Fix AVI Playback in QuickTime 7.2 on Mac OS X

QuickTime 7.2 Update and AVI Playback Issues

A recent release of QuickTime, version 7.2, from Apple introduces several new features and improvements. Notably, this version includes full screen support even for unregistered users.

Furthermore, Apple has incorporated generic AVI playback capabilities, now supporting codecs such as Xvid, DivX, and an improved H.264. While seemingly beneficial, this update presents challenges for users who previously relied on third-party codecs.

Codec Compatibility Concerns

The update effectively overwrites existing third-party codecs with QuickTime’s native components. This ensures playback functionality, but introduces performance issues for some.

Specifically, users have reported significant delays – up to 15 seconds – when initiating playback of Xvid/MP3 AVIs with QuickTime 7.2. During this time, CPU usage can reach 50%.

This delay is particularly noticeable when browsing through video thumbnails in FrontRow, as QuickTime is utilized for generating previews.

Resolving the Playback Issue

To address this, it is recommended to reinstall the necessary codecs independently of the standard QuickTime installation. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility.

Perian is now recommended as a reliable solution. Previous concerns regarding its stability appear to have been resolved.

Installing Perian

You can download Perian from here. Once the DMG file is downloaded, it should automatically mount.

Double-click the "Perian.prefPane" file to begin the installation process.

Select "Install for All Users" and enter your administrator password when prompted (twice).

After installation, the Perian preference pane will appear.

Simplified Installation Process

Unlike earlier versions, the latest Perian release streamlines the installation process. Manual manipulation of .component files is no longer required.

With Perian installed, QuickTime should resume playing any movie file at full quality, with significantly reduced startup times and minimal CPU strain.