Advice - video performance hdmi port -> old compared to new mac mini server

[cordroosen]

Hello,

excuse my english - i am a german living in frankfurt...

i need some advice on wether a hardware update will actually improve my video performance or not.

currently i am using a mac mini snow leopard server 2009 model hooked via mini displayport to hdmi adapter to my lg 37 led lcd tv.

the mac mini has a intel x25 m 80 gb bootdrive.
2 external fw 800 drives used as video storage.

mostly i use boxee eyetv sat all controlled via appleremote - sofacontrol.

altogether a great setup.

with big mkv files in full hd the picture sometimes is choppy.


would a upgrade to the new 2010 mac mini server with direct hdmi port and 320M graphics actually improve the video quality - graphics performance ?

or should i stick to my current setup ?

( i bought the current server cheap from the uk - i could upgrade to the new model for 200€ via ebay germany )

please give me your opinions.

Thank You

 

[wpc33]

Have you tried multiple apps for playback? Some apps are more adept with HD, and may have H.264 hardware-decoding-support. Plex does.

To be honest, with my mini, there are a few files that push the limit, but it's rare, and there really is no consumer PC that can play every HD file 100%, so don't think that every other machine is a ticket to HD nirvana.

The graphics upgrade in '10 Mini is big, but I have no idea how it may affect HD playback.

 

[cordroosen]

Hello,

yes i tried some different apps - nothing seemed to work.

last night i did a fresh install of snow leo server.

setup from the start directly on the tv - without ever using a regular monitor.

somehow it did the trick ! primary display 1080 1920 @ 60hz

mac recognized the lg from the start as 1080p @60hz

videos play perfectly now. boxee and vlc used.

i did let snow leo install all updates before adding my apps.

i guess i will stick to this machine for a while longer now.


Thank You

Cord