G4 Processor Upgrade to Playback 720P HD?

[posthaste]

How much processor power is required for smooth playback of 720 HD video? My Power Mac G4 Quicksilver with a 1.4 GHz upgrade card is only able to playback 480 resolution video.

Would a 2.0 GHz processor upgrade in this machine be able to handle 720 high-def smoothly? My goal is smooth playback of Apple's 720 HD QT trailers and the occasional 720-encoded XviD files.

Any opinions or experience? Thanks!

[hmg]

I think its time to say goodbye to your G4 d00d.

[milatchi]

Agreed, I am still on my G4 --great machine, but sounds like you need a Core2Duo.

[Millwood]

You don't need a core 2 duo to play back that material.
I'm on a G5 1.8Ghz and I can playback 720p and 1080p material just fine.

[posthaste]

You don't need a core 2 duo to play back that material.
I'm on a G5 1.8Ghz and I can playback 720p and 1080p material just fine.

Thanks, Millwood, I'm glad to hear that.

My budget doesn't allow for a new Mac Pro at the moment (sure would be nice though).

[edDV]

You don't need a core 2 duo to play back that material.
I'm on a G5 1.8Ghz and I can playback 720p and 1080p material just fine.

Depends on format.

Uncompressed needs a RAID
MPeg2_TS as broadcast needs moderate high CPU + Display chip acceleration.

Some software players like VLC match play strategy to hardware often playing 1080i as single field and half horizontal pixels (960x540p).

H.264 720p needs a fast processor
H.264 1080p needs heavy Core2Duo + advanced display card.

[babgolis]

Hackintosh?