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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274 |
Oh,and why the deafening silence from PG?
Wendy
BiaB2022PLUS,927. every extras pack I can find ;-),Sonar7XL,Win 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 444
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 444 |
If the 2019 edition comes with 'minor' updates and more R/Videos I will probably give it a miss.
Brian
Brian Cadoret
BIAB 2025 Pro build 1125e with BIAB2023 UltraPAK . Samplitude Pro X4 Suite. Mixcraft 10.5 Pro Studio
Focusrite 2i2 Scarlett
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz
Installed RAM 8.00 GB
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 270 |
I agree, the annual "50 exciting new features" has become a bit of a farce,
BIAB2018 was decidedly underwhelming.
I tend to upgrade in December because it's usually the most economic way to acquire the new RealTracks, but at a current count of around 2400 I probably have more than I need for my purposes.
Having said that, BIAB is now a very mature programme, so it's difficult to see where it can go from here. In my view and for my uses, Video is a blind alley.
Vintage
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,157
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,157 |
Yep, I have to agree that biab is definitely a mature program now. I quite like the GUI now as well.
Though most of us see little purpose in the new video features in biab, I think we could all agree and thank PGmusic for bringing us this far on the journey with biab, at the moment there is not another software package to match it.
And saves an absolute fortune in studio time as well, as regards making a demo.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685 |
Maybe it should be a product that you buy separate if you use it as a teaching tool, maybe that's what they will do as they would of put a lot of work in it already.
Why doesn't someone from PG music respond to threads like this.
Or why doesn't one of the veterans here on the forum, ask out right to peter himself, am I missing something here, are we not all adults..?.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
I don't know why PG add this feature in their product?
Meanwhile, a lot features users asked for but PG ignore.
Last edited by Vincente; 09/05/18 03:58 AM.
WIN11 OS build 23H2, 16MB, 1TG SSD.
BIAB2024, build 1113, MegaPaK
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,523
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,523 |
I agree, the annual "50 exciting new features" has become a bit of a farce,
BIAB2018 was decidedly underwhelming.
I tend to upgrade in December because it's usually the most economic way to acquire the new RealTracks, but at a current count of around 2400 I probably have more than I need for my purposes.
Having said that, BIAB is now a very mature programme, so it's difficult to see where it can go from here. In my view and for my uses, Video is a blind alley.
Vintage I mostly agree with you but there are places BiaB can improve. 64 bit, a more modern GUI, and opening all channels (so the user can use them as they wish like having 16 RTs/RDs playing in one song) are only a few. But even if BiaB ignores them they could add more RT, MIDI, and combination styles using what they have now: they have proven they can do that with the Xtra styles. They could have better purchasing titles like Program only, Lite, Pro, and Ultimate and maybe selective packages like MIDI only, RT/RD only or both. I think that there are a lot of ways PGMusic can improve. Note: I am not a PGMusic hater. About 99% of my music starts in BiaB and I think it is a fantastic program that could improve. YMMV
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071 |
..Or why doesn't one of the veterans here on the forum, ask out right to peter himself, am I missing something here, are we not all adults..?. I would be fairly certain that the staff at PGM know of this thread.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
If the 2019 edition comes with 'minor' updates and more R/Videos I will probably give it a miss. Brian So lets vote again,  , for all the unhappy C voters: D) No more videotracks we're forced to pay for, and all these (financial) PG efforts spent on a better BIAB/RealBand thing. I agree, the annual "50 exciting new features" has become a bit of a farce, BIAB2018 was decidedly underwhelming.Vintage E) Or as such a cheaper BIAB without being forced to swallow a sour pill. And (partly) our moneys worth of unneeded paid for videotracks value back in cash or even useful freebees. (Well, lets face the music; you had to pay for them separately .... i looked at the videotized videos demo once, and decided 'not for me'). F) oops, that's me, sorry ..... however BIAB is a great thing, indeed the more if all the RT issues with those occasional appearing blackholes, malfunctioning holds, and measure-count errors among things are finally fixed ASAP ... so you can vote F too LoL.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274 |
Maybe it should be a product that you buy separate - - Just what I was thinking.My worry is that if 2019 has lots of (in my case unwanted)VRTs at what I perceive to be at the expense of more real and decent RTs and product fixes,I would give it a miss.Surely that is defeating the object PG.Give theCustomers what they want. So,split the VRTs off and make them a Buy item.Those who make vids,and I wouldnt think there are that many compared to Arrangers,will then happily pay for them.If it turns out that the uptake is LOW then PG have to assume it was a mitskae in the first place and dump the concept.My hubby says it reminds him of the Edsel. (I had to go and look it up! D'Oh!) Wendy
BiaB2022PLUS,927. every extras pack I can find ;-),Sonar7XL,Win 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
If a newbies opinion matters, I probably have no use for the video RT at present. It wasn't the addition of same that made me so desirous of buying the program. I only waited so long for practical reasons and financial reasons.
I wasn't in the market in 2017, but did the cost of upgrades or new products in 2018 vastly outstrip the cost of same in 2017?
Still, isn't there a function in BIAB at present (or maybe it is in RB) for the insertion of user video? How long has that been available?
I'm not a mind-reader. but all this may be leading into territory incorporating video and music (scoring?). Maybe this is the first few baby-steps into that arena to work out the kinks and further improve over time.
If that's the case, then more power to them. There is a "market" for prosumer music/video integration and if PGMusic can make it easier than existing products then I think they may have a winner on their hands eventually.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
Just to add, I will likely "use" the video at some point, because there probably isn't a function of BIAB that I won't want to explore. Admittedly, though, at present it is down the list of things I want to try.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
I wasn't in the market in 2017, but did the cost of upgrades or new products in 2018 vastly outstrip the cost of same in 2017?
There have been a few changes in names of packages making a direct comparison inexact, but basically prices are the same.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
Oh,and why the deafening silence from PG? Wendy It's still quiet out on the Western Front. Must be a long PG staff meeting, maybe about firing a General? LoL. F
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 943
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 943 |
Hi there,
I followed this lively discussion. I've hardly looked at the video functions so far. To join in the discussion, I have now taken some time to explore this function in more detail. But in the end I didn't really make any progress, because there are practically no video tracks for my main music genre Jazz, except for a few guitar and drum tracks.
Generally I find the idea of the video tracks exciting. I play the double bass as my main instrument. And, of course, I do watch Youtube videos of good double bassists to check things out (e.g. in which positions they play certain lines). I think a lot of musicians do that, because there's always something to learn.
There are now no double bass video tracks in BiaB anyway, that will be difficult because of the necessary portrait format. But even if they existed: The technical conception of the video tracks in "Band in a Box" hardly takes into account (for the time being) exactly such contiguous positions of fingerings. The chords are more or less only arranged one after the other according to musical criteria, not according to playing technique. At least in the accompanying guitar tracks there are sometimes very abrupt changes of position visible, which a guitarist would rather not play like this.
If the video concept would actually be optimized in the direction of realistic chord or fingering sequences, I could well imagine a benefit. So I am quite curious if there will be anything else in this view.
P.S.: I dream that Band in a Box could, say, generate a double bass solo played by Ron Carter as a video. But this will probably remain a dream of artifical intelligence.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
BIAB 2118 has a steep learning curve if you have upgraded from 2008 as I have.
Video takes a bit of work to get it going and as a guitarist its easier to learn the solos by ear than try to generate a RealTrack to watch it played - if that's even possible.
Choice of tracks is limited and when i experimented and fond a solo with video i was told i did not have the video although I thought I had bought the whole lot with the latest upgrade.
Too much trouble and too little benefit.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
Brille, thanks for your report. I think BIAB does what you refer to as ‘realistic chord sequences’ pretty well, especially in jazz if you allow it to use Natural Arrangement. But as to ‘realistic fingering sequences’, I think there is a difficulty. BIAB stitches recordings of measures together if you’re using RealTracks. There can be awkward changes in register as well as voice leading. Video of the playing will expose this even more.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280 |
I didn't upgrade my BB 2017, so I can't comment on the video tracks. Having said that, now that I think of it, I fail to see the appeal or advantage of having such a product. However, PG Music does not owe a response to a thread that are basically unrequested personal opinions. However, I'd bet a Franklin that we'll see some kind of feedback from a PG Music's spokes-man/woman in the near future, though. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071 |
... But as to ‘realistic fingering sequences’, I think there is a difficulty. BIAB stitches recordings of measures together if you’re using RealTracks. There can be awkward changes in register as well as voice leading. Video of the playing will expose this even more. I believe this concurs with many users' perspectives. The fragmentation in the results of the produced video significantly compromises the usability. I have produced and reviewed many instances. The percussive videos are possibly the most usable, but melodic instruments are challenging and mostly so difficult to follow as to be unusable. I'm trying to keep an open mind - but would still prefer the effort went into bug fixing.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,891
Veteran
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,891 |
I noticed, even in the PGM examples, hand movements that would not likely be possible for a real player. This makes the videos jerky and unusable for either learning or production. And it draws attention to a potential weakness of RealTracks...the fact that a generated audio sequence may not even be possible/practical to play on an actual instrument.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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