![]() When we compared it with Media Player Classic by playing the same HD movie in both apps, we noticed that this app needed on average 15 percent more CPU cycles. Resource-hungry: Apple QuickTime uses more resources to play videos than some other video players. In our tests, we had trouble playing AVI files, even after installing the suggested codecs. Third-party codecs required: If you attempt to play a video in a format, which is not natively supported, such as an AVI file, you'll be taken to a Web page to download additional codec software. Some of those features include the ability to loop a section of a video, trim a movie, or combine movies. Limited functionality: As you browse through the app's menus, you will notice that the majority of features are labeled as "Pro" and are inaccessible in the free version of the software. The plug-ins range from basic codec packs and audio visualizers to apps that will enable you to view and interact with 3D objects rather than playing a movie. ![]() Plug-in support: There are 11 plug-ins available for the software that can extend its capabilities. You can even stream live feeds in the same manner. Streaming support: You can feed the app a video URL, and it will play it as long as the URL's destination is a video in a supported format. On the plus side, this default option can be changed in the software's settings. ProsĮasy to use: Apple QuickTime adheres to a familiar media player layout that we're all used to, the only difference being that movies don't start automatically when opened. The app shows its age, but is still usable as long as you install several codecs in order to play a wider variety of movie formats there is also a small number of free plug-ins that can extend the app's functionality. We found Mac performance much smoother and more reliable.Apple QuickTime lets you play videos stored on your hard drive as well as stream content by supplying the URL of the video source. For example, the program may not run properly if your PC has the older QuickTime 32 version installed, and removing that program means editing your Windows Registry-not a task for the timid. QuickTime 6.0 Pro for Windows also leaves some bugs to swat, ranging from annoying little flaws (it can't open files with names longer than 64 characters) to more serious issues. Mac users, on the other hand, get priority in the discussion group, as well as the aforementioned helpful phone techs. We found many questions from perplexed Windows users-but no answers. A sympathetic support tech directed us to a QuickTime for Windows discussion group buried deep inside Apple's site, where Apple technicians read and respond to questions. ![]() Windows users get absolutely no phone support, aside from that for installation. Need help with QuickTime? If you're using it on a PC, forget it. Windows Media Player doesn't include an MPEG-2 decoder, either, for licensing reasons. And speaking of support, if you want to view MPEG-2 files-the format used in DVD movies-you'll have to pony up an additional $20 for a decoder. So, despite all the hype, you'll only be able to create your own MPEG-4 video you won't be able to use QuickTime to watch Hollywood blockbusters, such as Austin Powers, in all their groovy MPEG-4 glory. Unfortunately, months of wrangling over royalties with MPEG-4's licensing body have left the format in limbo there's very little MPEG-4 video available on the Web today. Or, use the app to create a simple slide show-mixing text slides, photos, and a soundtrack-and e-mail it to colleagues across the country. For example, you can use QuickTime 6.0 to stitch together digital video of all your kids' birthday parties and put a streaming version on your site. QuickTime Pro isn't a full-fledged video editor like Apple iMovie or Pinnacle Studio DV, but it offers rudimentary tools for patching together streaming clips. Buy the full version only if you're serious about creating streaming Web content everyone else should just download the free player. (Full-screen video playback, anyone?) QuickTime 6.0 also supports the new MPEG-4 compression scheme, but QuickTime newbies will find the program's many tools baffling, and the Windows version suffers notable flaws, such as no phone tech support. ![]() With the $30 QuickTime 6.0 Pro, Apple lets you create and play streaming video and audio and offers nifty features you won't find in RealNetworks' RealVideo or Microsoft's Windows Media Player. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |