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[SuicideUZI]

Motorola Made XBMC Remote Now Available for Presale

Niiiiice!!!!

Thats fuckin awesome, im gonna have to get one of those when i finally build a HTPC

love the fact that its built for XBMC cause i want to do the least amount of configuring as possible and how accidentally pushing the keys on the bottom wont matter

I do wish it was a little cheaper than $60, maybe $40 - $50 but i'll probably get it anyway

 

[Cheeto]

I'm about to drop kick my boxee box out the window... has this thing been hacked yet?

 

[Marty Chinn]

I'm about to drop kick my boxee box out the window... has this thing been hacked yet?

I'm surprised it hasn't yet. What are your issues with the Boxee out of curiosity?

 

[Cheeto]

I'm surprised it hasn't yet. What are your issues with the Boxee out of curiosity?

The flash implementation or whatever it is. Some stream sites completely bug it out. The picture might freeze or I'll get green artifacts all over it. If the picture freezes I can't play any other video, even local stuff, it just displays the frozen image and the audio plays in the background.

 

[Toby]

So, what skins and media scrapers you guys use in XBMC?
Looked at some of the ones posted earlier in the thread. Really liked the look of Transparency and Aeon, just wondering if there is something better that has come along.

 

[Marty Chinn]

So, what skins and media scrapers you guys use in XBMC?
Looked at some of the ones posted earlier in the thread. Really liked the look of Transparency and Aeon, just wondering if there is something better that has come along.

I'm still using Aeon but I also haven't upgraded to Dharma on my main setup. I only have Dharma on the AppleTV and that can't handle Aeon. On there I'm using Confluence but you can sorta set it up so it's similar to some aspects of Aeon so it's not too far off.

 

[h_a_t]

Is this the best bang for your buck, and under $350, out there right now ?
I don't really care about a disc drive, and I already have a OS license available.
All I plan on doing is loading up XBMC on this device.


Acer AspireRevo AR3700

 

[Marty Chinn]

Is this the best bang for your buck, and under $350, out there right now ?
I don't really care about a disc drive, and I already have a OS license available.
All I plan on doing is loading up XBMC on this device.


Acer AspireRevo AR3700

That looks like it has an OS so your extra license wouldn't be any good here. I'm not sure why that one is so much more than the older Revo either which you used to be able to get for between $160 and $200. I'm sure it has more bells and whistles, but if you're talking best bang for your buck, the older one might have been it. What you have there is still a pretty good deal cuz usually cheaper price points don't include RAM, a HDD or OS, but that link shows all three.

In my opinion, although it depends on what you want to play on it, the best bang for the buck XBMC device is an AppleTV2 for $99 or even less if you wait around for some deals. I've been rocking one as a good secondary bedroom unit so far while I have a NVIDIA ION for my primary setup. I'm even considering getting another AppleTV2 for the office.

 

[Deleted member 12837]

Re-posting because I think this might've gotten lost/nobody saw it since it was the last post on the previous page:

Anyone else use MediaPortal for a front-end? What do you use for integrating Netflix and Hulu? YouTube, South Park Studios and TED would be nice plug-ins to have too...

Also, slightly unrelated, but I'm having a lot of issues with MP upon waking up and upon starting my HTPC for the first time. It often freezes and I'll need to restart/force-quit MP, sometimes the wi-fi goes out, etc. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

 

[Stat Flow]

I am just looking for the cheapest HTPC that can play up to 1080p video smoothly and possibly use XBMC. I don't need anything that can do a bunch of games/other stuff, nor do I care how ugly or how big it is, just the cheapest price for HD video (and wi-fi plz).

Help?

 

[h_a_t]

That looks like it has an OS so your extra license wouldn't be any good here. I'm not sure why that one is so much more than the older Revo either which you used to be able to get for between $160 and $200. I'm sure it has more bells and whistles, but if you're talking best bang for your buck, the older one might have been it. What you have there is still a pretty good deal cuz usually cheaper price points don't include RAM, a HDD or OS, but that link shows all three.

In my opinion, although it depends on what you want to play on it, the best bang for the buck XBMC device is an AppleTV2 for $99 or even less if you wait around for some deals. I've been rocking one as a good secondary bedroom unit so far while I have a NVIDIA ION for my primary setup. I'm even considering getting another AppleTV2 for the office.

Chinn, are you talking about the Revo AR3610?
If so, it seems pretty near in price.
Or are you referring to the Revo AR1600?

Thanks for the info on the AppTV2, but looks like no eSata port.

After reading several blogs and forums, it seems as if the AR3700 has issues regarding streaming that seems to be related to a hardware issue.

I'll still be looking around.

 

[scissorfight]

So, what skins and media scrapers you guys use in XBMC?
Looked at some of the ones posted earlier in the thread. Really liked the look of Transparency and Aeon, just wondering if there is something better that has come along.

i use Transparency but with some custom modifications to the XML to change a few things.

i'm probably one of the few people that prefers fanart-list views to coverflow views.

 

[Zyzyxxz]

Is this the best bang for your buck, and under $350, out there right now ?
I don't really care about a disc drive, and I already have a OS license available.
All I plan on doing is loading up XBMC on this device.


Acer AspireRevo AR3700

I have it and honestly if it wasnt for the fact that I had $100 in Amazon credit on my credit card I would have not bought it.

It is nice but the CPU limits it so much. If space is an issue then I must say the form factor is awesome but performance wise, you are not getting much. At least it does play HD videos nicely once configured right.

If I was spending $344 I would have spent $100 more to build my own ITX computer with a AMD processor.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Chinn, are you talking about the Revo AR3610?
If so, it seems pretty near in price.
Or are you referring to the Revo AR1600?

Thanks for the info on the AppTV2, but looks like no eSata port.

After reading several blogs and forums, it seems as if the AR3700 has issues regarding streaming that seems to be related to a hardware issue.

I'll still be looking around.

I believe it's the AR1600 if I recall. Ya, the AppleTV2 has some limitations, so best bang for the buck is sorta relative. It still is as far as I know the cheapest XBMC capable device that can handle HD video though. You just need to realize you can't store anything on it and that it's purely a content streaming client. So ya, the Revo is probably the next step up and then probably a Zotac or ASRock system after that. Each level you go up, you get a bit more flexibility.

 

[h_a_t]

Thanks for the info Chinn and Zyzyxxz.

I may go with a Zotac MAG Intel Atom N330 and build a HTPC some time next year.
Just need something for now as I'm currently using some fairly old desktop.

 

[Wrekt]

I've built a ton of regular PCs but I'm getting the itch to include a HTPC into my entertainment center. Up until this point I have been streaming media to a 360 with TVersity. However I just built a new gaming PC and I don't want to install a bunch of crap on it.

The only 3 requirements I have are 1080p output, hdmi out and wireless internet. Remote support would be nice. I have a copy of Windows 7 available to me.

Am I better off buying a pre-built machine or putting one together myself? I've read about the Apple TV and Xbox mods but I need to run u-torrent on it as well so it doesn't sound like those will work for me.

 

[SuicideUZI]

any word on AMD Fusion based HTPCs?

edit:

just found this one, doesnt have any reviews tho what do you guys think of it for a XBMC machine:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WPXQ0K/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Trojita]

I'm looking for some advice.

Does anyone here know how well XMBC runs on a Mac Mini? I'm debating on whether or not to wait on the new mac mini refresh or to just build my own Windows or Linux box.

I need my HTPC to

Play any file type flawlessly
1080p even at a high bit rate
5.1 out to a receiver through HDMI using either using PCM or able to decode the codecs on each file type correctly.
Work without a lot of problems.

A plus would be emulation support, but that is not necessary.

 

[SimleuqiR]

I'm looking for some advice.

Does anyone here know how well XMBC runs on a Mac Mini? I'm debating on whether or not to wait on the new mac mini refresh or to just build my own Windows or Linux box.

I need my HTPC to

Play any file type flawlessly
1080p even at a high bit rate
5.1 out to a receiver through HDMI using either using PCM or able to decode the codecs on each file type correctly.
Work without a lot of problems.

A plus would be emulation support, but that is not necessary.

I have the lastest Mac-Mini server and XBMC runs great on it!

I have some 720p MKV files and they run pretty smooth. Haven't tried a 1080p yet, but I can give it a go this weekend and let you know.

 

[Trojita]

I have the lastest Mac-Mini server and XBMC runs great on it!

I have some 720p MKV files and they run pretty smooth. Haven't tried a 1080p yet, but I can give it a go this weekend and let you know.

Thanks!

 

[SimleuqiR]

Thanks!

No problem. Just to give you an idea, I have an MKV rip of my Zombieland Blu-ray on my NAS. Here is the file details:

Currently the Mac-Mini is connected to the network via WiFi (G), and the above file streams amazing through XBMC. No stuttering, no skipping. So I have no doubt that a 1080p movie, specially if run locally or through wired network, will run without issues.

Will try though and get back to you.

 

[SimleuqiR]

OK downloaded two MKV sample files from here: http://tomtom2k5.free.fr/mkv/1080p/

Batman Bebings
Pirates of the Caribbean.

I place the files in my NAS and streamed them to my Mac Mini via XBMC, no issues (and this was through wifi).

I also downloaded two WMV videos from here (none DRM): http://www.highdefforum.com/high-definition-movies-video-clips/6537-official-hd-video-clip-list.html

The Discoverers (IMAX)
Stormchasers (IMAX)

No issues whatsoever.

 

[Wrekt]

So last week I purchased this Zotac Zbox: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173005

I took it home and when I hook it up to my (720p) tv and set the resolution to 720p, it cuts off about an inch of the screen on all sides. I've used that HDMI port for both my 360 and PS3 in the past and neither one of them experience that problem. Unfortunately my TV doesn't seem to have a picture adjust menu so I can't manually fit the image to the screen.

I've updated the video card driver to the most recent one on Zotac's site but that didn't help. I've also tried moving the resolution around but the border of the screen is always cut off, regardless of the resolution. Have any of you run into this problem? I had a similar problem with the gaming PC I built last month but the Catalyst package had a utility that fit the image to the screen. The Geforce Ion driver didn't seem to come with a similar tool and I didn't see a similar tool on geforce.com.

Motorola Made XBMC Remote Now Available for Presale

$12 shipping even in the continental US? Ouch. I'm gonna wait to see if Amazon picks these up so I can grab it with super saver shipping.

 

[Marty Chinn]

So last week I purchased this Zotac Zbox: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856173005

I took it home and when I hook it up to my (720p) tv and set the resolution to 720p, it cuts off about an inch of the screen on all sides. I've used that HDMI port for both my 360 and PS3 in the past and neither one of them experience that problem. Unfortunately my TV doesn't seem to have a picture adjust menu so I can't manually fit the image to the screen.

I've updated the video card driver to the most recent one on Zotac's site but that didn't help. I've also tried moving the resolution around but the border of the screen is always cut off, regardless of the resolution. Have any of you run into this problem? I had a similar problem with the gaming PC I built last month but the Catalyst package had a utility that fit the image to the screen. The Geforce Ion driver didn't seem to come with a similar tool and I didn't see a similar tool on geforce.com.



$12 shipping even in the continental US? Ouch. I'm gonna wait to see if Amazon picks these up so I can grab it with super saver shipping.

What TV do you have? Make and model #. Also why are you outputting at 720 instead of 1080p?

 

[BreakyBoy]

I forgot this thread existed.

I'm still using Aeon but I also haven't upgraded to Dharma on my main setup. I only have Dharma on the AppleTV and that can't handle Aeon. On there I'm using Confluence but you can sorta set it up so it's similar to some aspects of Aeon so it's not too far off.

I've been running a fork of Aeon since Dharma was in public beta. It runs perfectly fine and I haven't looked to see if there's been an update to the Aeon fork in ages. It's possible, if you want to go back. If you're interested, let me know and I'll poke around my setup to try and track down what I did to get it going.

 

[Wrekt]

What TV do you have? Make and model #. Also why are you outputting at 720 instead of 1080p?

Samsung HLT5075S 50-Inch Slim 720p DLP HDTV

I'm outputting at 720 because the TV is 720p max. It doesn't support 1080p.

 

[Marty Chinn]

I forgot this thread existed.



I've been running a fork of Aeon since Dharma was in public beta. It runs perfectly fine and I haven't looked to see if there's been an update to the Aeon fork in ages. It's possible, if you want to go back. If you're interested, let me know and I'll poke around my setup to try and track down what I did to get it going.

Ya, I'm definitely interested if you don't mind.

 

[Marty Chinn]

Samsung HLT5075S 50-Inch Slim 720p DLP HDTV

I'm outputting at 720 because the TV is 720p max. It doesn't support 1080p.

Ah, welp the problem is the native res of the TV isn't 1280 x 720, it's osmething like 1388 x 768 or something odd like that. So have you tried looking for the service menu code to allow you to adjust the the v-size and h-size? Also, if you plan to use XBMC, instead of going through the service menu, you can adjust the picture size within the settings so you won't get any screen cut off. That's probably way easier, but that won't help you when you're in Windows.

 

[BreakyBoy]

resolution/overscan issues

There should be a calibration option under settings->appearance. I had the same issue with the apple tv 2. If XBMC and the TV are calibrated correctly, you should immediately see white L-shaped corner markings on the top-left corner of the calibration screen.

If the marking is on the screen, but not exactly on the corner, adjust it with your arrow keys.

If the marking is no where to be seen (likely), tap the right arrow key repeatedly until you see a white bar appear on the top-left corner. Do the same with the down arrow, and you should see the same marking.

Once you have the top left corner done, press enter. Now, you're doing the bottom-right corner. Fix it the same way if necessary. Obviously, if the corner marker is nowhere to be seen, this time you'll be pressing left and up to get it on screen.

Hopefully, this is the issue, and you'll have no more problems once you've got it calibrated.

Good luck!

Ya, I'm definitely interested if you don't mind.

I'll hopefully have an answer for you in a few hours after I get home from the office.

Edit: Re-reading your original message, I may have misunderstood. I have the Aeon fork running with XBMC Dharma on my Windows 7 HTPC. As you said, I'm pretty sure the ATVs are too underpowered to run Aeon. Which is why I haven't even tried (I run Simplicity on my ATV2). If what you want is Dharma + Aeon on an HTPC though, I should have you covered.

I'll check back in the thread when I get home. If I don't get a response, I'll dig it up anyway in the off-chance my assumptions were right.

Besides, they might have updated the fork in the last few months. I should do that.

 

[BreakyBoy]

Just remembered. It's Aeon65.

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=76839

I'll check back in the thread to see if you need help setting it up. There's instructions at the link. I hope you're comfortable with Git and pulling from repositories! :S

 

[polyh3dron]

My PS3 is my HTPC.

Any MKVs or whatever files I have can be muxed with TSMuxerGUI (which takes less than 5 minutes) and they get turned into M2TS files which play natively on the PS3. I get my TV shows on there in MPEG2 1080i/Dolby Digital 5.1 and it's the raw MPEG stream right from the source that hasn't been re-encoded or anything. Using Nullriver's Medialink software I can copy any video from my Mac to my PS3 or I can even stream it from my Mac.

The PS3 kicks ASS.

 

[dLMN8R]

Anyone have recommendations for a universal remote that can control my HPTC (with keyboard/mouse "clicks") but also my onkyo receiver, panasonic TV, 360 and ps3?

 

[SimleuqiR]

Sorry guys. Wrong thread.

 

[adam.chance]

I am looking for a little advice. I have a current HTPC running Windows 7 with XBMC and I love it. I will be moving home soon and my family will want to have something similar to what I have (they will just want access to my content + streaming capabilities). I will likely have them get an appleTV2, because they are so cheap and can run xbmc. I am unsure about what to do with my current setup and whether I should use my HTPC as the host of the content, build a server, or buy a nas. Here is what I currently have:

700w PSU
Intel Q6600
Gigabyte Motherboard - nothing fancy
4GB DDR2-800
Nvidia GTX 460 1gb
2 - 1.5TB Samsung HDD 5400
2 - 1TB Samsung HDD 5400
1 - 500GB 5400 (download drive)
1 - 320GB (I use this as my C

If I am using the HTPC for myself and I have 2 appleTV2's connected, should I go with a dedicated server or nas? I do game on my HTPC. What would be the best way to network everything? My current HTPC would be plugged into a linksys router running dd-wrt in bridge mode, connected to another linksys router running dd-wrt, too.

Sorry for all the questions. I am most interested in the server/nas/current debate and what recommendations you all have.

 

[BreakyBoy]

Sorry for all the questions. I am most interested in the server/nas/current debate and what recommendations you all have.

I guess I can just outline my setup since it kind of mirrors your situation.

I have my own self-built HTPC running Win7/XBMC that also does double duty as my ripping/encoding station and my gaming PC. The horsepower (CPU, etc.) of the PC comes in handy when doing HD encodes that take the better part of a day.

I store my media and send all my backups to a headless HP MediaSmart EX490 with 4 1TB drives. The MediaSmart Server comes with a pre-installed mix of HP software running on top of Windows Home Server. I have my own apps and extensions, but vanilla is alI you really need to get things running.

I basically rip everything on the HTPC, and then transfer all media to the MediaSmart server on the network. The XBMC library then points to the shared folders I have for all the media on the home server. SMB sharing is what I use, and it's all over Wireless-N and there's some hiccups, but it works 99% of the time. Yes, even the 1080p rips. YMMV

I also use Plex (an XBMC variant for Mac) on my laptop the same way, and I used to run XBMC on my iPad (can't now since there's no jailbreak for iPad 2 yet, which replaced my iPad).

I also have a jailbroken Apple TV 2 running a nightly XBMC build set up in the common room for everyone. The ATV2 is in the same room as the server, so it gets gigabit Ethernet access. I learned immediately that trying to use Wireless-N to stream anything HD just wasn't feasible on the ATV2. For now, it plays all my rips flawlessly. Some infrequent hiccups with audio and buffeting, but it's a nightly build. It kind of comes with the territory. The iOS builds will be much better once they merge the iOS fork back into the main XBMC build on the next major update. For now, it's certainly good enough.

Basically, i thoroughly recommend storing everything away from your main PC. Server or NAS. Either way is fine. Streaming over a network works perfectly well, and it frees your PC from wasting cycles on accessing your HDD when your parents are watching a movie in the shared library. If you've got any questions about the nitty-gritty of my setup, let me know.

 

[Wrekt]

Ah, welp the problem is the native res of the TV isn't 1280 x 720, it's osmething like 1388 x 768 or something odd like that. So have you tried looking for the service menu code to allow you to adjust the the v-size and h-size? Also, if you plan to use XBMC, instead of going through the service menu, you can adjust the picture size within the settings so you won't get any screen cut off. That's probably way easier, but that won't help you when you're in Windows.

Last night I downloaded some Nvidia toolbox. They didn't advertise it as having a tool that fixed resolution issues but one was in it. I was able to resize it and get an oddball resolution that fit properly.

But unfortunately I tried watching a Fringe episode that I had downloaded and got some stuttering and a couple times the audio had to "catch up" with the video. The Newegg comments are full of people saying they run XBMC and it plays 1080p flawlessly. I don't have anything else running in the background besides Security Essentials. I hope it was just the file.

 

[rinse82]

So, what skins and media scrapers you guys use in XBMC?
Looked at some of the ones posted earlier in the thread. Really liked the look of Transparency and Aeon, just wondering if there is something better that has come along.

Aeon was a bit sluggish on my Revo 3610 so I switched to Alaska Revisited. Latest build using recent xbmc nightlies has tv logo support, love that view.

Overall, Alaska is a clean and efficient skin.

 

[Cheeto]

Anyone have recommendations for a universal remote that can control my HPTC (with keyboard/mouse "clicks") but also my onkyo receiver, panasonic TV, 360 and ps3?

Have you looked into Harmony remotes? If you can find an 880 they are pretty affordable and work with everything. You will need an attachment for the PS3 to turn it on and off, though, for some reason Sony thought it was a good idea to omit a $0.02 IR receiver on it.

 

[Toby]

Aeon was a bit sluggish on my Revo 3610 so I switched to Alaska Revisited. Latest build using recent xbmc nightlies has tv logo support, love that view.

Overall, Alaska is a clean and efficient skin.

I like all the different view types it has. I'll have to give it a try, as I've also found Aeon to be a little heavy.
Thanks!
Anyone else been using the Android XBMC remote app? Been using it on my Nook and it actually works quite well, though I think the interface could use some work.

 

[BreakyBoy]

I like all the different view types it has. I'll have to give it a try, as I've also found Aeon to be a little heavy.
Thanks!
Anyone else been using the Android XBMC remote app? Been using it on my Nook and it actually works quite well, though I think the interface could use some work.

I needed a lightweight skin for use with the Apple TV2. I ended up settling on Simplicity. If you haven't tried it yet, give it a go.

Re: Android app - I have it installed on my Droid and it's a bit sluggish for my tastes. I suspect it might just be the aging phone though. I'll be trying it again when I upgrade the phone at the end of the year.

 

[rinse82]

I like all the different view types it has. I'll have to give it a try, as I've also found Aeon to be a little heavy.
Thanks!
Anyone else been using the Android XBMC remote app? Been using it on my Nook and it actually works quite well, though I think the interface could use some work.

I've been using the iPad XBMC remote app, love the multi-gesture capability and the library synchronization.

 

[Coldsnap]

Having trouble setting up my audio over my receiver. I have a GTX 560 plugged into my Onkyo receiver through HDMI. Using windows sound setup I cannot get a surround sound option, it is only displaying stereo though I have a 5.1 connected to my computer.

 

[Trojita]

OK downloaded two MKV sample files from here: http://tomtom2k5.free.fr/mkv/1080p/

Batman Bebings
Pirates of the Caribbean.

I place the files in my NAS and streamed them to my Mac Mini via XBMC, no issues (and this was through wifi).

I also downloaded two WMV videos from here (none DRM): http://www.highdefforum.com/high-definition-movies-video-clips/6537-official-hd-video-clip-list.html

The Discoverers (IMAX)
Stormchasers (IMAX)

No issues whatsoever.

Thanks! I might try and wait just a little longer for the Mac Mini Refresh that should hopefully come out in 2-4 weeks since the iMacs just got released. I hope I hope.

I'm still really conflicted on whether or not to build my only Windows 7 or Linux HTPC or get a Mac Mini now or wait for the refresh.

Decisions.... decisions.

 

[mr stroke]

Thinking about buying one of these cheap Acer Desktops to use as a HTPC, space is not a concern as it will be hidden in a cabinet.


Is this enough CPU/GPU to play XBMC+1080p streaming+Blu Ray rips

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GL08MY/?tag=neogaf0e-20



-Intel Pentium E5800 dual-core processor
-4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM
-Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD
-Win 7



about the same as building my self(maybe even a tad cheaper) with a copy on Windows 7. Worth the $430?

 

[radiantdreamer]

Thinking about buying one of these cheap Acer Desktops to use as a HTPC, space is not a concern as it will be hidden in a cabinet.


Is this enough CPU/GPU to play XBMC+1080p streaming+Blu Ray rips

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004GL08MY/?tag=neogaf0e-20



-Intel Pentium E5800 dual-core processor
-4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM
-Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD
-Win 7



about the same as building my self(maybe even a tad cheaper) with a copy on Windows 7. Worth the $430?

If you're thinking of running nothing but XBMC, then I would probably instead get an OpenElec HTPC, like this one:
http://www.pulse-eight.com/store/products/97-openelec-htpc.aspx

Uses ION2 among other things, and cold boots to XBMC in less than 20 seconds. Price is about the same too.

personally, I'm looking for something cheaper. Anyone got suggestions?

 

[Salsa]

Funny, i just started to use MediaPortal with some skins and plugins even though my PC aint really a HTPC. I use a 26 inch as my main monitor and i can watch movies/series from bed (with the PC still being set up on my desk) so MediaPortal + Joystick setup with JoyToKey = yey!

dont know why i hadnt done this before


edit: I hate the Windows Media Player so im using VLC instead, wich means i lose some of the features from the HTPC software, but still.

 

[peppermints]

I have a 4 year old MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz C2D, 8600GT, 4GB RAM). Obviously it can handle XBMC, but any ideas how well it would do with 1080p content?

My ideal solution is to build an HTPC in the near future, but that's a ways off since I have a lot of other expenses right now. Just wondering if this would be a viable temporary solution.

 

[radiantdreamer]

I have a 4 year old MacBook Pro (2.2 GHz C2D, 8600GT, 4GB RAM). Obviously it can handle XBMC, but any ideas how well it would do with 1080p content?

My ideal solution is to build an HTPC in the near future, but that's a ways off since I have a lot of other expenses right now. Just wondering if this would be a viable temporary solution.

I don't see why not. Just give it a try.

Another solution would be to get those cheap media centers, like the WD Live, or the Asus O! Play. Plays virtually everything. Just doesn't have slick interface.

 

[peppermints]

I don't see why not. Just give it a try.

Another solution would be to get those cheap media centers, like the WD Live, or the Asus O! Play. Plays virtually everything. Just doesn't have slick interface.

I tried my digital HD copy from iTunes of Inception that you get with the Blu-Ray and it played just fine. Only problem is I'd have to find a solution for sound since my DVI->HDMI cable doesn't output audio.

I've looked into those other devices and I could just as well use my PS3. This was just a stopgap until I built an HTPC.

 

[radiantdreamer]

I tried my digital HD copy from iTunes of Inception that you get with the Blu-Ray and it played just fine. Only problem is I'd have to find a solution for sound since my DVI->HDMI cable doesn't output audio.

I've looked into those other devices and I could just as well use my PS3. This was just a stopgap until I built an HTPC.

Digital copies aren't exactly the best benchmark. You really want to test using a file encoded with h264. You'll get exceptional quality, and it's all handled by the GPU rather than the CPU.

Also, PS3 plays a very limited number of formats, which is what makes these cheap little media boxes so great. They usually play virtually any file format you throw at it.

In terms of audio with your macbook, I just use the headphone jack. Yeah, it's definitely a stopgap solution lol.