64 bit understanding

[scar97]

Can someone explain to a dummy what the advantages of 64 bit is and how it will apply to my system? See my signature. It may not even be something that affects me.

Thanks guys. Sorry to be an idiot but recording takes up almost all of my time and I don't get to look to much here unless I have an issue.

[Shan]

Originally Posted by scar97

Can someone explain to a dummy what the advantages of 64 bit is and how it will apply to my system? See my signature. It may not even be something that affects me.

Thanks guys. Sorry to be an idiot but recording takes up almost all of my time and I don't get to look to much here unless I have an issue.

Basically a 64 bit version of PT would allow us to use as much RAM as the system has. This is of great benefit to many sample based VI's etc among other things.

Shane

[sw rec]

Only problem is, without a total re-write, PT is only qualified for 32-bit systems right now. Some people have it kind of working some of the time, though....

[Shan]

Originally Posted by sw rec

Only problem is, without a total re-write, PT is only qualified for 32-bit systems right now. Some people have it kind of working some of the time, though....

Well, it wouldn't take an entire rewrite to do what most people want it to do. With some creative thinking, it would only take an addition added to the RTAS code. As we know, ReWire instruments use and access RAM outside of the Pro Tools application. Since this is the case, the Virtual Instrument is not limited to the 3G ram limit(using the 3G switch of course). Digidesign can apply this exact method with technology they already have and developed 10 years ago. We use to have Digi StreamManager which evolved into DirectConnect. DirectConnect was exactly what ReWire is today. No one developed anything for DirectConnect except for only 3-4 VI's which were Mac only so unfortunately, it flopped and was dropped(sort of). DirectConnect eventually morphed into HTDM. HTDM was a way to host TDM plug-ins on the host CPU. Again, development of HTDM VI's were near nonexistent and it also flopped and was dropped after RTAS was better implemented in HD. More specifically, the ability to finally use RTAS on Aux tracks in the TDM world. If Digi could implement the StreamManager/DirectConnect technology already developed and use it on the RTAS I/O, then the plug would be able to use RAM existing outside of PT's limits. Since it will probably end up being a 32bit app running in a 64bit OS for a few more years to come, this tiny RTAS 2 overhaul would greatly benefit and there is little to no R&D cost involved as Digi already developed this 10+ years ago.

Shane

[chrisdee]

If you look at the bit bandwidth and compare it to a highway you understand that twice as many cars can drive on a 64 lane highway compared to a 32 lane highway.

This applies to computers as well. With 64 bit bandwith the CPU can read twice as long binary words simultaniously as computers with 32 bit bandwidth.