I am not sure about having 8TB under FAT32. I am sure you are right, and I will read that up.
Using the legacy of FAT32 as a constraint to limit file sizes does not make sense to me.
Why should I stick to a legacy system such as FAT32 when I can have much larger file sizes? As the size of drives keeps on increasing, FAT32 will become a hindrance. No one is going to accept a 4GB size when he can get a much larger MKV with FullHD video and HD Audio.
Small size Media players that use Flash drives - USB/Memory cards etc.. upto few GB use FAT16 because it is faster than FAT32
Mid size Players like FAT32 because of the larger size limitation compared to FAT16
A lot of the MPs have issues with NTFS.
So the question is WHY do they do that!! - Isn't it better to implement NTFS - ahaa but there in lies multiple issues
1. Proprietary
FAT is an old file system that is simple, well-documented, readable from a large number of OSs, and supported by a wide range of tools.
NTFS is a newer file system that is feature-rich, proprietary,
undocumented at the raw bytes level, and subject to change - even within Service Packs of the same OS version.
Keeping NTFS proprietary allows Microsoft to root NT's security features deep within the file system itself, but it does cast doubts about the reliability and version-compatibility of third-party support.
Without an official maintenance OS from Microsoft, one is forced to look to 3rd-party solutions, and the high stakes involved make FUD about accuracy of NTFS support a serious issue.
2. Cost of memory
NTFS requires at least 64 MB to be on part with FAT . Beyond that NTFS takes charge.
Most tiny MPs sell for barely $100 retail - this includes mktg, sales, support etc. the actual cost of the player is around $40 - they have to ensure that they have the most reliable memory in order to do the following
a. Read the data
b. Interpret the data
c. Send it to the display/sound receivers.
High end players like Dune have around 384 MB and PCH around 256. Every MB counts in a smaller Media Player
3. It is always more complicated to write more lines of code or buy more modules or license them - hence they fall back on legacy.
Good news is that prices are falling and newer players are forced to compete and offer all kinds of support , maybe even make it open source friendly :clapping: