Is there anyway to watch WMV files on CNN.COM?

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Level 1

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Is there anyway to watch WMV files on CNN.COM?

I am a brand new Mac user and have one of the first MacBook Pro 15" models that was shipped. In all honesty, I'm not impressed, especially given the price. I've been on the phone non-stop with Applecare since buying the machine less than two months ago for various issues, ranging from overheating to programs freezing to not waking up from sleep mode, etc.

I'm wondering, though, if anyone can help with an issue that just annoys me to no end. I've had my homepage set to CNN.COM on my PC for years now and I've gotten used to checking the news there daily. CNN has started using more video clips in their site now and I am unable to watch them on this MacBook Pro. I have downloaded Windows Media Player 9, but I still get an error when I click on a video link in CNN while using Safari. I've downloaded Firefox and, at the very least, WMP opens when I click on a video link, but the video doesn't play. I've also read about VLC and I downloaded that, but that does nothing. All I want is to be able to click on one of those video links and see the video pop up. Is this really not possible?

Applecare was no help on this issue, by the way. Their comment was, "it is CNN's choice not to use Quicktime..." Well, CNN isn't the only one -- there are DOZENS and DOZENS of sites out there that I can't enjoy.

MacBook Pro 15" Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on May 19, 2006 11:40 PM

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Answer 1

Bantle

Level 1

0 points

May 20, 2006 12:52 AM in response to FAH

Wow, my first post here and I might be able to help you. I hope this helps improve your Mac expierence.

You can download a qucktime plug-in by Flip4Mac that allows .wmv files to play in Quicktime. You can download it from here http://www.flip4mac.com/wmv_download.htm This will install the free player which. More advanced features can be unlocked by purchasing a license. So far this has worked well for my wife who likes her CNN video.

PB G4 1Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 2

lambu1

Level 1

8 points

May 20, 2006 12:56 AM in response to Bantle

but that version (at the moment) is not compatible with Intel based processors .
hope this helps .. I think you will have to wait .

Dharmender

MacBook Pro 15" 1.87Ghz 1.5GB RAM 80Gb HDD IPOD Video 30 Gb Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 3

Bantle

Level 1

0 points

May 20, 2006 1:14 AM in response to lambu1

Whoops, sorry, that's what I get for posting here before my new MBP has arrived. At least Telestream seem to think development of it is important, “Support for Apple’s new Intel-based products is a top priority for us,” said Dan Castles, CEO of Telestream

17" PB G4 1Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

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Answer 4

DrPlokta

Level 1

25 points

May 20, 2006 2:13 AM in response to FAH

If you have Windows Media Player installed, run Safari under Rosetta and the plugin will work (Google for it if you don't know how to do that).

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Answer 5

May 20, 2006 2:16 AM in response to FAH

If you want to see the videos run in your browser, then you'll need to install Flip4Mac and run Safari in Rosetta. This will slow Safari down, but not significantly, and the videos can play in the browser.

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Answer 6

FAH Author

Level 1

0 points

May 20, 2006 8:28 AM in response to DrPlokta

Thanks for the tip. I followed your instructions and, sure enough, the WMP opens and plays the preview ad, but then freezes before it plays the actual news story. I'm going to test a few other sites with WMV to see what happens. Seems the real solution is somewhere in the future, though, when the Flip4Mac product is developed for Intel-based Macs.

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Answer 7

lambu1

Level 1

8 points

May 25, 2006 11:48 AM in response to FAH

i think those folks are gonna come with something soon .. please

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Answer 8

Jul 9, 2006 3:15 PM in response to FAH

I was having this problem and it was really bugging. I accidentally solved this problem today.

1) Open the Application Folder
2) Click once on the Safari application icon
3) Control + Click
4) Select "Get Info"
5) Place a check mark on the box "Open using Rosetta"

Voila! You're ready to watch CNN videos in Safari. This is also applicable to other internet browsers, i.e. Camino

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Answer 9

Jul 10, 2006 1:42 AM in response to ETBelardo

Does anyone know how to get this work with Firefox?

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Answer 10

black6

Level 2

160 points

Jul 10, 2006 2:41 AM in response to FAH

Do a search on this forum for 'flip4mac', there is a universal beta doing the rounds and some posters from this forum have posted it for download.. I got it 3 weeks ago and works fine.

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Answer 11

black6

Level 2

160 points

Jul 10, 2006 2:47 AM in response to black6

To confirm, i just loaded CNN.com and watched the vids no problem.

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Answer 12

Jul 10, 2006 2:48 AM in response to black6

Do a search on this forum for 'flip4mac', there is a
universal beta doing the rounds and some posters from
this forum have posted it for download.. I got it 3
weeks ago and works fine.

I probably should have been more clear in what the issue I am having is. I have the Universal beta, and it works fine inside of Safari. However, when I click on a link which should open a WMV within Firefox, all I get is a blank page (i.e. the video does not open). Anyone else encounter this, and if so, were you able to workaround it?

TIA.

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Answer 13

black6

Level 2

160 points

Jul 10, 2006 3:10 AM in response to TheTKDKid

Sorry but wasn't talking to you 🙂, if so i would have replied to your name instead of the original poster.

Ok TDK, i'll try it out with firefox and see if i get the same problems as you.

I just tried under Firefox 1.5.0.4 with no problems

Message was edited by: simonf66

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Answer 14

Jul 10, 2006 7:06 AM in response to black6

Must be something with my setup then, since we are both on the same rev level of Firefox. Anyone else have any suggestions?

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Answer 15

black6

Level 2

160 points

Jul 10, 2006 7:28 AM in response to TheTKDKid

We have similar specs, the only thing i can think of was i installed flip4mac after i installed and updated firefox; maybe try a fresh install of the beta?

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