QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback
Do I need QuickTime Pro for the MPEG-2 Playback Component to work?
No, QuickTime Pro is not necessary for playback of MPEG-2 content with the MPEG-2 Playback Component. You need only QuickTime 6 Player or QuickTime 7 Player and the MPEG-2 Playback Component to view MPEG-2 content. However, if you wish to transcode MPEG-2 video content into other formats, QuickTime Pro or an application built upon the QuickTime export architecture is necessary.
What platforms are supported?
The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component is available for Mac OS X, Mac OS 9, and Windows. For specific system requirements, please check our Tech Specs page.
Can I create MPEG-2 content with the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component?
No, the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component does not contain an MPEG-2 encoder, therefore encoding or creating MPEG-2 content is not supported. The component is only a decoder, enabling playback of MPEG-2 content.
What types of streams can be played back with the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component?
The MPEG-2 Playback Component can play back both elementary audio and video streams, as well as multiplexed program streams.
What file types can be played back with the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component?
There are a number of MPEG-2 file types that the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component can play back, including .mpg, .mpeg, .vob, .vro, .m2v, .m2a, and .m2s files.
Can the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component play back DVDs?
The MPEG-2 Playback Component can play back MPEG-2 files on non-encrypted DVDs. Professionally produced, commercial DVDs (such as Hollywood movies) are usually encrypted with special anti-piracy software, called Content Scramble System (CSS). In order to view these DVDs, decryption software is required and is included in DVD players. But decryption software is not included in QuickTime or the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component.
My MPEG-2 Playback Component has stopped working. What should I do?
A new version of the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component is now available for Mac OS X users. This new version includes performance enhancements and is required for compatibility with QuickTime 6.4 or later. As a past purchaser, you can download it free of charge through your Apple Store account. Just visit the Apple Store and click “Your Account” in the store menu. After entering your Apple ID and password, click "Downloadable Software Purchases" where you will see a link to the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component. Click the link to download and install the updated version.
Can transport streams be played?
The MPEG-2 specification defines two forms of data streams, program streams and transport streams. Each is optimized for a different set of applications and environments. The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component will play program streams, which combine audio and video streams that share a common timeline and are suited for applications with software processing. Playback of transport streams, which combine audio and video with independent time bases, is not supported.
Can the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component play back AC3 audio?
No, MPEG-2 files containing AC3 audio cannot be played back with the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component.
Can I use the MPEG-2 Playback Component to de-multiplex (i.e., de-mux) multiplexed streams?
While multiplexed streams can be played back with the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component, de-multiplexing of these streams is not supported.
Can I transcode MPEG-2 audio to other formats?
While the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component combined with QuickTime Pro will allow the transcode of MPEG-2 video to other formats, the ability to transcode MPEG-2 audio is not supported.
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.
Can I purchase the MPEG-2 Playback Component in volume?
Yes, the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component is available for volume purchase directly from Apple. Pricing at any volume is $30.00 per seat. Call 800-747-7483 for details.
I purchased the MPEG-2 Playback Component to work with QuickTime. Do I need a new version for QuickTime 7?
No, the MPEG-2 playback component you purchased for QuickTime will continue to work with QuickTime 7.
What audio formats does the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component support?
The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component supports the playback of MPEG-2 files (.mpg, .mpeg, .vob, .vro, .m2v, .m2a, and .m2s) that contain MPEG audio layers I or II. The MPEG-2 Playback Component does not support audio playback for MPEG-2 files containing PCM, DTS or AC3 audio.
I recently purchased a new Mac with an Intel processor. Do I need to purchase a new MPEG-2 Playback Component?
No, Apple has updated the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X to be compatible with Intel-based Macs. This is a free update for past purchasers and is required for viewing MPEG-2 files with QuickTime Player on Intel-based Macs. As a past purchaser, you can download the new software by visiting the Apple Online Store and clicking on "Your Account" in the store menu. After entering your Apple ID and password, click "Downloadable Software Purchases" where you will see a link to the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component. Click the link to download and install the new version. If your MPEG-2 Playback component came bundled with Final Cut Studio, DVD Studio Pro or Final Cut Pro, visit this page for instructions on how to download the updated software.
