The VideoLAN Forums

how do I use the 64bit mode--?

Can I start the application in 64bit, or do I have to startup the computer in 64bit-- and if yes, what is the key combination you hold during startup, 6 and 4?

Any other info worth noting?

Thanks.

You can start VLC 64bits in 32 and 64 bits kernel

do you really think that was a helpful answer?

Your computer must be 64-bit capable. If it has an intel core 2 duo, then it is. And I would recommend having Snow Leopard (10.6), because although you can still run it in Leopard (10.5), the kernal in Leopard is still 32-bit, but I don't understand how that all plays out and whether there's much difference in running the 32-bit or 64-bit VLC app in Leopard (10.5). Snow Leopard has a 64-bit kernal, and Leopard has a 32-bit kernal, and j-b (above) was explaining that you can start VLC-64-bit in 32 AND 64 bit kernal, which means it will run in Leopard AND Snow Leopard, but again I don't know if Leopard will fully utilize the 64-bit app, and therefore making it pointless...

If your computer is 64-bit capable, and you have Snow Leopard installed, VLC-64-bit will automatically open in 64-bit mode. With Snow Leopard apps (like Safari, iCal and other 64-bit apps), you have to TELL it to open in 32-bit mode (get info on the app, and check box "Open in 32-bit mode." However, it seems VLC-64-bit doesn't have this option, so it always run in 64-bit mode. I guess that makes sense, because if you want it to run in 32-bit mode, just download the VLC-32-bit app.

So, in short, the app will run in 64-bit mode by default. You don't need to do anything.

I recently installed the 64-bit version, and it launches SO fast. My previous version of VLC would bounce like 5 times before it finally opened, but this launches as soon as I open it - no bounces at all. It's brilliant.

I'll have to check it to see if the post-1.0 bugs are still there, like stuttering playback and overall slowness/bugginess.

The universal binary of VLC (the 40 MB plus download) includes all 3 supported architectures aka PowerPC 32bit, Intel 32 bit and Intel 64bit. By default, it will use the 64bit mode on 64bit-capable Intel-based Macs. This will also work on 10.5 Leopard btw.

I have Snow Leopard, and 64-bit computer, but VLC still boots in 32-bit mode for me.

Edit: Macbook Pro Core2Duo, btw.

Edit2: Nevermind, I just realized I updated through VLC, thus i only got the 32bit app. [face_palm] As you were, gentlemen.

Thanks for the clarification Fkuehne. I wasn't aware that universal binaries could contain x64 code too i thought it was just a ppc + intel container.

I was just registering to ask the same question as I just installed Snow Leopard, and when visiting videolan's home page, the download icon on the right side defaulted to the Intel 32-bit version. I know it autodetects what OS you are running, so I was curious as to why it didn't show up the 64-bit version as I have a C2D MBP (if that's even detectable).

In regards to the 32/64-bit kernal, in SL, only the XServe defaults to booting the 64-bit kernal. My understanding is because there is less likely of a chance of old/random drivers being used on that machine. Just about every other peripheral for the notebooks and desktops are still written in 32-bit.

Therefore, machines that are capable of running 64-bit, need to hold down the 6 and 4 keys during startup to boot to the 64-bit kernal. However, it's not a great idea for most users. As you can gather from the comment about the XServe above, many third-party system level software is made for 32-bit systems, so that is why all of the other computers default into 32-bit (and then, the older Intel machines can't boot to 64-bit).

Also, while running SL, you can "get info" on most of the Apple applications/utilities to see they have a 32-bit run option (forgot specifically why, but it's there, like iamse7en said).

Lastly, even though the kernal is running in 32-bit, the the apps can still be 64-bit. I didn't understand why at first, and while I can't remember specifically at the moment it's some weird Unix thing, and apps aren't running off of the kernal directly so it can be independent from the apps.

I was just registering to ask the same question as I just installed Snow Leopard, and when visiting videolan's home page, the download icon on the right side defaulted to the Intel 32-bit version. I know it autodetects what OS you are running, so I was curious as to why it didn't show up the 64-bit version as I have a C2D MBP (if that's even detectable).

The website just checks for OSX actually. It doesn't check version number.