the Reasons why Scene groups split their releases into multiple .rar (RAR archive) files

 

来源：CHATGPT

 

Scene groups split their releases into multiple .rar (RAR archive) files for several reasons, most of which are historical, technical, and logistical in origin. This practice dates back to the early warez and pre-BitTorrent era, when files were distributed via slower and less reliable methods like FTP, Usenet, and IRC. Here's a comprehensive explanation:

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1. Error Recovery and Data Integrity

RAR archives support recovery records and error correction. When splitting files into .rar volumes (e.g., .r00, .r01, etc.), a user can recover corrupted or partially downloaded files if recovery records are included.

• On Usenet, which often suffers from partial or missing posts, this was essential.

• Even on FTP servers, it allowed re-downloading only the damaged part, not the whole release.

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2. File System and Media Constraints

In the early 2000s:

• FAT32 file systems had a 4 GiB file size limit.

• CD-Rs and DVDs had capacity limits (e.g., 700 MB per CD).

• Splitting a release into 50 MB or 100 MB .rar parts made it easier to burn across multiple discs or store on smaller media.

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3. Efficient Distribution and Resuming

Split archives allowed:

• Parallel uploading and downloading of parts.

• Resuming interrupted transfers more efficiently.

• Easier use in distributed "couriering" systems (people moving data between FTP topsites).

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4. Standardization

Scene rules (defined in documents like "The Scene Rules", updated yearly or so) explicitly mandate certain release formats. For example:

• TV-XViD releases: .rar volumes of 15 MB.

• Games and apps: 50–100 MB per part.

This standardization simplifies:

• Automated checking (via SFV/CRC files).

• Archival and indexing by topsites and private trackers.

• Scene release automation (pre-databases, dupe checkers).

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5. Obfuscation and Anti-Takedown Tactics (Obsolete Today)

Although not a primary reason historically, splitting files:

• Made it marginally harder for early anti-piracy crawlers to scan archives.

• Could evade some basic filtering or scanning systems (e.g., file hash matchers).

However, this has become largely irrelevant in the modern BitTorrent landscape.

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6. Legacy and Tradition

At this point, the practice continues because:

• It's codified in the Scene release rules, and these are enforced rigidly.

• Many release tools and scripts (e.g., autonukers, prebots, scene rippers) assume .rar-based releases.

• Scene groups target Scene distribution first, not end-user convenience. Private trackers simply mirror Scene content, often without repackaging.

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Why It Persists on Torrents (Even Though It's Redundant Now)

BitTorrent doesn't need RARs:

• It has its own error-checking (piece hashes).

• It handles large files and resuming natively.

• Splitting a 4 GB .mkv is unnecessary.

But private trackers often preserve Scene releases verbatim, to:

• Maintain archival authenticity.

• Avoid breaking naming/file conventions.

• Keep parity with other topsites or indexers.

Some trackers allow repacks (e.g., "remuxed" or "de-rarred" content), but Scene-true torrents will usually retain .rar volumes.

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Summary

RAR-splitting exists due to a confluence of:

• Legacy distribution limitations,

• Scene standardization,

• Error correction needs,

• File system/media constraints,

• and unbroken adherence to rigid tradition.

From a modern standpoint—especially on BitTorrent—it is inefficient and archaic. But Scene groups prioritize internal standards and their ecosystem over the expectations of the general public.