What is 3G?

3G stands for third generation, a generic wireless industry term for high-speed mobile data delivery over cellular networks. 3G networks allow users to send and receive bandwidth-intensive information such as full-motion video, video conferencing, high quality audio and web data on-demand, virtually anytime and anyplace.

What are 3GPP and 3GPP2?

3GPP and 3GPP2 are new worldwide standards for the creation, delivery, and playback of multimedia over 3G mobile networks. Both 3GPP and 3GPP2 seek to provide uniform delivery of rich multimedia over 3G mobile networks to a new breed of multimedia-enabled wireless devices. Tailored to the unique requirements of mobile devices, 3GPP and 3GPP2 are based on MPEG-4, the standard for delivery of video and audio over the Internet.

What is the difference between 3GPP and 3GPP2?

3GPP, defined by a group of telecommunications standards bodies called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), was created for use on Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) networks, the most popular type of 3G network across the globe. 3GPP2 was defined by a different group of telecommunications bodies called 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) for use on the second most predominate type of 3G network, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) 2000. The 3GPP and 3GPP2 formats are very similar, as both are based on the QuickTime file format and contain MPEG-4 and H.263 video, AAC and AMR audio, and 3G Text. 3GPP2 adds the option to use QCELP audio and Movie Fragments, a technology that allows multimedia content to be delivered incrementally over standard TCP wireless networks, providing a more immediate viewing experience for the end user.

Are all multimedia-enabled cellular networks 3GPP- or 3GPP2-compliant?

Some cellular services advertising multimedia capabilities are based on proprietary formats or are not yet 3G networks. These networks are therefore not 3GPP- or 3GPP2-compliant.  Check with the service provider for supported technologies.

Is QuickTime Player available for my phone?

QuickTime player is not available for mobile multimedia enabled phones because it is not required for playback on 3GPP or 3GPP2 supported phones. By supporting the 3GPP or 3GPP2 standard, any content created with QuickTime on a Mac or PC can instantly playback on the multimedia players that come preinstalled on mobile phones.

How do I create 3GPP and 3GPP2 content?

To create 3GPP and 3GPP2 content, you need QuickTime 6.5 for Mac OS X or Windows, and a QuickTime 6 or later Pro key. You can also use Final Cut Pro HD, Final Cut Express HD, iMovie or other third-party applications that use QuickTime exporters to create 3GPP- or 3GPP2-compliant content after installing QuickTime 6.5.

Can the new 3G phones capture video?

Yes, many of the new handsets or terminals are capable of video capture in the 3GPP or 3GPP2 format. These movies can then be sent to other handsets or to desktop computers for playback. Check with your cell phone provider for more information.

What do I need to play back 3GPP or 3GPP2 files?

To play back 3GPP and 3GPP2 files, you need QuickTime 6.5 or later for Mac OS X or Windows.

Which networks support 3GPP and 3GPP2?

NTT DoCoMo's Mobile MP4 i-motion service, which launched in Japan in January 2003, is the first 3GPP-based 3G network available to consumers. In October 2003, KDDI launched its CDMA1xWIN service in Japan, becoming the first 3GPP2-based network service. Check with your service provider for supported technologies.

Can I create or play back 3GPP and 3GPP2 content on Mac OS 9?

QuickTime 6.5 or later is supported on Mac OS X and Windows only.

Where can I get more information about 3GPP and 3GPP2?

Visit www.3gpp.org for complete information about the 3GPP standard. Likewise, visit www.3gpp2.org for official details on the 3GPP2 standard.

With QuickTime 6.3, a separate 3GPP component was required. Is this still the case?

No. QuickTime 6.5 integrates all 3GPP and 3GPP2 playback and authoring capabilities within its own installer.