Difference in quality of QuickTime-exported video on Intel, PowerPC-based Macs?
Difference in quality of QuickTime-exported video on Intel, PowerPC-based Macs?
MacFixIt reader Chris Bartlett reports a stark difference in the quality of videos exported through QuickTime on Intel-based Macs and associated components (compiled-for-Intel QuickTime, iMovie, etc.) relative to PowerPC-based Macs and associated components -- an issue for which we are seeking corroboration.
Chris writes:
"Here's an interesting issue. I have two Macs running the same core software (Mac OS X 10.4.9, iMovie HD 6.0.3, QuickTime 7.1.5): a 1GHz 17" iMac G4 and a 2.16GHz MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo). I exported the same movie from iMovie using the CD-ROM setting (compressed to 15fps, 320 x 240px) on both computers - the original movie, which is in PAL format, was copied from one computer to the other.
"Result: the exported QuickTime movie made on the iMac is very noticeably smoother (fewer artifacts) than the exported QuickTime movie made on the MacBook Pro (when played side by side on either machine). The file sizes are almost the same (5MB vs 5.1MB for a 1:05 movie)."
If you are experiencing a similar issue, first make sure that you are not using different quality export settings in QuickTime, via these steps:
- Launch the QuickTime Player application (located in /Applications/)
- Select "Preferences" (not "QuickTime Preferences") from the "QuickTime" menu
- Make sure that "Use high-quality video setting when available" (under "Movies:") is checked
If you are still experiencing differing quality after ensuring similar settings on both platforms, please let us know.
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