Video stutter on 2011 Mini

[cjbryce]

I have the 2.5Ghz with AMD Radeon HD 6630M andn have upgraded the RAM to 8Gb (Crucial memory)

I use it almost exclusively as HTPC with the HDMI going via an Arcam Solo Movie 5.1 amp to a Samsung HDTV. The TV source is an Elegato Diversity and I run the latest EyeTV software.

I noticed that on some TV programmes there can occasionally be a sort of jerky video stutter, not all the time and seemingly random. At first I thought this might be down to a poor signal to the Diversity but the reported signal strength is 100% at all times and signal quality ranges between 60-70%. However I tested the Diversity on my iMac to be ceriian and there are absolutely no problems. I've got the Diversity running in Diversity rather than twin-tuner mode.

Then I noticed that there is the same jerky video problem when watching ripped DVDs (via FrontRow from full quality ISO images) and also sometimes on iTunes downloaded movies. This occurs less frequently than when watching TV, but it does happen.

The jerkiness is not restricted to fast-action sequences but can occur, for example, on sequences like people walking across sets &etc.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[theSeb]

Similar issues are being reported on the xbmc forums. There seem to be some bugs in Lion for these AMD graphics card and hopefully will be resolved soon. I would suggest submitting a bug report to Apple.

 

[accessoriesguy]

I had not heard of this, but as mentioned, make a report to apple, they are good with fixing problems like that.

I'm pretty sure they are plenty busy right now working out a bunch of the bugs and errors for 10.7.1

I have not upgraded yet, there is no immediate need. They have already released a migration assistant and all they need is 10.7.1 to remove the first major bugs and everyone can be happy. Kind of sucks for people who got macs that have Lion installed and are having trouble though

 

[cjbryce]

Kind of sucks for people who got macs that have Lion installed and are having trouble though

That's always the way with new releases of anything. Did think about downgrading the Mini to SL, but can't be bothered, will wait for the first patch release.

 

[krburrell]

I'm waiting for 10.7.1.

 

[Jimmdean]

I have similiar issues, but I have the base 2011 model (so this is not just a Radeon thing). EyeTV recordings tend to be jumpy/stutter (slight) - nothing unwatchable - just annoying. Some issues with Plex as well, but not jumpiness or stuttering - some of my stuff just doesn't want to play well on Lion if I do not start from the beginning. Have not upgraded to 10.7.1 yet either...

 

[cryptonit]

I'm stucked. I want new mini but I'm afraid these video issues. How does base mini behave with "standard" 720p/1080p mkv video files (... own back-ups of purchased blu-rays of course....)?

I won't accept any stutter or something like that. If my few year old Dell notebook can handle them - new Minis should do the same without any problems.

How about movies purchased from iTunes?

Also important: is base mini noisy when playing 720p or 1080p files?

I have similiar issues, but I have the base 2011 model (so this is not just a Radeon thing).

 

[cjbryce]

OK, updated and tried again for a couple of weeks. Stuttering not quite as bad as it was, but it's still there. Even from iTunes downloaded content played via FrontRow.

Any other suggestions from the panel?

 

[PhatHo]

I have a Mac mini 2011 server and I've tested running both Plex and Xbmc, where I had stuttering in both cases.
I simply turned OFF hardware acceleration and now it moves smooth

 

[cjbryce]

I have a Mac mini 2011 server and I've tested running both Plex and Xbmc, where I had stuttering in both cases.
I simply turned OFF hardware acceleration and now it moves smooth

Mmmm, but I;m using Elegato Eye-TV and FrontRow. I'll have a look in the DVD player and Eye-TV to see if hardware acceleration can be switched off/on.