Adobe MEdia Encoder Crashes with big files inputed

Question

Hello,
There isn't a forum for the Adobe Media Encoder, so I thought this would be a good spot. I am an after effects and Premiere user who likes the idea Adobe seems to have of using the media encoder to cover all my encoding needs.
My typical workflow, especially since these days I'm doing more shorter form animations, is to render out to a Quicktime Animation codec file as my main archive file. From there, output all the various different web versions, flv, etc from that core archive file. Since my projects usually aren't running more than 5 minutes, this leaves me with a nice 3 - 7gig file.
Problem: I'm running CS4 and the media encoder crashes when I input files that are in this file size range. The program locks up when I push start que, and then eventually crashes. Works fine with smaller size files that are about under a gig.
I can run a render out of after effects, which seems to be more stable. But I'd love to be able to use this great new tool.
Here's my machine specs if it helps:
PC
Intel Quad Core Q9550 @ 2.83 ghz
4gB RAM
Windows Vista 64 bit ultimate
All updates current for CS4 apps as of 01/30/08
Running Adobe Media Encoder V 4.01.078
Hard drives are nothing special. 7200 rpm western digital internal and external. I've tried all sorts of hard drive configurations, where the input is coming from, where it's going, etc. No difference.
I have been experimenting with using Lossless AVI's as my "uncompressed" archive file. Works well, but same crashing with the Media Encoder.
Also tried experimenting with frame size alterations during encoding, no difference there. Also, whatever the output codec is, be it FLV, H264, etc. no difference.
Anyone have any thoughts or have experienced similar issues? I hope all my MAC friends aren't right, seems like all my attempts to streamline my workflow with this CS4 and beefy PC combo are crashing and burning.
Anyone else feeling this pain, or have recommendations?
Thanks,

Answer 1

Thomas, thanks for your suggestions on Vista optimization. That Sheer Codec looks nice, but hard justify the cost when I've been working for years with essentially uncompressed codecs that work well. Will play more though to see if the cost would actually pay off in the long run though.
In general I made a decision that it was too early to throw in the towel on my old uncompressed codecs. The Quicktime animation codec has always been for me the safest, most universally accepted, and most reliable "uncompressed" codec. It's always worked in the past, not gonna give up just cuz media Encoder CS4 has troubles.
Mylenium, thanks for the reminder about the silly platform wars. I've always felt the same as you, but when I'm stressing sometimes the silly propaganda can get to me. Makes me forget that no matter what system ya got, it never works perfect!
Here's an update. I have trying my best to learn more about the bug and have come to some interesting realizations. The AME does work with larger files, just not the larger files that I had been using at the current moment. Older files of mine as big as 20GB can be inputed into AME with fine results.
This being said, it scratches out most of the RAM overload thoughts with AME.
The difference with my current files that were causing AME crashes: larger than a few GB, came from AE, had the 1.21 pixel aspect ratio metadata.
When I re-interpreted the file in AE into a square pixel aspect ratio, exported it, it was then successfully inputed into AME.
I have read just now that there were changes in After Effects widescreen pixel aspect ratio interpretation in CS4. Can this change be causing problems in my AME. Not positive, but I'm now thinking after many days of testing that the bug could have its roots somewhere in this ball park.
If anyone from Adobe is reading this, I would love any ideas you might have on this issue. In general, there is really no support for the Adobe Media Encoder itself. This is not good, considering how it is so necessary for AE and Premiere users like myself.
Thanks,