Without crystal HD Card!
I just wanted to remind people that 1080p playback from PMS to old Mac minis (Core Duo 1.6ghz and onwards ) is possible under Linux and Windows with XBMC with Plexbmc addon, and crystal HD card. But the really good news is that 1080p is also possible with the Dsplayer branch of XBMC (Windos Only).
Here's how.
Obiously install Windows first.
Download and install the pre-Eden XBMC DSplayer here: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?t=106629
Install CoreAVC. This will also install Haali Mediasplitter.
Install FFDshow. Just use the default settings except disable h264 (because that is what we use CoreAVC for)
Download my attached mediasconfig.xml and put it in C:\Program Files (x86)\XBMC\system\players\dsplayer and overwrite the old one. (if you use 32bit windows, then it will be c:\program files\XBMC....
Download my attached advancedsettings.xml and put it in C:\Users\"username"\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata
Download my attached renderersettings.xml and put it in C:\Users\"username"\AppData\Roaming\XBMC\userdata\dsplayer
The folders for Windows XP will be a little different, but why on earth would you want to use XP..
Install Plexbmc. I really like Quartz and Aeon NOX skin, but whatever will do.
Now XBMC will use CoreAVC for MKV files, and as you may know, CoreAVC is by far far far the fastest h264 decoder available. I believe even Core Duo 1.6ghz will handle 1080p with relatively ease. Even 16:9 MKVs with high bitrate. (Avatar for instance)
The more advanced users will also be able to define 23,976hz (I have not tried this just yet though, but I will and come back to you) and let XBMC switch framerate automatically to get ubersmooth playback. Enjoy!
Enjoy!
edit: just tried it with a Mac mini 1,1 1,6ghz core duo I had lying around. High bitrate 16:9 1080p like Avatar needs the deblocking filter inside CoreAVC settings set to always disabled. I guess you need to go up to 1.83ghz to enable this also for Avatar and such.
