Adding additional media format support to QuickTime

Summary

Use codec components to extend QuickTime to import or play a variety of additional media formats (such as .wmv, .divx, .mpeg, .mxf).

Products Affected

OS X Lion, QuickTime 7 (OS X), QuickTime X

You can extend QuickTime to import or play other popular and specialized media formats using codec components. The table below lists common Apple and third-party codec components and the filename extensions they support. Note: Check the codec component vendor's website for specific QuickTime and OS version requirements. Some codec components may require purchase.

To determine which component will most likely work for you:

  1. Identify the filename extension of your media file:
    1. If you haven't already, download the file to your desktop or other folder.
    2. In Finder, select the file and choose File, then Get Info.
    3. In the info panel, click the triangle next to Name & Extensions to expand that section and see the full filename with extension. If the filename is long, click in the filename box and scroll to the right to display the extension.
  2. Match the filename extension to those in the table below and go to the linked website for more information.
Windows Media .wmv, .wma, .wm, .asf, .wvx, .wax, .wmx, .asx, .avi Flip4Mac WMV Components for QuickTime Telestream
DivX .divx, .avi DivX for Mac DivX
MPEG-2
 .mpg, .mpeg, .m2v QuickTime MPEG-2 Playback Component.
Supports program and elementary streams on Mac OS X 10.4.10 through Mac OS X 10.6.8.		 Apple Inc.
MXF .mxf MXF Import QT Hamburg Pro Media
Digital Picture Exchange .dpx Codec components for digital film formats such as Kodak Cineon, SMTPE DPX, ARRIRAW, and Phantom Cine Raw Files. Glue Tools
REDCODE RAW .R3D RED QuickTime codec RED
AJA Kona  Not applicable AJA Macintosh QuickTime Codec AJA Video Systems

Note: Third-party video cameras and capture hardware may use codecs components that are included with the software that comes with the device. If you have issues playing media from a third-party device, make sure the software that accompanied the device is installed on your computer.

Some older codec components may require that "Open in 32-bit mode" be enabled in QuickTime player. See this article for more information.

Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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