Topic: 2GB AVI limit mythology?

Everyone is aware that there is a 2GB file size limit for capturing Windows AVIs right? Nope. Anyone know the straight dope on this? I've heard a number of things, that the FAT16 file system was responsible for this limitation (2GB), that NTFS could capture up to 4GB, that the limitation was inherent in the Windows AVI format, and on and on...

Well I've been testing an OHCI, generic 3 port firewire card on Win2k with the default win2k driver and I've captured way over 6GB with no dropped frames or any problems at all.

The best info I've seen so far is here but I am still looking. Anyone know the truth ot where to read up on it?

Jason

Basically you've got it right...
official, dry, but informative documentation
non-official, not quite as dry, equally informative documentation (other stuff too)
I am sure there are others too...
mobrul

wow. you said the second was "not quite as dry"?

So the OpenDML is the key to unlocking the filesize limitation right? So does the Windows Media package with win2k *include* this? I did nothing about making sure that OpenDML was available on my machine yet it works as though it is. Just trying to track down the source of it. Windows or Premiere?

After a quick check at ms.com it *appears* that it's a part of DirectX 8? DirectX 8 is a part of Win2k? can't tell by my CD or on the hardrive. Just curiosity getting me now and I know nothing of APIs and this kinda crap.


Jason

We are talking about 'old' history here, this oughtn't be causing you any worry at all.
(crap...I just used the word "oughtn't" in a sentence)
I use Premiere 5.0 and I know it uses OpenDML...actually, it has more to do with my Pinnacle capture card than Premiere...I guess I should say they are working together. It all has to do with the way the file is built, and whether the software can read that way.
I don't know for certain, but I would guess that most windows video stuff put out with or after...say...W98 or so uses OpenDML. The exception, of course, being streaming stuff like ASF, etc.

So in answer to your question, "Windows or Premiere?" -- both.
They work together. OpenDML is just a new way to write the avi file so it can be bigger. There are other advances too, like addition of timecode information, and using fields and frames, instead of just frames. (This last bit is important for special effects like slow motion...)

The important part of all this is, you dont' have to worry about it anymore. If you really want to learn about it, for whatever reason, that's cool. But if you are learning because you are concerned about your own work or system or something like that, don't. It's really dry boring crap that you just don't need to spend your time on anymore. Just edit away and take a programmer to lunch. Thank him/her for making dry boring crap that makes our lives easier.

mobrul

Yes, I was worried about my hardware/software issues and all evidence says that I'm going on old information and yes, I will cease to even think of it any longer and yes, I will take a programmer to lunch, really fine idea there...

oghtn't is a contraction of 'ought not' right? Sounds good to me, Queen's English even, but that's funny that if you make a contraction of it it sounds a little redneckish. Fine post mobrul, I appreciate it muchly.

Jason

no problem