Power Macintosh G3: DVD Troubleshooting

This article provides troubleshooting information for a variety of issues which may arise when playing DVD video. This information is mainly directed at Power Macintosh G3 computers though general DVD troubleshooting is still relevant to other DVD-ROM capable computers.
Video Stutter During Playback of a DVD Movie

There are a number of possible causes for stutter when playing back a movie. Stutter is defined as a momentary pause in playback; either sound or video could be affected.

Possible causes are:


               
"Cannot find required hardware" Error Message

This error can occur when either the appropriate hardware is not detected, or if the appropriate software components are not detected. Refer to article 30887: "Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White): Apple DVD Player Cannot Open" for troubleshooting tips.

Pixelation in Dark Areas


Low Sound Volume
No Sound
Stops at Opening Window
Some Items in the Menu Are Not Able to be Selected
The DVD Disc Box Says "The DVD-ROM features will not work on a CD-ROM or a Macintosh computer."

Many features, including the ability to play the movie, are still available when using the Apple DVD player. Only features that require additional software to be installed are not available. For the most part, those features are likely to have software written for a Windows environment.

Movie Does Not Immediately Start

It takes a moment for the movie to load. The system software is accessing necessary information to decode the movie. It is completely normal and not indicative of any hardware or software failure.

Published Date: Feb 20, 2012