I need some sort of Hi-Def video server. I have a HD camcorder that records 720P video as MPEG-4 files on an SD card.

The only way to watch our home movies in HD is to is hook up the camcorder via HDMI or component cables to the TV and play back directly from the camcorder. If I burn the videos onto DVD using iMovie or any other method, then I lose the high-definition resolution.

I'm envisioning some sort of portable basic video server with a large hard drive and HDMI or Component Video output. Does such a device exist? Does AppleTV do this? Is there a cheaper alternative? Do I just need to wait until Blu-Ray or HD-DVD recorders become cheap and ubiquitous?

"Portable" and "server" don't really go together unfortunately.

No dedicated devices out there that I know of, although it would be possible with a MacBook Pro using the monitor output. Just need to make sure the computer has enough horsepower to playback the full-frame HD signal.

Probably the best solution is to buy a Blu-Ray disc burner and separate player for the TV.

I think I used the term "server" incorrectly. I mean "player."

An Intel Core Duo Mini (doesn't have to be a Core 2) with a large external hard drive would work fine (I've done it). Might be more than you want to pay, but it does work. Be sure to install Perian. You'd also need a DVI-to-HDMI adapter (monoprice.com).

Seems like Apple TV would do it, since it supports 720p, and you could export from iMovie right to it.