QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component for Mac OS X

This add-on to QuickTime or QuickTime Pro provides the ability to import and play back MPEG-2 content, including both multiplexed (also known as muxed, where the audio and video tracks are interleaved together into one track) and non-multiplexed (also known as elementary) streams.

Note: On OS X Lion and later, MPEG-2 playback functionality is built into QuickTime X. The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component is not required and cannot be installed.

Close

Enlarge image

3.0 out of 5 stars

Based on 29 reviews

Write a review
Purchase Information

£14.00

Software download
 

Features

The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component provides QuickTime users with the ability to import and play back MPEG-2 content, including both multiplexed (also known as muxed, where the audio and video tracks are interleaved together into one track) and non-multiplexed (also known as elementary) streams.

Frequently Asked Questions about this product:

Do I need QuickTime 7 Pro for the MPEG-2 Playback Component to work?

No, QuickTime 7 Pro is not necessary for playback of MPEG-2 content with the MPEG-2 Playback Component. You need only QuickTime Player and the MPEG-2 Playback Component to view MPEG-2 content.

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.

Can transport streams be played?

The MPEG-2 specification defines two forms of data streams, program streams and transport streams. While the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component will play program streams, playback of transport streams 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.

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.

System Requirements

  • PowerPC G4 (500MHz or faster) or Intel processor
  • Mac OS X v10.4.10 through Mac OS X v10.6.8. Not for use on OS X v10.7 or later.
  • At least 256MB of RAM
  • QuickTime 7.6 or later (Pro not required)

Manufacturer

  • This playback component requires QuickTime 7 or QuickTime 7 Pro.
  • A more powerful computer will deliver improved performance.

Ratings & Reviews

3.0

Based on 29 reviews

Write a Review

Most Useful Reviews

  • 2.0 out of 5 stars

    Helps a FREE 3rd Party Software convert MPEG files!

    • Written by from LONDON

    This software does enable you to see MPEG files - but if you want to convert MPEG files to MOV files you need the help of MPEG Streamclip (google it) which is a free download from a 3rd party company so that you have full sound with your clips.

    I think why everyone who has purchased this has got angry is because it seems ridiculous to be buying a component from Apple and then having to download another application to make it work - and it seems ironic that we're paying Apple when it almost feels like it is the 3rd party who should be getting the dosh for providing the function we all bought it for.

    To be honest I jut want to be able to buy something have it work, rather than have to find a review or a web discussion about what additional software I need to make MPEG files into MOV files.

    So if that's what you want your plug in and play Mac to do: buy this, then go to www.squared5.com and get the free download and it will probably take you 20 mins tops. I just feel that it should be a one stop shop and that should come with the security of it being an Apple one stop shop.     …More

    187 of 195 people found this useful

    Was this useful?

  • 1.0 out of 5 stars

    Won't get audio from VOB files

    • Written by from Wootton Bridge

    This product did not allow me to play the audio from VOB audio files, eg those created by iDVD. Look up MPEG Streamclip, which is free, and reads VOB and exports to a variety of formats, including DV. The Apple QuickTime site confusingly says:
    "The QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component provides QuickTime users with the ability to import and play back MPEG-2 content, including both multiplexed (also known as muxed, where the audio and video tracks are interleaved together into one track) and non-multiplexed (also known as elementary) streams..." and "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"
    But then it says "Note that the QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component will not demux audio and video, nor will it enable audio transcoding."

    So Apple says the MPEG-2 will play muxed audio and video (which it didn't from the iDVD VOB), but it won't demux audio and video. I'm out of my depth. Perhaps Apple could make the capabilities clearer.     …More

    343 of 514 people found this useful

    Was this useful?

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great Product - but annoying gap in download instructions

    • Written by from MILTON KEYNES

    Works flawlessly - using to play back .rec files with MPEG Streamclip. But inadequate instructions, once you have paid, leave many customers intensely frustrated, and in the dark about where to find download. “The download button” it says – but where? No sign of such a button on the final page. Maybe on an email? No email arrives. Apple customer service say many people have complained (see also comments in other reviews) but they are seemingly helpless to do anything. Perhaps a clueless customer can help where salaried Apple staff seem powerless.

    Use the "your account" tab to login and download away. May seem absurdly obvious, but the tabs are generally so useless on this site and the structure so labyrinthine, that the “your account” concept can easily end up invisible here, unlike on, say, Amazon where its clearly signposted at every turn. Ho-hum. I love Apple but this site conspicuously has potential for improvement
    …More

    313 of 503 people found this useful

    Was this useful?

Read all the most useful reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    The MPEG2 Streaming Component is a "helper file" not an application!

    • Written by from MILTON KEYNES

    What the MPEG-2 Playback Component does is to enable 3rd Party apps like Squared5's excellent MPEG Streamclip to work with Quicktime apps on Mac OS where video and audio file conversion is required. That's why it's referred to as a "helper file", for heaven's sake!

    For the record, I transcode and reversion video files for a living, and despite the fact that I have some very expensive Mac and Windows-based tools in my armoury, MPEG Streamclip is one of the most useful and reliable of them all. I really can't do without it. But to get the most out of it you really do need this Quicktime MPEG-2 Playback Component - so buy it now. Note also that although Lion (and, presumably, Mountain Lion) supposedly doesn't require the component, they actually do in order to make Streamclip to work properly. Again - read the notes on Squared5's web page!

    So, those who are knocking the component and saying that it doesn't do what it's supposed to do - just read the release notes will you? Jeez.....     …More

    55 of 66 people found this useful

    Was this useful?

  • 1.0 out of 5 stars

    No Audio

    • Written by from Stoke-on-Trent

    Video will now play, but no audio.
    Video with audio plays fine using alternative player VLC media player (free).
    Looks like this Codec needs some more work, sadly in my case £15 wasted. …More

    27 of 29 people found this useful

    Was this useful?

  • 1.0 out of 5 stars

    rubbish

    • Written by from Birmingham

    having been told to download this by apple support I find it does not work with Lion!! waste of time and money

    44 of 47 people found this useful

    Was this useful?

Read all the most recent reviews

† Exceptions apply. The shown delivery date may encounter additional time for some localities. Click here for details.