64 bit op systems

[dblake2]

Getting a new computer & thinking of putting vista 64 bit on it.

Just wondering if anyone out there does video editing/converting in a 64 bit operating system & which of the many video/dvd manipulating programs will run in it.

[redwudz]

Not that many in native 64 bit. That's not so much a Vista problem, though it complicates it as the software is not really keeping up with 64 bit applications. You would see a similar problem with XP 64 bit apps.

Personally, I would stick with a 32 bit OS for a bit longer. But, it also depends on what you want to do and what programs you plan to use. Here's a Vista compatibility list that shows some 64 bit native programs: http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List

You would likely get better performance with a quad core CPU and 32 bit apps at present, JMO

EDIT: I still have a copy of XP 64 on the shelf as it never lived up to my expectations. Probably better now, as more apps are available, but the 32 bit XP did all I needed.

[dblake2]

Useful link, theres also this one for native 64 bit apps.

http://www.64xsoft.com/

I am going with a quad core. At this point I'm thinking of sticking my 32 bit xppro on there & maybe dual booting vista 64bit to play with. (probably easier said than done).

[akrako1]

XP x64 user here... While there are very few x64 native applications, I still don't see a reason NOT to run a 64-bit OS if you have a 64-bit CPU. I've found that I can run nearly all my 32-bit applications under XP x64. Windows provides a 32->64-bit interpreter that allows 32-bit apps to run. This is the same type of conversion that your CPU would have to make for ALL CPU calls from XP 32-bit. You'll have to make sure you can get all the drivers, etc, that you'll need, but assuming you can find them all, I don't see any reason NOT to run 64-bit. You'll need to get all 64-bit drivers, virus protection (Avast is compatible), and disk management (defrag - O&O and Diskeeper all offer 64-bit versions). You'll also be able to find patches for a few games to update them to 64-bit. These 64-bit applications will run faster then running the 32-bit version under XP 32-bit. All 32-bit application, AFAIK, run about the same under XP x64 as XP 32-bit. As more 64-bit applications come out, you'll be able to utilize the full CPU registers (and memory! 32-bit has a 3GB memory limit. 64-bit goes waaay higher!). Personally, I'm staying away from Vista, but 64-bit is still the way to go. I've heard rumors that the new Windows OS will be 64-bit only... so that might encourage some more x64 development.

[johns0]

Been running vista 64 for nearly a year now and found it better than winxp for video editing and every video program i have used works.

[edDV]

Depends on apps you intend to use. The pro video world has been slow to move to 64bit. Avid, Adobe, BlackMagic, etc. all spec 32bit unless you are a developer.

Here is BlackMagic's statement as a sample.
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/support/detail.asp?techID=160

And Adobe's
http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb403291&sliceId=1

This will all change in time. IMO the only reason to go 64bit now (other than development) is if you multitask and need greater than 3GB RAM to run your apps efficiently.