MGG 236: Video Encoding, Damaged Preferences, Unfreezing Locked-Up Macs and More

Key takeaways

Using QuickTime Player 7 or VLC can help encode videos at increased playback speeds, saving time on instructional content.
Creating and deleting specific preference files can resolve system anomalies related to screensaver or wallpaper behaviors. Testing with a new user account isolates system-wide from user-specific issues.
SSH provides a powerful method to remotely restart or troubleshoot a frozen Mac, avoiding hardware resets unless absolutely necessary.
Network issues that prevent web access despite successful pinging often involve DNS or router port limits, which can be diagnosed by checking network settings and restarting network hardware.
Supporting the podcast or obtaining merchandise helps sustain the community and content quality, with options like mugs and premium memberships.

Summary

Video Encoding and Playback Speed Adjustments

This section addresses how to modify the speed of instructional videos for easier viewing on various devices. John and Dave discuss using QuickTime Player 7's AB controls, VLC, and Multi-Speed Player to encode videos at faster playback rates like 1.5x or 2x. They explore methods to encode videos at these speeds so that the actual files, not just playback options, are set to run faster, advantageous for viewing on iPhones or other portable devices.

Troubleshooting Damaged Preference Files and System Behavior

Jim reports issues with his Snow Leopard system where preferences for screensaver and wallpaper settings cause the window to close unexpectedly. The hosts recommend creating a test user account to isolate the issue, and suggest deleting specific preference files from the Library folders and resetting system preferences. They also discuss the possible causes, including corrupt third-party screensavers or preference files, and recommend checking system folders and timestamps to identify recent modifications.

Unresponsive Macs and Remote Management Solutions

Jim also describes his Mac's failure to wake from sleep properly, often requiring a hard shutdown. The hosts suggest verifying hardware status by listening for hard drive activity and recommend using SSH to remotely command a restart if the system becomes unresponsive. They walk through steps to enable SSH, connect from another machine or iPhone, and issue a shutdown command, emphasizing how this can often recover a frozen system without physical intervention.

Network Troubleshooting and Connectivity Issues

Dustin reports that his Mac Mini on Leopard 10.5 can communicate internally and ping external sites, yet cannot access the web through browsers or applications unless configured via a proxy. The hosts analyze this as a high-level network stack problem, suggesting checking DNS settings, inspecting open network connections with network utility tools, resetting the network interface, and examining router connection limits. They explore how network address translation (NAT) and port management could be contributing to the issue, recommending power cycling the router and testing direct connections for diagnosis.

Miscellaneous Topics and Listener Interaction

In addition to technical troubleshooting, the hosts mention plans for merchandise like Mac GeekGab mugs, the benefits of supporting the podcast through a premium subscription, and upcoming engagements such as MacWorld Expo. They encourage listener feedback via email and social media, and share enthusiasm for the community’s involvement, including a special party at MacWorld and opportunities to meet the hosts.

Show notes

John and Dave take this snowy New England Monday afternoon to dig through the mailbag, answering questions and sharing tips about things including encoding video on your Mac, the telltale signs of damaged preference files (and how to fix them!), getting a locked-up Mac to speak again, and much, much more.