I can't play a video file.

Does QuickTime say it needs to download additional software but you don’t know which software to download? Or does your Mac tell you it doesn't have an application to open that video file?

When someone creates a video file, they use a codec to compress the file and you must have the same codec installed on your computer to decode the file. This means that you could download two .mov files and one will play perfectly in QuickTime and the other will prompt you to download a bunch of plug-ins from Apple’s website.

The easiest way to solve this issue is to download a range of free video players for your Mac so you’ll usually have something that works.

• Perian QuickTime Components: These are all the available plug-ins for QuickTime, so you’ll never have to stare dumbfounded at Apple’s plug-in website again.
• Windows Media Player: This comes in two versions for Mac users now. One is a standalone player, and the other is a plug-in to allow QuickTime to play these files. Perian installs the plug-in so all you need is the standalone player. Sometimes a file won’t open in QuickTime but the standalone player works.
• RealPlayer: Don’t be fooled into paying for this, there’s always a free player edition available from RealPlayer if you look for it.
• VLC Media Player: This should handle just about everything else.

If none of these applications can play your file, try selecting the video and selecting Get Info from the File menu. Click the triangle next to More Info to reveal the type of codec used next to Codecs. Throw the codec(s) into a web search and see if you can find a reputable website that offers a free plug-in for download.

Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on July 16, 2009 3:23 PM