Some initial experiences with video playback, using the OpenELEC XBMC installation on the Raspberry Pi….

Recorded HD TV Programmes (m2t..  UK..  BBC HD etc..) – playback bad.   Jerky and stop/start.    This is not a great surprise, as the format is (to put it politely..) a bit of a hybrid sound / video combination..

720p camera recordings (mpeg4), originally created from 1080p camera originals, for uploading to YouTube – playback and picture quality excellent!

1080p video trailers (mov) from the web.. –  slight stutter at start, but then playback quality is very good..

I will now create some 1080p versions of some of my YouTube camera videos, and test these..

It is worth mentioning the the Pi sound output is via HDMI, so your monitor needs to have an audio socket, or built-in speakers..    The audio socket on the card is somewhat primitive, and of low-quality, and (AFAIK) has no driver support currently.     I will be experimenting with an external usb sound card, to see if this is a practical alternative..