[mythtv-users] Mac Mini Core Solo as FE/BE Combo?

[Byron Poland]

On 3/22/07, Jarod Wilson <jarod at wilsonet.com> wrote:
> On Thursday 22 March 2007 11:02:13 Todd Ignasiak wrote:
> > On 3/22/07, Jarod Wilson <jarod at wilsonet.com> wrote:
> > > As for my progress... I got the 2GB of RAM into my mini last night, and
> > > at 1680x1050 resolution, playback of both 720p and 1080i stuff looks
> > > damned good. Didn't check cpu usage, but I doubt its all that different
> > > than before, likely just less iowait from swapping. Going to hook it up
> > > to my 1080p HDTV tonight to see how it fares there...
> >
> > I don't know if you saw the other recent thread on this,  but the
> > 1080p playback problems came up there, with a potential solution
> > (changing the default refresh to 60 instead of 150):
> > http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/258121#258121
>
> Appears that's OS X specific, no? I'm planning to deploy this
> into "production" running Linux. Hadn't seen that, but I'll keep it in mind.
>
> > I'm traveling, so I haven't had a chance to test it myself, but if you
> > still have 1080p playback problems, it's worth a try.  With my MacBook
> > Pro (2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, Radeon X1600 video) I was able to
> > replicate the jumpy video at 1080p, when I get home I plan on testing
> > the modification.
> >
> > Also - did you jump right to 2GB, or did you try 1GB?  My Mini works
> > well with 1GB..  more memory is always better, but for others looking
> > to get a new mini they may be able to get buy with a less expensive
> > configuration.
>
> My current frontend with 1GB swaps from time to time when using the
> blootube-wide theme, so I just went straight to 2GB. Only $68 per 1GB stick
> from newegg, though I believe my mini's warranty is now null and void... :)
>
> --
> Jarod Wilson
> jarod at wilsonet.com


I ended up picking up a 1.83 duo mini, and put 2GB of memory in it.
(What a PITA to get to).  I put ubuntu on the machine.  I'm outputting
to a 1366x768 display.  The machine has no problem keeping up with HD
content, but my 1080i playback isn't perfect there is a very minor
"Jerk"  (kind of like watching tv drunk).  I have a feeling it's the
driver, I need to give the intel driver a shot.  But I just set it up
over at my girlfriends, so the tinker time is now significantly
reduced.  Over all I'm really happy with the machine though.