Defensive Move and the Input Buffer Window

Not sure if this is known already and that it is just new to me.

Lately, I have been observing closely the exact inputs of command and the resulting moves that are executed from it. I noticed for defensive move ( or ) that you can input the or "tap" at least 6 frames outside of the normal 12-frame input buffer window and that it still executes correctly if you release the tapped direction within the 12-frame input buffer window.

In contrast, tapping , , or buttons, the initial pressing of the button within 12-frame input buffer window is critical to determine whether your intended command is executed correctly. If the initial "tap" press of the button is outside the 12-frame buffer window and the "tap" is released within the 12-frame input buffer window, the command is not recognized.

For example, my initial "tap" press of the is outside the 12-frame input buffer window and both direction and button was released at the same time within the 12-frame input buffer window. The defensive move is executed instead of low punch.

I am unsure if this is unique to defensive move or does the buffer window work differently for any direction inputs.

 

The input buffer window only applies to buttons. Buttons entered before the buffer get ignored, so your input resulting in a DM is as expected.

Directional inputs are still valid prior to the input buffer, and is the key to performing 0-frame delay inputs.

 

The input buffer window is also important for directions, but with additional rules it seems. I understand that.

From actual tests, for defensive move if I tapped for 4 frames, the most important frame is the 4th frame needing to be within the input buffer window. For the 0-frame delay inputs related to dash inputs...if I tapped for 4 frames, the most important frame is the position of the first frame in relationship to the input buffer window. The other 3 frames are not important. Hope that makes sense.

Edit: I might be misunderstanding something, but looking through my notes where I entered too early, both and does not execute. Which is different from some situations in which is entered too early.