[BoulderDash]

Hey there,
Is there a definitive answer as to what the maximum file size for streaming is, to the Apple TV?

I've read where there was a 4GB limit, that possibly isn't a limit anymore after Take 2:
Topic : Maximum movie size when streaming?

Where there is a 4GB limit:
Topic : File Won't Play

Where there isn't a 4GB limit:
Topic : ATV 4Gb file limit? I'm not so sure...

Which is correct? I tried to find official info on the Apple TV page and found none. Also, which number should one go by when trying to convert a file to under 4GB? For example, I just converted a file that, when "Get Info," states:

Size: 3.9 GB on disk (4,190,114,302 bytes)

The first size is under 4GB, but the second size is over 4GB. Hmm. Thanks in advance
BD

[mduell]

If there's a limit around 4GB, it's at 4GiB (4,294,967,296 bytes), so your file will play.

MPEG4 files over 4GiB need to be 64-bit (nothing to do with a 64-bit CPU), which Apple may have added support for with Take 2.

[BoulderDash]

Thanks... I now know that if there's a 4GB limit, the second number needs to be below 4,294,967,296 bytes (and I am at 4,190,114,302 bytes). So, that explains why my file works.

Now... is there a 4GB limit? Is there any Apple document that states this one way or the other?

To create files larger than 4GB in HandBrake, I know that I need to go into Preferences > Advanced > Advanced and check "Enable 64 bit mp4 file option". But, I don't want to do that if my files won't then play.

Thanks again,
BD

[mduell]

After a bit of Googling it looks like the ATV Take2 supports 64-bit MP4 containers, so files over 4GB with that option are fine.

Why do you have files over 4GB? Recompressed BluRay?

[BoulderDash]

Nah, they're old family movies that are about 3.5 hours long; that I'd like to convert at an "Average bitrate (kbps)" of 4000 with HandBrake. Like I do with my shorter movies, that are straddling 4GB.

I know that there are a lot of different thoughts on the "perfect" HandBrake setting... but being that I could not care less about file size thanks to two Drobos, I go with the above setting to ensure great quality on two ethernet-attached Apple TVs.

Can you post that Google link? Thanks!

[frdmfghtr]

I've had long movies go over 4 GB as well, esp. when encoding with the latest version of Handbrake which supports 5.1 surround sound.

LOTR: Return of the King gave me fits when encoding until I tried using Handbrake 0.9.1, which does not support 5.1 surround sound; the encoding worked. I found the 64-bit option in Handbrake 0.9.2 today so I'm trying to encode another long movie: Lagaan (from India, which I highly recommend) is nearly 3.5 hours long and it was about 4.5 GB even without the surround sound. If it works I'm re-encoding ROTK.

[frdmfghtr]

To follow-up...Lagaan encoded using the 64-bit option successfully (4.67 GB), and streamed from a 400 MHz iMac running 10.4.11 wirelessly via Airport Express to my Apple TV and played flawlessly. This confirms that Apple TV can stream 64-bit MP4 files.

[BoulderDash]

I concur... I also have had no problems with streaming/playing files over 4GB on my Apple TV's after enabling HandBrake's "64 Bit MP4" support (and enabling MetaX's "Enable support for large files - 64" [to tag them]).

Thanks guys,
BD