Quicktime Update/Now or Later?

Question

At this point, I don't (nor have I ever) known what Quick Time is about or what it does for me. I'm sure it's important somehow and I will start spending some time learning about it. But right now, I'm wondering about the update. I plan on waiting for awhile before updating my iTunes (I have 7.7.1) as I'm not having any problems. I also don't have a new iPod or an iPhone, nor do I plan to. My current version of Quicktime is 7.5. Is there any reason/need for me to update this now, aside from the things mentioned above?
Thanks-
mwn

Answer 1

Hi mwn!
Apart from the usual security fixes, there is a lot of new stuff in QT 7.5.5 and installation is recommended, and several applications need it. As an integral part of OS X it should always be kept up to date:
What's new in QuickTime 7.5.5
QuickTime 7.5.5 includes changes that increase reliability, improve application compatibility and enhance security.
For detailed information on the security content of this update, please visit this website: http://www.info.apple.com/kbnum/n61798.
New in QuickTime 7 Player
QuickTime 7 Player provides many exciting new features.
• H.264 video support. Watch movies created with this state-of-the-art, standards-based codec which delivers exceptional-quality video at the lowest data rate possible.
• Live resize. Playback continues smoothly as you change the size of the QuickTime Player window.
• Zero-configuration streaming. Now QuickTime automatically determines the best Internet connection speed for your computer and adjusts it as necessary. And if a connection is lost during streaming, QuickTime automatically reconnects to the server.
• Surround sound. QuickTime Player can now play up to 24 channels of audio. With QuickTime 7, your Mac, and surround speakers, you can enjoy the full effect of your surround sound movie or game.
• New and improved playback controls. Use new playback controls to adjust settings for the best viewing experience. Easily change settings including jog shuttle, playback speed, bass, treble, and balance.
• Floating controls. Easily access functions like pause, play, fast-forward, and rewind while watching full-screen movies.
• Spotlight-friendly media. When combined with Mac OS X v10.4 or later, QuickTime content can be easily searched with the new Spotlight feature. Spotlight can search for movie attributes such as artist, copyright, and codec.
• Screen reader compatibility. Using VoiceOver, included with Mac OS X v10.4 and later, visually impaired users can enjoy QuickTime Player features.
• All-new content guide. The new QuickTime Content Guide provides access to the latest in entertainment on the Internet.
New in QuickTime 7 Pro
QuickTime 7 Pro users enjoy not only all the great features in QuickTime Player, but also the following new QuickTime Pro capabilities:
• Record audio and video. With an iSight or other FireWire camera connected to your computer, you can quickly create movies to share with family and friends or even produce your own podcasts.
• Create video for iPhone, iPod and Apple TV. QuickTime Pro allows you to easily convert your existing movie collection into a format that can be played back on iPhone, iPod or Apple TV.
• Share movies. Easily create a movie file for sending via email or posting to a website.
• Create H.264 video. Create incredible-looking video for any use, from 3G (for mobile devices) to HD (high definition) and everything in between.
• Create surround audio. Create a rich multimedia experience by adding multichannel audio to your movie. QuickTime automatically mixes the audio to work with the speaker setup of each user.
• Concurrent exports. Export multiple files at once—and continue with your next playback or editing task.
• Improved movie authoring. Editing tasks are much easier with new hot keys for in and out points. In addition, Movie Properties has been completely redesigned to facilitate simple and efficient movie authoring.
• New AAC constant-quality mode. Create AAC audio files optimized for constant quality rather than a constant bit rate for a consistently high-quality listening experience.
• 3G streaming. Create 3G files for RTSP streaming that are interoperable with 3G streaming handsets and delivery architectures.
• Automator-compliant. With Mac OS X v10.4 or later, employ the easy-to-use interface of Automator for streamlining your QuickTime workflow.
For more information
For more information about using QuickTime, open QuickTime and choose Help > QuickTime Player Help.
To purchase QuickTime 7 Pro, visit www.apple.com/quicktime or open QuickTime and choose QuickTime Player > Buy QuickTime Pro.
To find the latest in QuickTime content, visit www.apple.com/quicktime or open QuickTime and choose Window > Show Content Guide.
To access technical support, visit www.apple.com/support and choose QuickTime.
A note about copyright
This software may be used to reproduce materials and is licensed to you only for reproduction of non-copyrighted materials, materials in which you own the copyright, or materials you are authorized or legally permitted to reproduce. If you are uncertain about your right to copy any material, contact your legal advisor.
About Roland's Sound Set for General MIDI and GS Format
This release of QuickTime includes an instrument sound set licensed from Roland Corporation that makes a complete General MIDI compatible sound set. It also includes additional sounds necessary to make a complete GS Format compatible sound set.
What is the GS Format?
The GS Format is a standardized set of specifications for sound sources that defines the manner in which multitimbral sound generating devices will respond to the MIDI messages. The GS Format complies with the General MIDI System Level - 1. The GS Format also defines a number of other details over and above the features of General MIDI. These include unique specifications for sound and functions available for tone editing, effects, and other specifications concerning the manner in which sound sources will respond to MIDI messages. Any device that is equipped with GS Format sound sources can faithfully reproduce both General MIDI sound recordings and GS Format MIDI sound recordings.
But I agree about iTunes 8. I don't need that either. But I am still on 7.6.2 !