Subject:Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Posted by: Illogical

Date:3/29/2006 5:31:00 PM

Not a peep about Acid Pro 6.0...what is going on?

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Ben 

Date:3/29/2006 5:56:53 PM

Yep, I thought exactly the same thing! Very surprising. I assumed it would be announced at Musik Messe... does anyone know if Sony is even there? All very odd...

[Edit: Just checked - looks like they are there. So I'm assuming we'll hear before the week is out?]

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:3/30/2006 7:23:20 AM

I wish they'd give a definitive date and stick to it. I find it very irritating when software companies promote a product and announce a vague pre-release date and then change it. UA of the UAD-1 fame used to do this but now they are much more punctual with releases. And it really has helped customer relations IMO.

I think Sony has made an error in the way they've handled this. From their point of view they may think that promoting ACID 6 at the shows before its release does them good but it appears to be resulting in a lot of frustrated customers like myself.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:3/30/2006 7:59:06 AM

"I wish they'd give a definitive date and stick to it"

Actually - I wish they would just say nothing at all. Finish the app...test the hell out it...do not let a single ad or draft press release out....don't mention anything at all - and then launch in a structured, timely way.

But hey - It's called building hype. By not giving a date...they can extend the dev cycle and keep the hype machine working...so everyone will open their wallets at release time.


"but it appears to be resulting in a lot of frustrated customers like myself."

What's so frustrating? Acid Pro 5 suddenly not working for you? What will be really frustrating is sending in your cash to find that 6.0 is a complete bugfest because they rushed it out too fast.

Let Sony take as much time as they want....I wave the stability flag over the feature flag anyday....

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:3/30/2006 8:58:14 AM

ACID 5 doesn't offer everything I need but judging from the spec of v6 I can then put Sonar to bed. My frustration comes from the hype. As you say no pre-announcement would've been the best option.

As for bugs I don't think it's realistic to expect v6 to be bug free. None of the software I have ever bought has been without the odd bug on its initial release.

The point of announcing a release date is to stick to it even if it is vague like a month or a quarter of a year. Beta test it first and then announce when it's ready. If a company can't guarentee a release date/period then I don't think they should announce it.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:3/30/2006 9:44:03 AM

"The point of announcing a release date is to stick to it even if it is vague like a month or a quarter of a year. Beta test it first and then announce when it's ready. If a company can't guarentee a release date/period then I don't think they should announce it. "

In software (of practically any kind) - announcing a date is generally a really bad thing. First - if the company misses the date (and pretty much all the companies do) - the user base freaks out. Secondly - actually saying the date puts way too much pressure on the company to rush the dev to make the date - hence a buggy release - less of course - the software was tested and finished a while ago and now it's a matter of getting things out to the masses.

Wavelab 6.0 was handled very nicely. The developer was kind enough to share the exact dates on when he wrapped up coding and testing and also discussed a bit of the back-end stuff (manuals, boxes) that goes into the total package. WL6 has been rock solid since I got it...and we have already been treated to a well-received first update as well. But the best part of that launch was knowning that everything was done...there was no "hard date" announced...you just pre-ordered and when the box arrived - rock on. Announce dates are useless - the only date that matters is when you can install and fire up the app.

You think Acid 6.0 is bad....join the fray over at the Native Instruments forum and look how long it took to get anything out of NI about the upcoming Kontakt 2 update. This update was supposed to be out like last Sept or something due to some NI staffer letting a date slip out....that turned into a full blown riot on that board.

Or my personal favorite vapor-ware announcement of all time - IK Multimedia boldly announcing Sampletank 2.1 at Namm 2005 and tell everyone it would be ready for April 2005....well...after unwrapping my copy mid Jan 2006...I could care less what any company says about dates....they are sure to be fleecing you one way or another.

So - I must be out of the loop - when "exactly" did Sony say Acid 6 was gonna hit the street? Did they actually say a day or a month or what....all I heard was April.

Cheers!

VP

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: SRStudios

Date:3/30/2006 10:22:41 AM

I think Sony stiffed us as current users with this release. I've already purchased a copy from Musician's Friend got the notice it shipped today 30 Mar 2006. I've written several times to Sony with my complaints about their lack of accurate information to loyal users of this product, and still not real information was providied. I even told them the product was already being offered in some music stores, doesn't make sense does it; pretty shoddy marketing.
Hope it doesn't turn out to be a mistake to purchase from retailer, but I was getting nowhere with Sony's Website (Customer Service, News Release, or Software Purchase Support). Has anyone received any emails as requested??? I hope this isn't the beginning of the end of a great product. Sonic Foundry sure did a much better job of keeping current users informed about new releases, even offered upfront ordering and discounts on advance orders.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Vocalpoint

Date:3/30/2006 11:09:10 AM

"I've already purchased a copy from Musician's Friend got the notice it shipped today 30 Mar 2006."

Huh? You purchased Acid 6.0 and received a notice that you copy has been shipped? I would think we would see it on the website wayyyy before box copies would be available....

EDIT: Holy crap - you are right. MF says it's in stock....

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:3/30/2006 12:00:42 PM

Wow! Hopefully on Monday we'll see ACID 6 on the Sony site.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: billybk

Date:3/30/2006 12:29:03 PM

You are absolutely right! Now I am really confused. There it is, ACID Pro 6, ready to order and available to ship:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=703494

I must admit I am rather flabergasted, at the total lack, of any info, about the release, of ACID Pro 6, on Sony's website. Well, the 2nd full day, of MusikMeese is ending and I sill can't understand, why the total absence or even a passing mention, of ACID Pro 6. Sonicstate, Harmony-Central, KVRaudio, even Google, there is nothing, nada, zippo. It seems every other vendor is touting their wares, even for products that won't be shipping, for another 6 months (PC version of Focusrite LiguidMix).
I think Sony Marketing really dropped the ball on this. The worlds press, is at MusikMeese ready and willing to to spread the word and Sony is nowhere to be found. What a shame. I would really like to see ACID Pro 6 succeed, but with this lack of marketing support makes you wonder if Sony is really into it or not. Are they asleep at the wheel or what? I think the unveiling of ACID Pro 6 should have been front and center @ MusikMeese and the talk, of the show. With all the hard work that the developer's have put into bringing ACID Pro 6 to fruition, they deserved nothing less. It seems a great opportunity has been squandered.
I guess there will be a low key press release, on Tuesday, announcing ACID Pro 6, AFTER MusikMeese, and everybody has left.
I guess nobody is supposed to know about it.

Anyway, I just had to get that off my chest. :-(


Disappointed, but passionate ACID Pro fan,

Billy Buck

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:3/30/2006 5:58:29 PM

No announcement at Musikmesse! That gets me wondering if we'll see ACID 6 in April. This appears to be the most bizarre behaviour from a company with a product to market that I've seen.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: thirdnostril

Date:3/31/2006 7:08:47 AM

I clicked on MF and it said "Due 4/3."

But then I refreshed the page and it says In Stock!

What gives?

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: LittleStudios

Date:3/31/2006 8:38:22 AM

yeah but at MF it's the upgrade. It probably doesn't come with the bundled software that comes with the full released product

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: thirdnostril

Date:3/31/2006 8:43:48 AM

Upgrades come with the new bundles. This has been the case for ACID 3 and 4. Did they stop with 5 or something?

Anyone?

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:3/31/2006 9:16:35 AM

Upgrades have either been downloadable or sent as a boxed copy with all the samples. So I don't expect that to change with v6.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: jdscogin

Date:3/31/2006 12:17:11 PM

I called Sony and they confirmed that Acid Pro 6 will ship Monday. So there it is.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: metaforensics

Date:3/31/2006 2:25:07 PM

I upgraded from 4 to 5, and it came with the bundle..So I don't see why upgrading from 4 to 6, or from 5 to 6 would make any difference..

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: SRStudios

Date:3/31/2006 6:11:01 PM

So where are our email notices of the release?????
Not good business on Sony's end; I'm concerned about the future of this product with this poorly managed release.
Hope the actual product lives up to past expectations, I know all current users hope so, but honestly, Sony needs to really make up for this lack of information to it's current users!!!!

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: jumbuk

Date:3/31/2006 8:07:32 PM

If my memory is right, the email notices for the last releases came at the exact same time as the official launch. No reason why we should get advance notice ahead of everyone else just because we happen to own one copy of the current version. It will come in good time ...

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: jdscogin

Date:3/31/2006 8:21:50 PM

I assume we will get the email notice Monday when the product is annouced. That is when I will order.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: SRStudios

Date:4/1/2006 2:32:00 PM

Just an update, I received my upgrade copy today from Musician's Friend, it is Acid Pro 6.0 Upgrade complete with Native Instruments KOMPACT Sony Acid Pro edition. I'll be loading it in the next few minutes, and still nothing from SONY; HMMMM!!!!!

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: billybk

Date:4/1/2006 3:43:04 PM

Just an update, I received my upgrade copy today from Musician's Friend, it is Acid Pro 6.0 Upgrade complete with Native Instruments KOMPACT Sony Acid Pro edition. I'll be loading it in the next few minutes, and still nothing from SONY; HMMMM!!!!!


Yes, you are the annointed one and the first to use ACID Pro 6!
Tell us all about it!

What is included in the package?
DVD or CDROM?
How was the install?
What are your first impressions?

Inquiring minds want to know! :-)

Billy Buck

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: jdscogin

Date:4/1/2006 4:42:37 PM

Does it say anything about Acid Pro 4 upgrade?
Just wondering if they will have a different package to upgrade for 4.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Ben 

Date:4/1/2006 5:00:19 PM

This is crazy - boxes of ACID Pro 6 are shipping before it's released on this website, or available to demo! What the hell is going on Sony?!

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: SRStudios

Date:4/2/2006 8:10:54 AM

It states in the box this upgrade requires Either Acid Pro 4.0 or 5.0 Pro to qualify for upgrade. So if you have Acid 4.0 Pro you will be able to use this upgrade according to the documentation.
Hope this helps

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: SRStudios

Date:4/2/2006 8:16:43 AM

No Problem, Billy Buck
The upgrade includes Sony Pro 6.0 complete with NI KOMPACT Sony Acid Pro edition with 120 instruments and lots of files.
The upgrade disc was a DVD with the normal documentation, sample loop library etc.
The install went without a hitch and the interface and look is very much like the awesome Sony Acid feel. The sample project that opens after registration is very interesting with lots of the new features demonstrated in the file.
I got started later, after the NCAA Games completed, so I have yet attempted my own project or multitrack recording as yet, later today.
First Impressions, Very Promising, Exciting, and despite the horrible release worth our waiting.

Hope this helps answer some initial questions; SONG CREATION FOREVER!
Small Room Studios!

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: jdscogin

Date:4/2/2006 8:48:52 AM

"It states in the box this upgrade requires Either Acid Pro 4.0 or 5.0 Pro to qualify for upgrade."
That is GREAT news! Thanks. I believe Guitar Center has it for $99.
I will confirm that.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: billybk

Date:4/2/2006 9:12:23 AM

The upgrade includes Sony Pro 6.0 complete with NI KOMPACT Sony Acid Pro edition with 120 instruments and lots of files.


Are the 120 instruments of the GM variety or fairly specialized?


The upgrade disc was a DVD


Yes, I kinda figured it would come on a installation DVD. With all the
added content (Kompact, 120 instruments, acid loops, etc.)

Glad to hear the install went on without a hitch. :-)

Thanks for the feedback,

Billy Buck

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: SRStudios

Date:4/2/2006 12:31:43 PM

You are welcome!

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: jdscogin

Date:4/2/2006 4:00:05 PM

I called Guitar Center, and the price is $99.99. But they have to order it. That is the one in Tigard, or

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: filkertom

Date:4/3/2006 4:07:52 AM

According to Sony's web site, the upgrate is $199.95. NFW. Online, Guitar Center (well, okay, Guitar Center's referral to Musician's Friend) has it for $129.99, but I'll call mine to see if they've got it cheaper (as above).

The demo is sweet. I didn't get Acid 5, and the leap from 4 is just astonishing. (Wish it opened Vegas files, though - it doesn't seem to.)

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:4/3/2006 4:47:37 AM

I had hoped we'd get the upgrade for a discount. When I upgraded to Vegas 6 Sony sent me a voucher for $149 so I saved $50.

When SoundForge 8 came out Sony sent me a discount voucher even though I don't own it. I didn't go for it as I use another wave editor.

I'm looking for a place to buy in the UK. If I buy from the Sony site it will cost me $199 plus UK VAT of 17.5% and international postage for the content. That's quite a lot more than the $129 price available in the US. It's annoying that international companies appear to allow such different deals to customers in different countries.

At least I've got 30 days to use it before I decide what to do. You never know, Sony may come thru with the discount voucher. ;)

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: cseanor

Date:4/3/2006 7:58:05 AM

Check your inboxes. I got an e-mail from Sony this morning announcing the new version. It included a $129.95 upgrade offer.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: Spectralis

Date:4/3/2006 8:05:26 AM

Wow! That's a good deal even after VAT and international shipping. I've not received any mail from them yet so here's hoping.

Subject:RE: Sony Media Software News: March 2006

Reply by: cseanor

Date:4/4/2006 12:10:37 PM

Spectralis, check the Upgrade sticky at the top of the forum topics list (if yu haven't already). Direct links to the upgrade offers. All you'll need is a SN from a previous version.