[quake101]

If XBMC is idling (not playing video/music) then slow down the GUI rendering rate. Then restore the normal rendering rate once a key is pressed. I believe this should lower the cpu usage when XBMC is idling.

I run my XBMC 24/7 and I currently have a key mapped on my remote to close/re-open XBMC for when the system is idling. I think this would be a very beneficial feature for XBMC.

BTW, Thanks to all the developers on the XBMC project for this great software!

[CapnBry]

If you set the ScreenSaver to "Black" it slows down rendering when the screensaver kicks on.

EDIT: Oh wait you're saying while semi actively using XBMC, slow down rendering. Well the issue is that there's a lot of scrolly text and throbbing buttons and stuff and everything looks stuttery if the rendering slows down.

[quake101]

Yes, slowing down the rendering rate would make things a little more "stuttery" but most of the time I'm not watching the screen when the machine is idle. I don't see a need to render 30+ FPS when the machine is idling.... just my thoughts...

[lcapriotti]

sounds reasonable, pls file a request in trac.
Power management has several other implications and is definitively a feature to be implemented.

[CapnBry]

I agree, there is no reason to be running at 60 or 100 fps when you're not watching. That's why I suggested the "black" screensaver which does exactly what you're asking for: lowers fps when idle. Personally I think the "dim" should too.

[quake101]

sounds reasonable, pls file a request in trac.
Power management has several other implications and is definitively a feature to be implemented.

Ticket created! http://trac.xbmc.org/ticket/6727

Thanks guys!