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emilesc · Sep 4, 2003, 12:31 AM

Hi -

I'm using OS 9.2 on my iBook. I'm trying to use an mp4 video file and I've downloaded QuickTime 6.3 in order to open it. I restarted the computer, but I still can't open it. Every time I try to open it, I get an error message that QuickTime does not recognize it. Is there a codec that's OS Classic compatible that I can download? I did a search in the forums, but I couldn't find the info I needed.

Thanks,
Emile

Uncle Skeleton · Sep 4, 2003, 12:51 AM

1. some mp4 files are not recognized by quicktime. among them are Advanced Simple Profile mpeg-4 codecs like DivX and XviD.

2. are you sure it's really an mp4 file?

emilesc · Sep 4, 2003, 02:01 AM

Originally posted by Uncle Skeleton:
2. are you sure it's really an mp4 file?

Other than the fact that the person who uploaded the file said that it is an mp4, I don't. How would I be able to tell?

And is there freeware I could use to play the file other than QuickTime?

Thanks,
Emile

Uncle Skeleton · Sep 4, 2003, 10:05 AM

open the file in HexEdit, and compare it to the samples I have posted here:

http://nsorscher.home.comcast.net/movieFAQ

there are many free mp4 players for OS X. Since the mp4 spec was finalizied after the time when OS 9 was considered dead, there are none besides QT for OS 9. You should get yourself a copy of OS X, it's really cool

emilesc · Sep 4, 2003, 10:22 AM

Originally posted by Uncle Skeleton:
open the file in HexEdit, and compare it to the samples I have posted here:

http://nsorscher.home.comcast.net/movieFAQ

Thanks, I'll try that.

there are many free mp4 players for OS X. Since the mp4 spec was finalizied after the time when OS 9 was considered dead, there are none besides QT for OS 9. You should get yourself a copy of OS X, it's really cool

I don't have the memory or money for it or the new software I'd have to buy, so it's not an option.

Thanks,
Emile

emilesc · Sep 4, 2003, 10:38 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Uncle Skeleton:
[B]open the file in HexEdit, and compare it to the samples I have posted here:

http://nsorscher.home.comcast.net/movieFAQ

I've done this and I opened the file in HexEdit - I'm not understanding exactly what I'm looking for in the data which would tell me that it's an mp4, and I didn't see an mp4 among your examples. Any clues?

Thanks,
Emile

Uncle Skeleton · Sep 4, 2003, 11:05 AM

oops, I thought I had put an mp4 sample up there. Well, they look similar to mov. What you're looking for is something that's similar to the files that are posted (which would indicate it's not really an mp4). Basically, if it starts with RIFF, it's probably avi, but might be VCD. If it starts with 00 00 01 BA, it's MPEG. Etc. Also not posted (yet), OggS means ogg or ogm.

see if you can post either the first page or two of the hex (the hex part, not the ascii part), or the file itself, and I'm sure someone can tell for sure what the problem is.

emilesc · 11:45 AM

Originally posted by Uncle Skeleton:
see if you can post either the first page or two of the hex (the hex part, not the ascii part), or the file itself, and I'm sure someone can tell for sure what the problem is.

I made a screencap. Hopefully you'll be able to see it:

Thanks,
Emile