It's actually more than just the $10 with postage involved. For example the Fedex freight to Australia was USD20 for physical DVD updates for both Vegas Movie Studio Platinum V 8 and Sound Forge Audio Studio V 9 (in a single package). I probably didn't need the DVD versions but thought that would be the best way to store the programs considering that I expect to be using them for several years and over that time will likely be updating to a new computer.
The sound effects and other bits and pieces were probably not worth much and the quick start manuals provided can be downloaded so if you want the cheaper option, download and save trhe file to a DVD for possible future needs.
Incidentally, the Sony dispatch and Fedex delivery systems are absolutely brilliant - a bare three days from order to delivery in Canberra.
GBR

Thanks to both of you; I think I'll go with the download option.

Tim

I ordered the upgrade to SVMS 8 software online with the option for physical shipment (USD 10 extra). Let me tell you the physical shipment was completely underwhelming!

SVMS 8 Platinum edition arrived in a padded Manila envelope, which I thought was a mistake. I opened it and found a clear plastic bag with a DVD and some very thin booklets. I was still thinking that this was a mistake.

Opened it, and I found the DVD, serial numbers and the very thin booklets (quick start manuals for SVMS and DVD Architect). I'm installing it as we speak.

Compared to the fine sturdy manuals that were in the retail box for SVMS v6, these are horrible. Of course, it's the functionality that will matter, but just giving you a heads up on what to expect, which is what you were asking about.

That's actually typical. The cardboard boxes usually aren't available when ordering online until after the version has been out for several months. Whenever i order a new version right away i get it in the baggie (unless i go for the download, of course). But if later on i buy another copy for someone else, it arrives in a box.

I went for physical shipment when I bought VMS PE7. I too received it all in a padded envelope. I was not happy so I complained to Sony and they duly sent me the outer packaging.
I thought the whole thing reeked of stingyness. I mean, you wouldn't buy a copy off the shelf unless it came in the proper box, would you? That's the whole point of opting for the physical shipment.
A.

Hmmm, I typically throw away boxes anyway, so it doesn't make any difference to me. Also, I usually read the docs online, so I don't care about the stapled "quick start" guides that came with 8.0.

Just less waste, IMO. Of course I could have downloaded and had way less waste, but there is something about having those disks on a shelf that gives me comfort.

I have the full boxed retail version of VMS 8 Plat.
Sounds like the same exact literature inside my box as the envelope distribution.
A single dvd with serials & all.
I liked the books for version 7 better.

It's not just "comfort" to have the disks and books for the software. I've had to reinstall my PC on occasion (twice in the last 4-5 years) or move to a new PC, and it is essential to have the software & licenses available.

The manuals: I was new to SVMS v6 and the manuals were indispensable to me! Without the printed manuals I can almost say that it would have taken me much longer to get the hang of it. Being able to read the manuals in my spare time is of no small importance.

Bottom line is, it's not just the box I was missing! BTW, in the stores I've seen two types of boxes - some are the smaller DVD type cases, and then I've seen the typical larger cardboard box. I wonder if the manuals are the same in the both. I certainly prefer the larger print, sturdy manuals. Easy on the eyes and longer lasting.

I generally go for the download version. After i download it i create a .txt file in the same folder with all my purchase information such as invoice number, receipt email, and of course the serial number. I then burn that folder to a CD (or more likely the whole SONY Creative Software folder to a DVD) and file that away.

For that matter, if you register your software you can go to the "My Software" link under My Account at the top of the page to easily and quickly find your serial numbers and download again if necessary. This is valid whether you bought the download version or the 'boxed' version.