Latest Gen and HD Video

[johndoe123abc]

Hi,

I'm wondering how well the latest generation MacBook Air handles 1080p HD video, specifically MKV files?

Given the lower spec processor and onboard graphics, is it powerful enough?
Will it stutter / skip frames?
Are "likely" advancements in the field of video encoding / playback going to cause problems during its probable lifetime e.g. 4-5 years?

Thanks!

 

[abta1]

On my 2013 11" i5 MBA with 4GB RAM, I have had zero problems playing 1080p video on either laptop itself or when connected to a 1080p monitor or my TV via Airplay.

 

[johndoe123abc]

Thanks abta1. That's great to know!

 

[MikeVera]

Hi,

I'm wondering how well the latest generation MacBook Air handles 1080p HD video, specifically MKV files?

Given the lower spec processor and onboard graphics, is it powerful enough?
Will it stutter / skip frames?
Are "likely" advancements in the field of video encoding / playback going to cause problems during its probable lifetime e.g. 4-5 years?

Thanks!

I have a base model 2013 Air, 13 inch and it does both of what you asked just fine.

I would imagine video playback may sometimes not be multithreaded (depending on the program), as such turbo boost can kick in and your processor will be running in high-2 to low-3 GHz range depending on your configuration....

 

[617aircav]

I have a 2012 and no issues with video.

 

[johndoe123abc]

Great! Thanks for the all follow-up

 

[Agent OrangeZ]

2014 MBA 4GB, 128 No issues playing 1080p MKV from Synology NAS over Ethernet connection.

 

[SRLMJ23]

I have a Late 2010 Model, and it can handle HD video very well.

I will admit that if it gets really hot, performance slows down...but thats where smcFanControl comes in for it. Once I get the computer cooled backed down, everything goes back to normal.

I also bought a really nice cooling board, with 4 fans and I use that occasionally and, honestly, I was a skeptic that a cooling board could keep my Mac cool but it does, I a talking about 86-89f degrees, and that is with the fan back on default.

Heat is the enemy of a well performing computer.

PS: I have an Nvidia 320m in my MacBook Air and I honestly cannot tell you if that makes a difference vs. Intel Integrated Graphics. If someone could help me out on that one, I would appreciate it.

Edit: I also have "VERY COLD" central air in the house, and since its starting to get warmer and warmer, and downright hot and extremely humid somedays, I crank that up and it keeps the Mac nice and cool.

 

[HarryWarden]

I have a base model 2013 Air, 13 inch and it does both of what you asked just fine.

I would imagine video playback may sometimes not be multithreaded (depending on the program), as such turbo boost can kick in and your processor will be running in high-2 to low-3 GHz range depending on your configuration....

I have the same model and frequently play 1080P MKV files via VLC Media Player with no problems.

 

[Meister]

Do you mean editing 1080p or just playing it?

If you mean just playing it: Do you seriosly think sells you a 1k+ laptop that cant play hd videos?

My iPad can play hd videos via a hdmi adapter ...