Enforced ShotPut upgrade ?!!

megabit wrote on 7/15/2009, 4:32 AM

I've just received an e-mail from Imagine Products, announcing my Shotput software will more or less stop functioning as advertised by July 31th, and - in order to be able to use it - I need to upgrade to the "Pro" version for some 50 bucks.

Am I right that just about the only difference between the "Pro" version, and the original ShotPut is that it can now handle multiple formats (i.e. SxS, P2 etc.)? Plus some potential for integration with DVD/BD backup burning?

If so, this is a really nasty surprise for me, as the original Shotput features have been just enough for me. Frankly, this is the first time I need to buy a piece of software for the second time in order to continue using my legitimate licence!

New versions, upgrades etc are OK, but usually you have the choice to continue using the previous version if you so chose...

My question to all of you XDCAM EX1/3 and original ShotPut users: have you upgraded to the Pro version? Is it worth the extra money?

Comments

farss wrote on 7/15/2009, 4:54 AM

We have a copy where I work. Bought it to ease the task of backing up stuff that gets left on cards, just in case. Haven't used it in ages, and I cannot see us upgrading it, vanilla windoz copy works as well for the task.

I've got to agree, unless the original licence specifically stated it had a time limit it's hard to see how they can justify making you pay for it again or force you to upgrade. Not that I have any objection to such a licensing scheme under the right conditions (stuff that costs big time and comes with real support) but not at this level.

Checking their website I see the Express version is no longer available. Strange way to do business.

Bob.

craftech wrote on 7/15/2009, 5:01 AM

Here is what the e-mail from Imagine Products said:

Since we no longer offer these applications you must upgrade to PRO in order to move the software between computers or activate. (The old activation server is no longer available so it is not possible to activate these applications--you'll receive an error message.)

Shotput Express was licensed for a single computer. If you wanted to move the software to another computer you had to:

1. Uninstall it from that computer.

2. Install it on another computer

3. Have Imagine Products activate it on the new computer.

What they are saying now is that if you want to move the software to a new computer, you won't be able to unless you buy their new version because the old activation server is no longer operational.

If you leave the software on the computer in which it is currently installed, it will continue to function, but the automatic update function will not.

That's the way I read it anyway. Now if for some reason it stops functioning and as you said, they are forcing you to "upgrade" after we paid for it, they can go straight to hell.

John

megabit wrote on 7/15/2009, 5:48 AM

craftech wrote on 7/15/2009, 6:22 AM

John,

Yes, I know they are using the excuse of "changing the activation server". OK, so freely moving ShotPut' licence between computers may as well stop working for me, but I guess that if I need to re-install on the same computer (for any reason - hardware failure, OS update), I will not be able to activate Shotput again, either...

Now, this is what bugs me!
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I don't blame you. If I run into a situation like that, they can stuff it even if they come up with a new version down the road that I may really like. If enough people do that and tell them so it often puts a stop to these practices. I plan to respond today. I don't think I will be alone.

John