Question about CNET.com Mac mini Review

[esaleris]

I read this CNET.com review of the Mac mini and came across the below quote... What the hell is he talking about? I've NEVER heard anybody mention this issue, around here, as much as I noticed. If outputted DVD via DVI/VGA, you wouldn't get these problems, would you? I'm assuming he's using the DVI -> S-video/RCA adapter.

From CNET.com: http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_Mac_Mini_Core_Duo_1_67GHz/4505-3118_7-31762058-2.html?tag=nav

We gave the Apple Mac Mini the complete rec-room test to find out exactly how powerful a home-theater PC it really is. Hooking it up couldn't have been simpler, as we got it connected to four large, flat-panel TVs, each within minutes (using a direct digital distribution amplifier with four DVI outputs). [...]

Given Apple's tradition as a media-friendly company, we were shocked during our DVD and high-definition video-output tests to discover the poor image the Mac Mini sent out. Apple didn't include 3:2 pulldown processing as part of its video-out specifications, resulting in image quality that's quite degraded. This processing is necessary for high-def screens playing video from film sources and is found in even low-cost components. The Mac Mini's DVD- and video-output quality, which was marred by false contouring (banded or splotchy colors), moiré patterns (line distortion), and jagged diagonals. We've seen $50 DVD players perform better.

 

[thegreatluke]

My recommendation would be to NOT use CNET.

CNET sucks in Mac reviews; they seem to be very biased against Macs for some reason.

If you look at their reviews, they take off too many points for very small things and the user reviews are always 2+ points higher, on average, than the CNET reviews.

 

[MacHarne]

Keep in mind that CNET.com is awash with bickering reviews and customers rating that are little more than "this computer totally SUX0RZ@@!!!" or "BEST CAMERA EVAR". It's like the slashdot community, only fully lacking the leverage of technological discernment and expression.

They probably were not using a correct output for the job, as you suggested. For a better experience of reading CNET reviews, I suggest you block your browser from ever allowing you onto their internet space. Ever again.

 

[esaleris]

Aside from the CNET.com bashing (which, I understand, they aren't exactly good, but the paragraph did catch my eye), my main question was more "Is this an issue or were they smoking crack?"

 

[howesey]

I totally agree with the comments made by CNET.

It's not just the mini, all Apple Macs are awful for video when using Apple's supplied apps for replaying video. I cannot stand DVD Player that comes with Macs, VLC is only slightly better. Someone needs to make a decent DVD player software player for the Mac which has acceptable video quality, which I do not know of any.

My 10 year old PC is far better for video than my iMac.

 

[howesey]

If outputted DVD via DVI/VGA, you wouldn't get these problems, would you? I'm assuming he's using the DVI -> S-video/RCA adapter.

The computer needs to convert the MPEG video to raw digital. This is where Apple's problem is. Sometimes (in most cases), the video card has to scale the video, which Apple Macs are awful for.

Also, because it is digital, doesn't mean it's the same in all situations. Using a SPDIF coax cable for sound for example, you can tell a difference by using cheap and expensive cable.

 

[ssj300]

i love you

I totally agree with the comments made by CNET.

It's not just the mini, all Apple Macs are awful for video when using Apple's supplied apps for replaying video. I cannot stand DVD Player that comes with Macs, VLC is only slightly better. Someone needs to make a decent DVD player software player for the Mac which has acceptable video quality, which I do not know of any.

My 10 year old PC is far better for video than my iMac.