QuickTime 7.1 (#5): Removing problematic plug-ins to solve embedded media issues; Missing menubar items after update; more
QuickTime 7.1 (#5): Removing problematic plug-ins to solve embedded media issues; Missing menubar items after update; more
Removing problematic plug-ins to solve embedded media issues As we've been reporting for the past few days, problematic Internet plug-ins can cause problems when attempting to view embedded QuickTime content in Web browsers after the update to QuickTime 7.1.
If you are having problems viewing QuickTime media embedded in Web pages (you might see an error message indicating 'No Picture'), look in the /Library/Internet Plug-Ins directory (this is the Library folder at the root level of your hard drive, not the one inside your home user directory).
Try removing the following files from that directory:
- QuickTime Plugin.webplugin
- VLC Plugin.plugin
Then close and re-launch your browser and check for persistence of the problem.
If the problem is not resolved, a different plug-in may be causing the issue. Keep removing files from this directory (start with any third-party plug-ins present) until the issue disappears.
Problems with Finder preview playback Some users have reported issues with playing previews of QuickTime clips in the Finder after the update to QuickTime 7.1.
MacFixIt reader Mike writes:
"I've also noted that MPEGs previewed in the Finder in column view will pause a few seconds before the end and then jump to the final frame."
If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.
WMV media playing upside down A handful of readers report a strange issue where Windows Media (WMV) files played via the Flip4Mac plug-in for QuickTime appear upside down.
MacFixIt reader Claude Cauwe writes:
"Very strange effect since upgrading to QuickTime 7.1 I have installed Flip4Mac since the beginning, and it worked consistently.
"Now, since QuickTime 7.1, the streaming WMV movies appear upside down and with a mirror effect. (You can see it on this Web site)"
If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.
Dynamic scaling issues MacFixIt reader Alex reports an issue with dynamic scaling after the update to QuickTime 7.1.
He writes:
"I updated from QuickTime 7.0 to 7.1 via the stand-alone updater under 10.4.6 and I have lost the functionality of dynamic scaling when changing view sizes using the new QuickTime Player. This affects movies using all and any codecs."
Problems with H.264 output Some users report issues with H.264 exporting after the update to QuickTime 7.1.
One reader writes:
"I have a QuickTime movie using H.264, and need to re-export at a smaller screen size for different use. Keeping same H.264 format, the resultant movie just shows the first frame (ie, no video), sound is fine.
"Further tests; exporting to a different format (Sorenson 3), no problems. taking an original in a different format and exporting as H.264 -- fine there too -- just H.264 to H.264 doesn't seem to work."
Similar issue? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Missing menu items Some readers have reported an issue fairly common to major systems updates with QuickTime 7.1 where menubar items go missing after the update.
MacFixIt rader Erick writes:
"On a G4 (mirror door) after installing the update and QuickTime 7.1, everything in the upper right menubar disappears. No more spotlight, clock (!), or applescript menu. It's not possible to reactivate them either. I've tried every remedy I could find on the web to fix this update to no avail (haven't reinstalled yet)."
In many cases, the solution for this issue is to re-apply the current combination updater (PowerPC or Intel).
In other cases, it may be necessary to re-apply the Mac OS X 10.4.6 combo updater from an alternate startup volume
- Download and save the Mac OS X 10.4.6 combo updater (PowerPC or Intel).
- Startup from an alternate boot volume, such as an external FireWire drive, or use another Mac to boot the problematic system in FireWire target disk mode (connect the two machines via a FireWire cable, and boot the target [problematic] system while holding down the "T" key)
- Once booted from an alternate drive, select the problematic volume in the Finder, and "Get Info" -- either by pressing the Command-I keyboard combination or accessing the "Get Info" option in the File menu. Check the box marked "Ignore ownership permissions on this volume."
- If you have a third-party disk repair utility like DiskWarrior, use it to re-build the directory on the problematic volume (this step may not be necessary)
- Re-install the Mac OS X 10.4.6 combo updater on the problematic drive.
- Re-attempt booting from the problematic volume (hold down the option key at startup to select the desired drive)
In yet other cases, the resolution for this problem is as simple as re-enabling the menubar items through their appropriate preference pane or companion application.
For instance, if your AirPort menubar item is missing after the update, try launching the "Internet Connect" application (located at the root level of the /Applications folder), click the Airport pane, and choose "Show Airport status in menu bar."
In still other cases, it very oddly appears that applying the delta version of the Mac OS X 10.4.6 updater can obviate this problem where it manifests with the combo version of the Mac OS X 10.4.6 updater.
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
Previous coverage:
- QuickTime 7.1 (#4): Can cause startup problems -- try removing Flip4Mac; Continuing issues with no sound output; EyeTV; more
- QuickTime 7.1 (#3): Fix for lack of sound after update; More on problems playing embedded Web media
- QuickTime 7.1 (#2): Problems playing audio; Problems with embedded Web media: Try removing plug-in; iChat issues
- Apple releases QuickTime 7.1
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