What's with the time limit?

[HelloMaster]

What's with the 10-minute maximum song length for RBN tracks. The Harmonix DLC has longer stuff ("The Camera Eye" at least), so why impose a limit on the Rock Band Network?

With the stuff I listen to, 10 minutes is a short song.

If someone knows, please tell me the reasoning for the limit.

[davidshek]

What's with the 10-minute maximum song length for RBN tracks. The Harmonix DLC has longer stuff ("The Camera Eye" at least), so why impose a limit on the Rock Band Network?

With the stuff I listen to, 10 minutes is a short song.

If someone knows, please tell me the reasoning for the limit.

Probably because 10 minutes is when the screen saver activates on the Xbox 360 if there has been no controller input. And singing into the mic does not equal controller input. That's why longer-than-10-minute songs like Green Grass & High Tides are shortened when you're playing it solo vocals.

[HeyRiles]

Hm. Did they also shorten it for the Camera Eye?

[HelloMaster]

Probably because 10 minutes is when the screen saver activates on the Xbox 360 if there has been no controller input. And singing into the mic does not equal controller input. That's why longer-than-10-minute songs like Green Grass & High Tides are shortened when you're playing it solo vocals.

Thanks for the response. That is a fascinating answer and one I had never considered. I was thinking maybe a limit on file size or to ease play-testability.

The screen saver can be turned off, though. At least I think it can. Hmmm, I just wish there was another way. If you're right, then the limit certainly isn't arbitrary, but I still wish there was another way.

No 32-minute Mars Volta tunes for me.

[destruction3402]

Is This 10 min limit in function even if the song is instrumental?

[HMXEnosity]

RBN songs can range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes in length.
There were a number of factors leading up to this decision which I can't go into right now.

[HelloMaster]

RBN songs can range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes in length.
There were a number of factors leading up to this decision which I can't go into right now.

Right now?

That suggests that one day you will be able to go into it. I'm looking forward to that.

Thanks.

[ArmsAreLoud]

I suppose that means no Change of Seasons, then. Oh, well.

[dragnforce5]

You kids today with yer 10 min Max. Why back in my day, my Geetar Hero couldn't go past 3 minutes. And we had to make the songs ourselves.
"I bet there are some bonus rooms you havent found yet."-- bonus points if you guess the refrence

[Shadow2222]

I suppose that means no Change of Seasons, then. Oh, well.

Hey don't worry, we could still get Six Degrees in parts! But no Octavarium