Hello All,

A friend of mine was given a full license copy of Media Composer software v2.X at SXSW for doing a demonstration.  On the box, it says the version is v2.X

Do these "handout" Media Composers have to go through the same upgrade process to v2.8, i.e. paying the $995 upgrade, or is there a different upgrade path for the "won" Media Composers?

I would think it would be unfortunate (especially for their future business or to keep business) for Avid to hand out a Media Composer and require the person who "won" the software to pay $995 for the latest version, especially since it was handed out four weeks ago when v2.8 has been out for months.

Is Avid in the practice of handing out later versions of their products for free in order to "make up the money" in upgrade costs?

Yusef

The upgrade price for MC soft to 2.7.x was not $995. that's only for us lucky Adrenaline owners.

The upgrade price from 2.5.x to 2.7.x for MC soft was $49, I believe (Could be wrong, I just remember a ridiculous difference).

swatchpost:

I would think it would be unfortunate (especially for their future business or to keep business) for Avid to hand out a Media Composer and require the person who "won" the software to pay $995 for the latest version

It's funny that's what Apple does-

I bought a full copy of FCP Studio 5.1 on ebay for $500, the package arrived fully sealed etc.  I installed it and then decided about 6 months ago to do the upgrade to FCP Studio 2 for $500.  I entered in my product numbers etc and kept getting kicked out of the upgrade.  So, I called Apple explained what I was doing, the rep asked for my numbers and then asked "do your discs have 'NFR' on them?"  I said "yes"... he then explained that was a "not for resale" product.  (the ebay seller had also "won" the item at a film festival) and apparantly was not supposed to sell it - but in fairness to him, there was nothing on the outside of the sealed package that indicated that this was an NFR product. 

So, I was then informed by the Apple rep that in order to upgrade to FCP Studio 2, I would have to purchase a full copy (at MSRP $1300)... 

Also, if you win a free car, you still have to pay for oil changes, gas, tires, and other regular maintenance.  Software upgrades are "maintenance". 

So what exactly is Media Composer v2.X ?

Is that part of v2.5.x or v2.7.x ? or is it a very old version that requires the full $995 upgrade to v2.8?

Yusef

You need to tell us. 2.x refers to any version between 2.0 and 2.8. Only a dongle dump can tell you for sure.

swatchpost:

Is Avid in the practice of handing out later versions of their products for free in order to "make up the money" in upgrade costs?

No, don't be silly. I would guess that the dongle in the box is upgraded for 2.7 and beyond. If that is the case,just download 2.8 and yo are good to go. When 3.0 comes out, you'll have to pay to upgrade that if Avid decides there is an upgrade charge.

Thanks BLKDOG.

"When 3.0 comes out, you'll have to pay to upgrade that if Avid decides there is an upgrade charge."

Isn't that very likely???

And won't it be a very expensive upgrade because it is a new generation?

tobyjt:

Isn't that very likely???  And won't it be a very expensive upgrade because it is a new generation?

Hi,

There's no way to know until they announce their plan.  Hopefully, the upgrade pricing will be in keeping with their "new thinking."

good luck,
Carl

 " Hopefully, the upgrade pricing will be in keeping with their "new thinking." "

HA! , brilliant!

well, don't we already know that their upgrade price from Xpro to MC is $495 (or $395 for download without BCC).... couldn't be more than that could it?  Unless they're really trying to stick it to MC users.

Ok folks, we're heading into speculation again. Avid will announce the upgrade prices soon. Until then, no one knows.