Download or mailed CD ?

drguitar001 wrote on 9/10/2005, 7:35 PM
Why is it that if you buy the program (VMS 6 Platinum) directly from this site, you can either pay to download it OR pay to have it sent to you? Why is it an either/or proposition?

It would be nice to be able to buy the boxed set AND download the program for immediate use.

I know this is a little gripe, but the closest thing they have is to buy the program for download (at the same price as boxed set) and pay extra for shipping for the extras on CD (minus the program itself).

It just seems a little silly. I have bought the download version of other production software in the past and then paid just a few extra bucks for the company to also send me the boxed CD.

This allows the consumer the use of the software immediately AND a hard version in case of a later need to reinstall the program. I personally reinstall my OS once a year to keep my computer in top running condition.

Anyway, I was just wondering out loud.

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 9/10/2005, 8:19 PM
You can always burn the files you download to a CD to make your own hard copy. On the other hand, by the time you reinstall there will probably be a new update you will want to download anyway.

I suspect that in SONY's case, the serial number for the boxed version is preprinted in the manual/install guide. This means that if you buy the boxed version you won't get the serial number until your product arrives. It wouldn't be practical for someone at SONY wait for your order, go pull a box from stock, open it up. copy down the serial number, and email it to you right away. With the downloaded versions the serial number is generated "on the fly" at the time you order.

Of course, you could order the boxed version and download & install the demo version right away. The demo versions are usually almost completely functional, or completely functional for a couple of weeks. This may satisfy most of your needs until your serial number arrives in the box.

As a side note, you probably shouldn't bother installing from the CD in the boxed version. By the time you get it, there's probably already a newer update available for download.
Tim L wrote on 9/10/2005, 9:21 PM
I think the trial version you can download is the same as the version you buy, except that certain features are locked. I downloaded the trial, then when I got the boxed version (which only took 3 or 4 days) I just entered my serial number (from the first page of the manual) into the demo to make it into the full featured product. I think they were the same build number.

Once you get the CD, you still need to install DVDA Studio, and enter its serial number.

With the boxed version of Platinum, you also get a free book from Douglas Spotted Eagle about HDV (High Def Video). It is a separate, standalone book about HDV -- it's not targeted to or associated with the Sony products in any way. (I've only flipped through it a little bit -- haven't really read it.)

Tim L
Storyman wrote on 9/10/2005, 11:41 PM
I purchased the download version and Sony sent the book along with the SND Effects and XCM CD. Just be sure to mention it when you call in the order.