Playing back MKVs and WMVs

[Redjack]

I've been trying to watch my anime (yea yea) and over the ensuing months these dad gum files are of such high quality that they're making my mac hiccup.

Especially the wmv's, although MKVs are just as notorious. I try using Flip4Mac but it's barely playable even with it. I have a 1.33 GHz PB G4 (latest Tiger update, latest QT update, etc), it's about three years old. Is my system basically a dinosaur now when it comes to these (virtually) HD-type formats? Any software help or hints would be very much appreciated!

 

[LCGuy]

VLC?

 

[~Coxy]

If neither VLC nor QT with Perian can play back the MKVs, then I'd reckon the CPU isn't powerful enough.

Modern anime scene MKVs often use X.264 encoded video at HD resolutions, don't they? That's probably too much for a G4 to playback.

 

[Redjack]

Drats drats drats!! I knew it! Why did Apple stick with the G4 and make it seem like it was the best/fastest machine only to turn on us with the Intel transition? I bought the PBG4 thinking it'll be a lasting testament to the versatility of macs, only to be disappointed by it's inability (hardware wise) to keep up with technology. What, in another year, I'll need OS 10.6 and a 64bit Corex4 or whatever they have next just to use Gmail?

Grrrrrrrrrrr

 

[Flash!]

I can play MKV's using VLC on both my PC and iBook. I use Flip for Mac for WMV's and don't have any problems....

I do however have problems playing back high definition (1080) videos, regardless of the format, as this is just a little bit much for a G4 1GHz. That said, my 2GHz dual P4 also has problems so I think the graphics card may be more of an issue than the processor (the iBook has a 16MB card while the PC has a generic 128MB card....)

 

[LCGuy]

Drats drats drats!! I knew it! Why did Apple stick with the G4 and make it seem like it was the best/fastest machine only to turn on us with the Intel transition? I bought the PBG4 thinking it'll be a lasting testament to the versatility of macs, only to be disappointed by it's inability (hardware wise) to keep up with technology. What, in another year, I'll need OS 10.6 and a 64bit Corex4 or whatever they have next just to use Gmail?
Grrrrrrrrrrr

Actually, its nothing new at all - I remember back in 2003 seeing Apple recommend a G5 for HD QuickTime playback, as annoying as it is though.