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. 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 on your machine, no individual application can access more than 4 GB (and the usable size is generally much lower). 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 your RAM to work for you. Ultimately, 64 bit programs will be the dominant force; we've reached the boundary of 32-bit computing, and the advantages of stepping up to 64 bits are compelling. We offer both different flavors of 64-bit SynthEyes: a version for Windows and a version for OS X.

 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 XP, Vista, or Win7. 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 10.5 Leopard or 10.6 Snow Leopard, 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 on Snow Leopard.

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 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 OS X version uses an Apple technology that passes 64-bit Quicktime requests to a special 32-bit server process. This process is slow and poses some limitations; the list of supported codecs is factory determined and may not include all codecs on your machine.
  • OS X Leopard is a 32-bit operating system, so starting the first 64-bit application after boot incurs a noticeable delay and causes additional OS X to use more RAM for the 64-bit support files. Snow Leopard does not suffer the same problem, many processes will already be running 64-bit.
  • Windows: Some AVI files may not read, X64 codec support is spotty.
  • (General Windows) Make sure that 64-bit drivers are available for any tablets, disk arrays, or other special hardware you use.