[mythtv-users] Interesting potential lightweight frontend

[Michael T. Dean]

Jules Bean wrote:

> Michael T. Dean wrote:
>
>> *Actually, they'll probably get dedicated H.264 decoders, which will 
>> be much cheaper than Athlon X2 4800+ processors.  The 4800+ should 
>> come close to being able to decode 1080i60 (1920x1080 at 30 frames/sec 
>> (60 fields/sec)) in software in real-time, although I still don't 
>> think it will quite make it.  Maybe the 5000+ will...
>
>
> That bad? Apple claim [1] that a dual G5 can decode 1080 in real time 
> in software (well, unless the ATI card provides some hardware assist 
> but I don't think it does). I'd be really suprised if an X2 4800 was 
> slower than the dual G5s apple are shipping at, given that my Athlon 
> XP (XP, not X2) 1800 easily outperforms my G4 1.25....
>
> Jules
>
> [1] http://www.apple.com/quicktime/technologies/h264/faq.html [2]
> [2] It's a shame that the technology is 'open' but massively patent 
> encumbered. *sigh*

I've seen a "review" saying that it is possible with the dual 2.0GHz+ 
PowerMac G5's (although the review simply took Apple's word for it), but 
impossible with available x86-based CPU's ( 
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=25057 ).  So, when Apple releases 
their new MacIntel's (in January?), you'll be getting a nice feature 
loss (especially since the Intel chip is lacking some must-have AMD 
features).

Isaac said his X2 4400+ is able to decode the Serenity trailer--an H.264 
1080x816 at 24frames/sec (24 fields/sec)--( 
http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/dev/147617?nohighlight=1#147617 
), but his CPU is "_very_ close to getting maxed out."  The trailer has 
37601280 pixels/second, but a 1080i60 broadcast has 62208000 
pixels/second--1.65 times more than the trailer (meaning that 1080i60 
requires decoding 60% more pixels than the video that nearly maxed 
Isaac's CPU).

Let me know if you seen anything more current (i.e. testing the 4800+ or 
the 5000+ or ...  I haven't yet put Myth on my 4800+, but when I do, 
I'll do some tests.  (Still working on getting an HDTV antenna installed 
in my attic in between the trusses...  What a pain.  Stupid homeowner's 
association...)

Mike