+- Kodi Community Forum (https://forum.kodi.tv)
+-- Forum: Support (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=33)
+--- Forum: General Support (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=111)
+---- Forum: Mac OS X (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=56)
+---- Thread: [MAC] New Thunderbolt Mac Mini! (/showthread.php?tid=105915)
- activate - 2011-11-27
Thanks mate. I am still tossing up whether the AMD model with an i7 can do 2 graphical cpu intensive tasks. Here is a benchmark I found.
- hyerstay - 2011-11-27
Here are the benchmarks that made the most difference for me:
http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/mac-benchmarks/#64bit
http://www.barefeats.com/mini11_01.html
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/07/21/new-mac-mini-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-gains/
- activate - 2011-11-28
hyerstay Wrote:Here are the benchmarks that made the most difference for me:
http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/mac-benchmarks/#64bit
http://www.barefeats.com/mini11_01.html
http://www.macrumors.com/2011/07/21/new-mac-mini-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-gains/
Thanks. So according to these, the amd (i7 & i5) will out perform even the server model in graphics intensive tasks. Whilst, the server model is the best choice if you're performing video decoding etc, the latter being more suitable for yourself.
In my example, where there are two concurrent tasks, xbmc renderer (graphics intensive) & eye tv decoding (cpu intensive), really either should be able to handle them. I would prefer the server model using the same logic as you have provided that the intel is at least capable of m2ts 1080p playback without the accelerated gaming functions that amd may be better suitable for.
- hyerstay - 2011-11-28
I think it should handle playback while working on something else just fine. I am currently encoding h264 from an HD-DVD mkv file, and tested playing a different mkv file from another disk, and it worked fine, totally smooth.
I should have noted that some of those comparative benchmarks don't include both minis.
I think the only graphical playback limit is the lack of 23.976 fps. This only matters if you have a display (TV probably) that supports that frame rate. From my research, it sounds like you can get closer to that frame rate with the Intel 3000 in Windows than in Mac, but still not right on.
I also think that with XBMC Mac, you can't have XBMC dynamically change the display refresh rate. Please correct me if I am wrong!
Do you need to worry about 23.976 with your TV? I don't think most computer displays support it, but I could be wrong. Would you be willing to pay extra for 23.976 output later? (Seems to be minimum US$299 for the Blackmagic Intensity Extreme.) For me, this was the only video performance concern.
What GPU-focused apps would you be running?
I would have been willing to pay US$200-300 more for a dedicated video card if my TV could hack it, and since there is an actual product at the price, I can keep it as an option.
If this were my only hobby to put money towards (sailboat racing is my primary), I would get a mini Server for file serving and use with a computer monitor, and a consumer mini with dedicated graphics running XBMC in the living room. But for living room only use, I can't help but feel like I would be overpaying compared to an AppleTV, even with the loss of resolution. I am waiting patiently for a 1080p AppleTV, or I might build a HTPC at some point, just for playback.
Good luck,
jason
- activate - 2011-11-28
Your last point is exactly where I am trying to make a bet each way, primarily a htpc but support some server functions.
Yes you are right about Windows being a workaround for 24 fps and the refresh rate is not changeable on the mac platform both in pre eden and Eden versions (as per the devs). (Running windows ? Is the world ending tomorrow ..i'd rather have no audio and video
)The media renders will be xbmc and eyetv whilst some decoding (eyetv decoding hd streams from the net stream tuner for client streaming or air video server decoding) in the background and perhaps NAS streaming to an ipad2. This is the maximum use I can foresee at any one point in time. Since this will replace the atv2 as the primary htpc, the mini becomes the client as well as the server.
I know that ideally the two functions of server and client should be separated but because of the small number of clients (max 2 in the household) including the mini at any one time, I am trying to 'get away' with the one device. The content is on 3 x 2tb wd drives which will be connected via usb. In my experience of the 2008 iMac, cpu has a big say in how long the machine can match increasing technological demands so I have followed your suggestion and got the server model (standard config).
The tv which it will be connected to is a samsung plasma for which I have to yet check the refresh rates. I left this because it wasn't going play a role in my decision since a graphics card may eventually be part of the picture. The other possible advantage is that whilst the amd in the consumer model is sufficient, there are better graphics chipsets out there which may result in better graphics performance than the amds. Thunderbolt tv connections ? Early days..
Lets see what we have in stall.
- hyerstay - 2011-11-28
Congrats on making a choice! I labored over my decision for months. I was just sick of dealing with all my content from a work MBP that I had to take with me each morning, and couldn't leave at home.
I have been testing various encoding settings over the last few days with my new mini, and I am getting artifacts from HD-DVD to m4v conversion with Handbrake's High Profile settings even at RF 18. I am very surprised to find that I prefer the 720p ATV2 encoding of HD-DVDs to the the higher-res High Profile encodings. This makes me feel good about sticking with 720p AppleTV 2 units in my bedroom and living room, and keeping the mini for server and workstation duty. I will hook it up to the TV for foxsoccer.tv, Hulu, and live America's Cup streaming that still requires Flash.
I am still tempted by the Blackmagic stuff, especially the UltraStudio 3D, as much for the XLR audio as the framerate support for HDMI.
My research also found some Matrox products that support Thunderbolt, but I can't tell yet if they support extended desktop video, or just video monitor output in specialized applications like FinalCut Pro, Avid, and Premier.
http://www.matrox.com/video/en/products/
Cheers,
jason
- activate - 2011-11-30
Some early impressions 2011 mac mini server standard config. Results are by observation. Happy to test other issues.
Setup:
AEBS 5th gen, eyetv netstream dtt tuner all via ETHERNET
Samsung 2009 Plasma 720p TV via HDMI
Amp: Onkyo TX-SR308 DTS/AC3 capable
Macmini with 3 x 2 tb wd connected via USB
Resolution setting on macmini: 1080i, under scan off, refresh rate 50ghz
Mediafile:
One that I was unable to play on atv2
Results:
1.Mediafile Playback
There are no artefacts but there is an infrequent stutter though not very noticeable. The amp indicates digital sound but the media info indicates lossy so I am assuming that it is not an hd stream.
2. EyeTV
HD playback displays some artefacts. Channel changing is probably 80% as smooth in comparison to a normal TV.
3. Mediafile Playback while streaming HD EYE TV channel to ipad2.
If you look at my previous posts, this was my main goal and at least in this test it runs well. No disturbances noted on either stream.
4. Airplay using Airserver installed on machine
Both video and audio airplay work as expected. Some setting issues where output speakers switch from Amp to internal.
5. XBMC skin AEON MQ3 trial
Short GUI performance test. Ran the Super version and ran very well. The youtube trailer streams were of poor quality (not sure if this is a bandwidth setting) and the audio defaulted to internal speakers.
Early stuff, still playing around with the apple remote which sometimes stops to work or starts eyetv instead of xbmc...etc.
And yes it is noisy, the fan is on a lot of the time during these trials.EDIT: I hope Titanic is not an analogy for the mini
- hyerstay - 2011-11-30
You may need to install Perian and choose Dolby Surround II.
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/22923/perian
If your TV is 720p, you should choose 720p output for your Display.
Make sure you choose the right audio output for HDMI or Optical.
Turn off all audio enhancements in iTunes (second-hand advice).
Are you running XMBC on your AppleTVs? Make sure to read up on AFP file sharing!
Cheers,
jason
- activate - 2011-11-30
Yep, have Perian installed.
My initial resolution setting was 720p. Using this, the xbmc gui was poorer and the video quality was poorer but smoother i.e. no artefacts for eyetv. Channel changing was the same.
All post processing in TV settings as well as in iTunes audio is off. Where are you suggesting to select DS II ? I have an atv2 but for now I have disconnected it since the macmini is playing the files locally from the connected usb drives.
XBMC audio as well as settings in sys pref is set to the amp via HDMI.
Edit: Is it of benefit installing quicktime components http://www.apple.com/quicktime/resources/components.html. I am guessing no unless the app interfaces with quicktime ?
- hyerstay - 2011-11-30
Surround mode is in System Preferences/Perian. You can also check your output settings in Applications/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup.
I'll test XBMC on my Mac tonight and report back.
I just finished setting up my RAID, and my clone backup to the other internal drive. I did an initial install of Lion on the Clone so that drive would also have a Restore Partition, and then I erased the clone and am running SuperDuper now.
jason
- activate - 2011-11-30
Thanks, I have changed Perian to Dolby Prologic II (was on I). The audio midi setup seems fine as the amp is configured at 2.0, not sure if the bit rate should be greater.
So if I understand your setup right, your second drive is now a bootable backup ?
- atandon - 2011-12-01
Question for folks using windows bootcamp
From some of the posts here, it looks like bootcamped window just works a little better (for xbmc).
Some nagging issues which I hope to address
- missing dts support
- blank screen after wake up
- reliably wake up xbmc
The last one is pretty important.
Many times we like to just turn on some music without turning on the tv.
I am struggling to get this to work with xbnc running on OS X. Typically I have to wake up the mac with some mouse input.
I get the impression that the apple remote is waking the mac but the display remains off till I send it some mouse/keyboard input
- Ned Scott - 2011-12-02
atandon Wrote:Question for folks using windows bootcamp
From some of the posts here, it looks like bootcamped window just works a little better (for xbmc).
Some nagging issues which I hope to address
- missing dts support
- blank screen after wake up
- reliably wake up xbmc
The last one is pretty important.
Many times we like to just turn on some music without turning on the tv.
I am struggling to get this to work with xbnc running on OS X. Typically I have to wake up the mac with some mouse input.
I get the impression that the apple remote is waking the mac but the display remains off till I send it some mouse/keyboard input
You cannot wake a mac running Lion with the remote anymore. Apple removed that functionality.
- slyz - 2011-12-02
Ned Scott Wrote:You cannot wake a mac running Lion with the remote anymore. Apple removed that functionality.
However, there is a paying solution that can wake a mac running Lion with the remot: Remote Buddy
- atandon - 2011-12-02
slyz Wrote:However, there is a paying solution that can wake a mac running Lion with the remot: Remote Buddy
I tried out the free 30 day trial yesterday. No dice for me at least.
With remote buddy installed, the mac does wake up but it goes right back to sleep
I'll follow up with them on their boards to see if I am missing something