Apple's DVD player has always used GPUs to decode MPEG-2.
My understanding is that Apple's graphics system precluded using the GPU for decoding MPEG-2. My 1.25 Mac mini generally uses 50-75% of its CPU just to play a DVD, as opposed to my 1.2GHz PIIIm laptop which used maybe 20% at most of its CPU to play a DVD. The only explaination I have is that the GPU isn't used on the mini. The laptop has the original mobile Radeon too, three generations older than what is in the mini. I think that one might have been the first ATI with built-in MPEG decoding.
It seems that the survey was commissioned by Vongo. This explains the weighted wording used.
I currently subscribe to Netflix. I like it but the biggest advantage is having to wait 2 days to get the movie you want. Often there is a movie that you want to watch *now* and waiting for 2 days can be annoying. Personally, I would rather subscribe for $10 a month than pay $4.99 to download to own a movie. This way you have ALL the movies whenever you want.
However, I would think that the content providers would prefer the download to own model as I would think that it would result in increased revenues for them.
i would only pay that kind of money rather than netflix IF they were available as they were in theaters, and i would watch more. but that have to be same time or near (1 week or less)to theater release. now that is the model that will save the movie industry. I used to see double features but not at these prices....that 10%decrease in theater going is because there is NO value to many many movies out. some reviewer suggested theaters price movies by a ratings system, the lower the review the lower the price...some have even given "money back guarantees (cinderella man comes to mind--but i really liked that) tv will be more on demand, recent discussions about "ala cart" cable brings this to the forefront. it's changing quickly very quickly SJ is smart and understands the mood and industry...it's a very unique blend where else can you find that....MS(origami nonsense MS can't put together hardware AND software like apple)???no way
This is totally not an Apple Survey. Apple does things in secret. They wouldn't risk putting a survey out on the public internet where any joe taking the survey can take a screen shot. I think this is being done by Vongo or another one of Apple's competitors. I have never heard of an Apple survey being leaked in this fashion before, therefore I do not think it is an Apple survey at all.
Moreover, it's a biased interview, since every respondent will opt for the subscription model, which is not what Apple prefers (as far as is publicly known).
This is probably a survey by some company collecting arguments for their negotiations, if it's a serious survey at all.
My understanding is that Apple's graphics system precluded using the GPU for decoding MPEG-2. My 1.25 Mac mini generally uses 50-75% of its CPU just to play a DVD, as opposed to my 1.2GHz PIIIm laptop which used maybe 20% at most of its CPU to play a DVD. The only explaination I have is that the GPU isn't used on the mini. The laptop has the original mobile Radeon too, three generations older than what is in the mini. I think that one might have been the first ATI with built-in MPEG decoding.
Hmm, that CPU usage does seem a bit high. Don't know what's going on there. My Titanium PB has an ATI RAGE Mobility 128, and that has an MPEG-2 decoder which Apple's DVD player uses. QuickTime's MPEG-2 component, on the other hand, does not use GPU MPEG-2 acceleration, and neither do third-party products such as VLC.
I know this is an Anon, as MacDailyNews says, but still, it does point to the fact that the Mini should be able to play 1080p H.264, as that is how the trailers on Apple's site is encoded.
Verizon offers 5 megabit FiOS for 34.95 plus what they charge for phone service. Not a great deal.
Cheaper (but slower) than Comcast and they aren't charging me phone service (I use Vonage instead).
The upside of FiOS is that if I want to I can go to 15 Mbps for $44.95.
I'm getting pretty consistent 5 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up hitting west coast servers. Same as Comcast. East coast servers are also 5 Mbps but Comcast actually hit its 6 Mbps mark.
They're rolling out video in my market soon and shooting for the triple play. If there is enough discount I'll drop Vonage and go with their VOIP package.
Comments
Originally posted by Mr. H
Apple's DVD player has always used GPUs to decode MPEG-2.
My understanding is that Apple's graphics system precluded using the GPU for decoding MPEG-2. My 1.25 Mac mini generally uses 50-75% of its CPU just to play a DVD, as opposed to my 1.2GHz PIIIm laptop which used maybe 20% at most of its CPU to play a DVD. The only explaination I have is that the GPU isn't used on the mini. The laptop has the original mobile Radeon too, three generations older than what is in the mini. I think that one might have been the first ATI with built-in MPEG decoding.
oh, right.
check back in 5-10 years
Originally posted by MacCentric
Based on the information here :http://www.thinksecret.com/news/0603movies.html
It seems that the survey was commissioned by Vongo. This explains the weighted wording used.
I currently subscribe to Netflix. I like it but the biggest advantage is having to wait 2 days to get the movie you want. Often there is a movie that you want to watch *now* and waiting for 2 days can be annoying. Personally, I would rather subscribe for $10 a month than pay $4.99 to download to own a movie. This way you have ALL the movies whenever you want.
However, I would think that the content providers would prefer the download to own model as I would think that it would result in increased revenues for them.
i would only pay that kind of money rather than netflix IF they were available as they were in theaters, and i would watch more. but that have to be same time or near (1 week or less)to theater release. now that is the model that will save the movie industry. I used to see double features but not at these prices....that 10%decrease in theater going is because there is NO value to many many movies out. some reviewer suggested theaters price movies by a ratings system, the lower the review the lower the price...some have even given "money back guarantees (cinderella man comes to mind--but i really liked that) tv will be more on demand, recent discussions about "ala cart" cable brings this to the forefront. it's changing quickly very quickly SJ is smart and understands the mood and industry...it's a very unique blend where else can you find that....MS(origami nonsense MS can't put together hardware AND software like apple)???no way
Originally posted by MacCentric
This is totally not an Apple Survey. Apple does things in secret. They wouldn't risk putting a survey out on the public internet where any joe taking the survey can take a screen shot. I think this is being done by Vongo or another one of Apple's competitors. I have never heard of an Apple survey being leaked in this fashion before, therefore I do not think it is an Apple survey at all.
Moreover, it's a biased interview, since every respondent will opt for the subscription model, which is not what Apple prefers (as far as is publicly known).
This is probably a survey by some company collecting arguments for their negotiations, if it's a serious survey at all.
Originally posted by JeffDM
My understanding is that Apple's graphics system precluded using the GPU for decoding MPEG-2. My 1.25 Mac mini generally uses 50-75% of its CPU just to play a DVD, as opposed to my 1.2GHz PIIIm laptop which used maybe 20% at most of its CPU to play a DVD. The only explaination I have is that the GPU isn't used on the mini. The laptop has the original mobile Radeon too, three generations older than what is in the mini. I think that one might have been the first ATI with built-in MPEG decoding.
Hmm, that CPU usage does seem a bit high. Don't know what's going on there. My Titanium PB has an ATI RAGE Mobility 128, and that has an MPEG-2 decoder which Apple's DVD player uses. QuickTime's MPEG-2 component, on the other hand, does not use GPU MPEG-2 acceleration, and neither do third-party products such as VLC.
http://macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/8772/
Originally posted by Rolo
Verizon offers 5 megabit FiOS for 34.95 plus what they charge for phone service. Not a great deal.
Cheaper (but slower) than Comcast and they aren't charging me phone service (I use Vonage instead).
The upside of FiOS is that if I want to I can go to 15 Mbps for $44.95.
I'm getting pretty consistent 5 Mbps down and 2 Mbps up hitting west coast servers. Same as Comcast. East coast servers are also 5 Mbps but Comcast actually hit its 6 Mbps mark.
They're rolling out video in my market soon and shooting for the triple play. If there is enough discount I'll drop Vonage and go with their VOIP package.
Vinea
HERE is the article.