Playing MMS Streams in Mac OS X
To play Windows Media MMS Streams in OS X, you'll need either a standalone player capable of WMV playback, or a plugin for Quicktime. This guide will help you in the installation and usage of either of these methods. Choose one to begin:
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Step 1: Download Flip4Mac WMV
You can find Flip4Mac WMV at Telestream's site, telestream.net. Once there, click Downloads in the top navigation bar and then find Flip4Mac WMV in the list of products.
Click the link, Download under Flip4Mac WMV.
Then click the DOWNLOAD NOW link.
If using Firefox, you may be asked what to do with the file. Choose Open with DiskImageMounter (default) as shown.
Allow the download to complete.
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Step 2: Install Flip4Mac WMV
Once the download completes, a folder containing an mpkg file will display.
Doubleclick the mpkg file.
You may be prompted to confirm whether to continue installation.
Click Continue.
Click Continue (the button may be unavailable during a short wait).
You may be prompted to agree with the licensing terms.
Click Agree.
Continue through the remaining prompts and click Install.
Skip any advertisements or upgrade offers (the free version of Flip4Mac WMV is all you need to play back WMV video) until you see Install Succeeded.
Click Close.
Flip4Mac WMV is now installed and will allow WMV video to be played back in Quicktime. MMS links should now launch QuickTime Player.
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Step 3: Test an MMS Link
If QuickTime Player is running, close it. Also, restart the browser and return to this guide.
Once you've returned, click the following link to an MMS stream:
If using Firefox, you may be prompted to select which program to open MMS links with. QuickTime Player should be the default choice. If not, click Choose and navigate to QuickTime Player in your Applications folder.
Optionally, to avoid this dialog before click the checkbox named 'Remember my choice for mms links.'
Once QuickTime Player is open, click the play button. The video should begin playing after a short buffer time.
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Step 1: Download VLC Media Player
You can find VLC Media Player at VideoLAN's homepage, videolan.org. The download link is prominently displayed on the right-hand side of the page. This link will direct you to the latest version of the player suited for your operating system.
Click the Download VLC link.
If using Firefox, once the download begins you may be asked what to do with the file. Choose Open with DiskImageMounter (default) as shown.
Allow the download to complete.
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Step 2: Install VLC Media Player
Once the download is complete, a folder will open. You will see the VLC icon along with a few others including a shortcut to Applications. VLC is NOT yet installed. In order to install VLC to your machine, click and hold the VLC icon and drag it onto the Applications shortcut, and drop. Once this is done, VLC is installed.
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Step 3: Run VLC from Applications
In order to view MMS videos easily from links in browsers, VLC must establish itself as an MMS-capable player with your computer. To do this, it needs to be opened at least once before you try to watch a stream from a clicked link.
Open Finder and navigate to your Applications folder (under the Places heading, or in your primary HD) and find the VLC icon. Double-click the VLC icon.
You will be asked whether or not to open the program. Click Open.
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Step 4: Test an MMS Link
If VLC is running, close it. Also, restart the browser and return to this guide.
Once you've returned, click the following link to an MMS stream:
If using Firefox, you may be prompted to select which program to open MMS links with. Since VLC has been opened once, VLC should already be the default. If not, click Choose and navigate to VLC in your Applications folder.
Optionally, to avoid this dialog before click the checkbox named 'Remember my choice for mms links.'
Once VLC is open, click the play button. The video should begin playing after a short buffer time.
