This is so that you can have an mpeg4 file over 4GB (32 bit mpeg4's cannot be over 4GB). This was a decision made right before release as we realized that with the extra 448kbps for the AC-3 surround track you could start hitting that 4GB barrier much earlier than without. For example longer movies like LOTR would end up in the 4.5 GB area.
However like all things this does have its caveats, namely right now, tagging with MetaX is a bit dodgy, I believe (havent tried it yet myself but I believe Cavalicious has and might want to chime in) MetaX can tag the files if they are under 4GB, but not over 4GB.
We have already contacted Kerstetter (the developer of MetaX and also a handbrake fanatic) and he has told us he can fix metaX to work just fine with it. In the past he has always been very fast with is updates if we request them so expect to see an update to MetaX very soon.
A note on the 64 bit option: Go to preferences -> advanced in HandBrake and there is a checkbox there to show the 64 bit checkbox in the main window. It is hidden in the main window be default as in the past it has been a very niche feature that also was incompatible with almost all devices except now the atv2. Anyway, check that box and you will see a new checkbox appear in the main window right by the Ipod Atom checkbox. You can now choose to turn that off if you wish to use MetaX for movies under 4GB until MetaX is updated.
I admit, I should have made the box visible all of the time now as its likely to be used alot more now. Thats what you get when you add new features right before release
. Hope this helps clear up any confusion that may have been caused.
