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WHY 64 BIT?

Why use the 64-bit version? It will help you work faster and more reliably. Sixty-four bit applications are 10-15% faster to start with, but that is not the main advantage!

The main advantage is that the 64-bit version allows you to store many more frames in RAM, where your computer has instant access to them, instead of forcing your computer to constantly re-read them from the much slower disk drive. This is especially important for HDTV and 2-4K film shots, or if you are using SynthEyes's texture-extraction capabilities extensively. Over the course of working on a shot, the faster access can save you a large amount of time, not only during the time SynthEyes is working on the shot, but during the time you are poking around looking at the shot, for supervised tracking, tracker cleanup, etc.

If you are using 32-bit applications, here's some bad news: no matter how much RAM you put in your machine, no individual application can access more than 4 GB (and the usable size is generally much lower, closer to 2GB). That means you can store fewer frames and less tracking data, and run a substantial risk of running out of address space and taking a dive (especially if using Quicktime).

The 64-bit version uses more advanced techology to sidestep this limitation, putting all the RAM you paid for to work. Ultimately, 64 bit programs will be the rule; we've reached the limits of 32-bit computing, and the advantages of stepping up to 64 bits are compelling. Today, most professional customers elect for the power and productivity of a 64-bit SynthEyes license.

 Go to the Store! 

What do I need to use the 64-bit version?

Your computer needs to be capable of running 64-bit applications, and actually running an operating system that can run 64-bit applications. On Windows, you need to be running the 64-bit version of Win7, Vista, or XP. The 64-bit versions of Windows will only run on 64-bit-capable computers.

On Mac, you need to be running a 64-bit-capable operating system, ie 10.7 Lion, 10.6 Snow Leopard, or 10.5 Leopard (or later versions), and you must have a computer that is capable of running 64-bit applications. You can check that your machine can run 64-bit apps by doing a "Get Info" on the Chess application, and making sure that there is an "Open in 32 bit mode" checkbox present. You do NOT have to boot the OSX kernel into 64-bit mode to run 64-bit SynthEyes.

You should have 4 GB or more of RAM to take advantage of the 64-bit version. When using classic Leopard with less than 4 GB of RAM, you should run 32-bit SynthEyes (ie the 32-bit version or the 64-bit version with "Open in 32-bit mode" set).

If you have 6 GB or more, or your operating system is already running in 64-bit mode (Win or Mac), the 64-bit version is the way to go!

Limitations of 64-Bit Computing

• Apple does not offer a 64-bit version of Quicktime for Windows or OS X. Codec support is the bleeding edge of 64-bit computing.
• 64-bit Windows uses a small 32-bit server application to read AVI and MOV files as needed. Movie files can only be written using 64-bit AVI codecs.
• 64-bit OS X version uses an Apple-provided 32-bit server to read and write Quicktime MOVs. This process poses some limitations; the list of supported codecs is factory determined and may not include all codecs on your machine.