VMS Platinum 7.0 available!

Jonathan Neal wrote on 9/3/2006, 2:52 AM

Yea, I noticed this too. However, it doesn't seem to have any of the features claimed for Sony Vegas v7.0. This seems more like Vegas 6.0d in Movie Studio form. Good call though, I was just about to post this otherwise.

mwurm wrote on 9/3/2006, 6:08 AM

http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/download/step2.asp?DID=684

complete package with DVD Architect Studio 4.0

Tim L wrote on 9/3/2006, 7:32 AM

Downloading the trial right now. Uggghhh! 25 KB/sec seems so slow! (maybe a lot of other people downloading now too?)

I saw the VMS Platinum 7.0a *update* late Friday night, I think. I downloaded it thinking it might let me run it as a trial version, since I don't have a serial number to activate it. No such luck -- would not run at all without activation code.

Still, I was able to look through the help files and find out a few things. Mostly the disappointment that (if the help file is right) we still only get 4 video tracks and 4 audio tracks.

Also, titling stuff seems unchanged, and compositing modes are still just Multiply and Source Alpha. Curiously, there are a couple places in the Help file index that refer to velocity envelope, but the actual help info for Envelopes does not mention velocity envelope at all. I think this is a mistake in the Help file -- there shouldn't be any index reference to velocity envelope, because I'm almost positive VMS won't have them.

Tim L

ritsmer wrote on 9/3/2006, 8:27 AM

In Your Platinum version (works probably the same way for other versions too) go to Help + Sony on the Web + Latest updates and you may download 7.0a as an update.
When you click "Vegas Movie Studio Platinum Update" you can download version 7.0a.
I'm just downloading it at 312 KB/Sec now and looking forward to install and try it.

stevec5375 wrote on 9/3/2006, 11:36 AM

Now I'm confused.

Is 7.0a an update to 6.0b or is it the new 7.0 version in trial format?

Is DVDA 4.0 a trial or an update to 3.0b ?

I don't want to download a trial and blow away my 6.0b installations that I paid for.

Sony's labeling of updates leaves a lot to be desired. I have sent numerous suggestions to them about adding the date to their update links. As it is, you have no idea if one update is later than the other. They don't seem to get it.

Chienworks wrote on 9/3/2006, 12:16 PM

If i had to guess, i would say the page you folks are looking at wasn't intended to be seen yet and probably there are still a few kinks being worked out. Until SONY officially announces that Vegas 7/DVDA 4 is available, i'd stay away from it. Probably the webmaster was getting ready for the release by creating that page in advance, but is waiting for the official release to link it to the main site.

Assuming SONY is following the update/upgrade naming schemes that they always have, anything starting with the same number is an update to lower releases of that same number. 3.0b is an update to 3.0a and 3.0, for example. 4 would be a new upgrade and not an update to 3. 7.0a would be an update to 7.0, which doesn't seem to exist. It would be an upgrade from 6.0b, not an update.

Version upgrades must be paid for. Updates are free.

Now, to address the confusion (and i'm confused too, since i have no idea what's going on and am just guessing like the rest of you) the release notes on that page sure look like this is an update rather than an upgrade. Once again, i'm assuming this is because that page isn't ready to go yet. I have a very strong suspicion that the webmaster simply copied the text from the page for the current 6.0/3.0 updates and pasted them into the 7.0/4.0 upgrades page and hasn't gotten around to editing them to show the new information yet.

So, wait until you get the official notice from SONY before you go messing around with this stuff. It's quite possible that the problems some of you folks are having are due to trying to use something that isn't ready to be used yet! If it was ready, you would have been told so by SONY, which you haven't yet.

Chienworks wrote on 9/3/2006, 12:21 PM

Steve, the upgrade/update labelling always makes sense and always goes in order. Higher numbers are newer versions (upgrades). Higher letters are newer updates (releases). You shouldn't ever have a problem knowing which of several possibilites is the newest. SONY always discontinues a version when the new one comes out. So once 7 ships there will be no more updates for 6. That means that ALL 7.x releases are newer than all 6.x releases. Likewise, if you have 3.0a of something installed and you see 3.0b on the download page, then you know that 3.0b is newer than what you have.

I do agree with the date thing though. That would be nice to see.

wwaag wrote on 9/3/2006, 1:53 PM

Downloaded 7.0 trial and just installed--no problem. From what I've read on the Vegas forum, the full version is supposed to have a lot of performance enhancements, especially for HDV. Hoping that the render times might be significantly quicker, I imported a 20sec HDV video clip with no audio, then rendered to an m2t file--took my old P4 99 sec. Then imported the same file into 6.0 and rendered--98 sec. Bottom line--no difference in rendering speed. Also I could not tell any difference in the preview generated by both versions on my system, both are terrible. I'm sure that there are differences in version 7, but they are not readily apparent. It is clear, however, that the supposed performance enhancements for the full version do not extend to VMS. I'll be interested in trying the full version when it becomes available.

wwaag

ritsmer wrote on 9/3/2006, 2:09 PM

Through VMS 6.0b Help+Latest Updates I downloaded version 7.0a - however: "Close, but no cigar" - even if it is said to be an "Update" it will not accept my paid for serial number from VMS 6.0b.

I guess Kelly is right - and that the Sony webmaster is working busily on the new pages right now....

Let us give him a few days working peace and then we will know how to get the new Version/Update - with or without use of the credit card :-)

Chienworks wrote on 9/3/2006, 2:17 PM

Well, it is a holiday weekend. Let's hope he's not working too hard on it! Give him until tuesday and he'll be a happy and relaxed and raring to go. :)

tumbleweed2 wrote on 9/5/2006, 10:23 PM

..so if you own VMS Platinum 6, there seems to be no upgrade path to 7, without paying the same amount, as somebody who just has VMS 6... doesn't seem right..

stevec5375 wrote on 9/6/2006, 4:45 AM

Under Purchase/Upgrades, you will find the following:

https://www.sonymediasoftware.com/shopping/item.asp?PID=414&cid=111&disp=1

Chienworks wrote on 9/6/2006, 4:54 AM

That looks like the upgrade to version 6 page.

Tim L wrote on 9/6/2006, 5:18 AM

Kelly,

That is the VMS 7 package -- with the blue accent colors, etc. (Or maybe that page has changed since you posted.)

Also, the text mentions the "NewBlue[R] Video FX", which is included with VMS 7. (VMS 6 had Pixelan effects -- or something like that.)

It would be nice if Sony offered a Platinum to Platinum upgrade price. It seems like last time (VMS 4 to 6), we got e-mails offering special upgrade pricing, but I don't recall for certain.

It might be a few days yet before the dust settles on all this. Anybody that needs to upgrade Platinum-to-Platinum right away -- it might be worth asking Sony about pricing.

Tim L

djcc wrote on 9/6/2006, 6:32 AM

Just received email from Sony. Upgrade for $44.95 to VMS 7.0. Sad thing is that I upgraded to 6 a few months ago, but never opened the box as I have not had the time to dink around with video lately.

stevec5375 wrote on 9/6/2006, 7:38 AM

I never got this email and I own version 6. I have already order from the upgrades web page and paid the $59 price. I wish I would get these email from them. I am unemployed at the moment and need all the money I can save.

Tim L wrote on 9/6/2006, 10:25 AM

Here's a link from the Support > Knowledge base page about upgrading. Special offer good until Sept 31.

Here's the link...

Steve -- contact Sony (customer support) about getting a refund (ie. the difference between the $59 price and the special $44.95 price.) As I recall, this same thing happened to several people last year, on the upgrade from VMS 4 to VMS 6, and I think they got refunds for the difference.

Tim L

tumbleweed2 wrote on 9/6/2006, 5:57 PM

..I'm glad you provided a link, Thanks... I'll go with the download...

but what does this say about Sony?.. an obvious upgrade, located on a back page, so to speak...

MagicFire wrote on 9/7/2006, 8:12 AM

Here is the upgrade info:

http://www.custcenter.com/cgi-bin/sonypictures.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=2305

stevec5375 wrote on 9/7/2006, 8:26 AM

I had ordered the upgrade before I realized it was $15 cheaper if you already owned version 6.0. I contacted Sony Customer Service via email and they are going to issue a credit to me for $15.00

I'm impressed. This is they way customer service should be. Quick and painless.

ritsmer wrote on 9/7/2006, 8:39 AM

I have updated my Platinum 6.0b to 7.0a.

I trust the people behind such a splendid and extremely stable product as VMS - so when they feel like calling their latest masterpiece 7.0a - I'm in.

I think, that they have made all the described improvements PLUS the probably several minor changes that came from the errors (if any??) reported through VMS Support.

Actually the "risk" is only 34 $ as this is the price for the update itself. I would very much have liked to buy the 10$ DVD with many useable things on it also - but here in Europe it would have cost me: the 10$ plus shipping 15$ plus EU Customs handling approx. 30$ plus EU VAT on all this - probably making over 70$.

I have sent SONY a mail: would they please-please make the DVD content downloadable. I would eagerly pay the 10$ for it.

hal9001 wrote on 9/7/2006, 10:30 AM

Same here. However I am really pleased with the $34 ($41 with VAT) price of the upgrade. An absolute bargain.

summerwind wrote on 9/9/2006, 6:21 AM

well having just spent money on 2 Sony camcorders (DCR-HC96 and the HDR-HC3) and also just bought the VMS+DVD platinum ver 6, i feel somewhat burned by this new version coming out and i'm not getting the upgrade for free..................

stevec5375 wrote on 9/9/2006, 8:41 AM

Have you contacted Sony customer service? If not, I'd give it a try as they might accommodate you. Just be nice. :)

If they don't than be comforted by the fact that some on here are saying that the newer version doesn't add very much in terms of new features or faster rendering.