[packcamera]

I would like to have my Mini 9 function as a HTPC and was wondering if these Broadcom cards can work in conjunction with one of the growing number of USB to DVI/HDMI dongles like this or this?

Essentially, can the decoded HD video be transmitted out via HDMI or do these dongles have their own video card built in that overrides the internal one? Are there any factors that would limit signal compatibility?

[reflex]

USB DVI/HDMI/etc devices are essentially just secondary video cards. But the USB interface severely limits their abilities. USB is too slow for decoded HD video. Even playing DVD resolution would be challenging at a high frame rate.

I think they're more intended for spreadsheets, web browsing, presentations, etc. Games and videos, not so much.

If the USB device was doing the video decoding, instead of the Broadcom card, then HD would be possible (since encoded video requires less bandwidth than decoded video). But most USB video "cards" seem to be dumb devices, and I've never read about one with the ability to accelerate video decoding.

[packcamera]

Thanks, I was unsure since the Broadcom card is a decoder that processes video the built-in video card. I figured if it could sent a signal to the internal video card, why not an external one? But if the limitations of USB preclude displaying full motion video at 1080 over HDMI, then my foray into making Dell Mini 9 HTPC will have to be shelved.

[gtalpaz]

Originally Posted by packcamera

Thanks, I was unsure since the Broadcom card is a decoder that processes video the built-in video card. I figured if it could sent a signal to the internal video card, why not an external one? But if the limitations of USB preclude displaying full motion video at 1080 over HDMI, then my foray into making Dell Mini 9 HTPC will have to be shelved.

why not just use a vga to hdmi cable? I currently have a crystal hd card in my mini 9 and it works quite well as a media server running xbmc live (XBMC freak version with crystal hd support).

[packcamera]

Originally Posted by gtalpaz

why not just use a vga to hdmi cable? I currently have a crystal hd card in my mini 9 and it works quite well as a media server running xbmc live (XBMC freak version with crystal hd support).

Interesting... seems much cheaper and less complicated than what I was outlining. And I am looking to run XBMC. I did a quick sweep on Google and found a VGA to HDMI cable like you described. It seems to require a "digital VGA" signal and has limits on resolution. Otherwise a pricier VGA to HDMI converter like this one seems to be needed.

Which cable/adapter did you use and are you getting a 720 or 1080 feed out? Does the Mini 9 transmit digital VGA out or will I need the more expensive signal converter?

[WolfKeeper]

There's no such thing as a VGA to HDMI cable that is compatible with a Mini 9.

[packcamera]

Originally Posted by WolfKeeper

There's no such thing as a VGA to HDMI cable that is compatible with a Mini 9.

Yeah, that seemed a bit off... So I'll have to pick up a proper powered signal converter. Anyone have any experiences with one?