I just downloaded Quicktime 7 to upgrade my version 6, I thought it would be painless – how wrong could I be! Let me explain.

In the last few years, I only really use Windows Media Player to play audio or video on my system. Why? Well Real takes over my system when I open it, requiring me to register and log in to them. It pops up messages at me and became so irritating that it takes a lot for me to want to use it. It only stays on my computer because some companies insist on using it still. Thankfully that number is ever smaller – I have only opened it maybe twice in the last 6 months for my own usage (and that includes once today – unfortunately I have to open it more times when I have to test client’s content). As for Quicktime, well most film trailers use this so I have to use it more often though why film websites do not move to Flash is beyond me – greater penetration and high quality – what am I missing? (except for maybe the point that most film companies use Macs..). Why do I not use it? Well thinking about it, its all to do with my usage, it just doesnt feel like an audio player, and I play more audio then video – so I use Windows Media for audio and therefore the same for video <shrugs> bit weak I know.

Today’s experience though makes me less likely to switch from Windows Media Player though. When I upgraded, it took me to the iTunes and Quicktime download. I didnt even notice and downloaded it where it promptly installed both iTunes and Quicktime 6. I do not want iTunes!!! Worse than this though, I now have a Quicktime icon back in my system tray – what happened to preserving my settings?

<grumble> and all because I couldnt stream a file in Quicktime 6 🙁 Here is another example of where there should be cross platform support for all codecs. Then there is no need for me to have 3 players on my system!!!