C860 + Cacko + Kino, How Do I Get Best Video Perf Options

[datajerk]

I have read multiple posts on the subject, but have been unable to determine precisely what will work best. I am willing to do a some experimenting, but would like some direction.

I have been using Dr Divx to convert my 2GB 1 hour .tivo files to 300MB .avi files. I have to say that I was quite impressed with the performance of Cacko 1.21a with its stock kino. After updating to kino .4.2 and the latest mplayer it appears as if I am watching TV (Scale to screen is checked).

Video info: 320x240, DX50, Bitrate: 600320, FPS: 29.97
Audio info: Codec: mad, Rate: 44100, Bitrate: 80000, Channels: 2

I thought I'd try a higher res version of the same video:

Video info: 480x352, DX50, Bitrate: 800856, FPS: 29.97
Audio info: Codec: mad, Rate: 44100, Bitrate: 64000, Channels: 2

but, it is noticeably not as smooth as the 320x240 video. 320x240 is good enough, but I would like to know how far I can push the c860 in terms of video performance.

I have also noticed that I have to have rotate checked.

Questions:

1. Will Cacko 1.22a improve performance? If so, by how much? Currently I am using Cacko 1.21a with Kino 0.4.2 and latest w100 mplayer.
2. Will pre rotation improve performance? If so, by how much? Currently I see no way to get Dr Divx to do this, but will explore.
3. What video formats perform the best from 4GB CF disk?
4. Should I overclock? Currently not overclocking.
5. How do I measure frame rates?
6. What is the best hires performance you have seen? How did you get it?
7. What are the sustainable bitrates for a 4GB CF HD?

Thanks.