be transcoded to another format IF you don't try and touch the audio. I'm no professional but dislike working with muxed files. You may want to check out ffmpegx.

This program is awsome. It will demux mpegs into separate audio and video streams. These are much easier to work with. For example, if you want to cut a clip of a movie and save it separately, you can't if it is muxed (try it). I've had trouble at time when encoding to H.264 with QT7 pro, but have sucessfully used ffmpegx to do what crashed QT7.

BTW, there is a multimedia computer lab for student use in the basement of old chem. It is stocked with dual G5s and all the professional apps. More than you need, but they are a good resource.

Can I transcode MPEG-2 multiplexed (i.e., muxed) video to other formats?
Yes, the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component combined with QuickTime Pro will allow the transcode of MPEG-2 video to other formats, whether that video originates in an elementary video stream or in a multiplexed stream. However, the audio that is interleaved with the video in a multiplexed stream cannot be transcoded to other formats. Transcoding is supported for video only.

dual 867 MDD Mac OS X (10.4.4)

You may want to check the install of the MPEG-2 Playback Component. I think it's installed in the HD/Library/QuickTime folder.
MPEG Streamclip (free) is much easier to use than ffmpegx (IMO) and it can also convert the audio at export which QT Pro can't do.
Try another player (like VLC) and see if it reports errors in the .mpg file.
QuickTime can play muxed formats (MPEG 1 or 2 and Flash) but it will not export audio.

Since MPEG Streamclip converts from MPEG directly to QT using the export to Quicktime don't waste your time demuxing and then combining audio and video streams. All you are doing is what it will do for you.