QT 7.1.3 plays AVI's fine under X.3.9 but not under X.4.8 .... why?

The Backup G4 allows me to import all these files to iMovie as well as iPhotos and plays them perfectly under QT 7.1.3. But the primary G4 733 simply “fails to respond” in opening and playing these same files. In fact I have to force quit QT in pic 4 on the G4 733 .... Any helpful suggestions would be sincerely appreciated

Have you compared the installed components on the working computer with those on the non-playing computer? Sounds like some codecs are missing from the latter or are in conflict with other components. For instance, do you have Flip4Mac, Perian component package, etc. installed on one but not the other?

I just performed a search (using the finder) on both systems and came up with zero results on both the G4 733 DA running X.4.8 as well as the B&W PM G4 running X.3.9 (which runs perfectly).

Actually, the files mentioned were simply examples of components which might be installed to handle a number of different codecs found in AVI file containers. You should open the files on the working computer in QT and check the "Show Movie Info" window to determine the specific audio and video codecs involved here. In any case, most third-party AVI components would be stored in the global "start-up drive > Library > QuickTime" folder and this is normally what you check to see which components have actually accumulated over time. DivX, XviD, 3ivX, etc. are other components that handle AVI files. If you have a number of such components installed, they sometimes conflict with one another. Even having the same components on two different machines can sometimes work differently as it is possible for the order in which the components were installed to determine the priority order for using the components. Personally, I try to stay away from non-QT file formats as they tend to have very lax standards and, franky, are a real pain to deal with. For instance, are your problems limited to the QT player or are browser plug-ins also involved? If so, then you you also have to check the Library > Plug-ins folder, as well as, your QT Preferences > Advanced > MIME" settings.

Actually, the top list looks more likely to play AVI files than the lower one. Of the 13 components listed, 10 are associated with Final Cut editor. The DivX 6 component should allow QT Player to play some/many AVI files if the files are set to open in QT rather than the DivX Player. Flip4Mac decoder is primarily associated with WMV files but will play some AVI and MS MPEG4 file formats. Frankly, I don't see how your "lower" list will even play AVI files with the lack of support shown. In fact, although you refer to the lower list as the "Panther HD" list, it doesn't even contain QT HD support. All of the HD components are in the "upper" list. Are you sure you didn't reverse the lists here?

OK, I was thinking in terms of "High Definition" video codes and you, apparently, were referring to the "hard drive." In this case, I must assume your daughter's hard drive has additional codecs in other locations. For instance, do you have additional codecs in either the "Users > Named_User > Library > QuickTime" and/or "root > System > Library > QuickTime" folders?

It's entirely possible the available files & resources on each change depending on the startup device that is used at the time.

Not only possible but mandatory. While QT Kirk has detailed how to "overlay" one QT application over another, it is the base application associated with the designated start-up system that provides the "structure" and determines which folders will be searched/components will be used to provide the "codec suppert" needed to play the various files. Further, this list of "helper" files is rebuilt each time QT is opened and that is why you must quit and re-open QT when installing or removing components.

One more item I should mention .... are you familar with an application called AppZapper? I did use it recently to eliminate an application called "Flip for Mac".

Not familiar with AppZapper but assume is is a utility that seeks out applications, associated project documents, "Help" PDFs, logs, preference lists, etc. and then deletes them.

Question: Would it be safe to remove /trash the remaining Flip for Mac componets from the above QT contents package that AppZapper failed to remove?

Not sure if these components are dependent on application to function or not. Application is used to set up preperences, possibly perform some "start up" actions when the system is booted, and upgrade the software when/if desired. So I don't see why you can't remove them if you want at this time. A better question might be whether or not these codecs were operational in the first place. If, so, then you just trashed ("zapped") $49 worth of software. While these have limited use with some AVI/MS specific compression formats, their primary use is bi-directional conversion between QT and WMV 9 files.

Hi SD.

"However, the very same avi movies play perfectly on a G4 backup system running an earlier OS, namely OS X.3.9 and QT 7.1.3 "

I believe you answered your own question. OS 10.4 handles images/graphics in a completely different architecture. I believe these issues have to do with the one API does all for graphics exchange within the frameworks of the Apple and third party apps. and not QT. This API is responsible for sending images back and forth through applications and part of Core Image.

BTW what do you have for a graphics card in the primary machine and most importantly is it Core Image Supported? Quartz Extreme Supported. and how many MB?
Do you use any firewire cameras that you can connect to the machine?

FWIW
W1