Purchasing decisions - Help!

iengraf · Post by **iengraf** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:20 pm

What are the differences between the boxed and download versions of Video Studio 10 Plus and PhotoImpact 11? I know some software is not as complete if you purchase the download version; is the content the same for these products if I download them as opposed to purchasing the boxed version?

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:34 pm

Theoretically they should be identical. Having said that some users have reported problems with corruption of some of the download material or difficulty connecting to the servers.

Another matter to be taken into account is your method of connection to the internet. Not everyone is on broadband or an equivalant. They still rely on modems and so a download may take days instead of minutes.

I personally have managed to download my various programs. I did have some minor error messages during installation of movie Factory 5 but was able to click 'ignore' on the dialog box that appeared whilst installing - I have yet to discover what the item was that I 'ignored' as everything appears to work correctly.

If you choose to download then it is very strongly advised that you immediately save all of the downloaded files onto at least one CD/DVD but for safety save it again on another disc. Also save onto that disc your serial number and copies of email receipts.

heinz-oz · Post by **heinz-oz** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:49 pm

The major difference between the two is the absence of a printed manual with the download, obviously. OTOH, you will get an electronic version with your download. Incidentally, all my various ULEAD programs are downloaded versions and, so far, apart from the not so smart "Smart Download" (it's useless if you asked me), I never had any of the problems reported by others here. I do have a broadband connection though.

The download versions are rather large and are often split into sections. With PI 11 for instance, you have the main download of the program that will install and run. However, most items from the EasyPalette and the other bundled programs like PhotoExplorer, Gif Animator, Album, cool 360 etc. need to be downloaded separately. It’s best to download these from the ULEAD server using an ftp program.

As Steve advised already, unless you have a broadband internet connection, forget about downloading. If you do download, make a back up copy of your downloaded files and any invoices etc. as soon as you get these. The download links are only valid for a limited time.

If you were to lose your installation due to HDD crashes, PC theft etc. You cannot download the software again without getting another download link from your original vendor. That's cumbersome to say the least.

iengraf · Post by **iengraf** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:55 pm

Thank you for the quick reply! I appreciate your input.

I do understand and am familiar with the differences in regard to download times, saving files and all pertinent information regarding registration and purchase. I was hoping that the files would have the same content as I prefer to purchase online as opposed to purchasing "in-store."

That being said, will both products update in the same manner, using the same update files? (If I understand correctly, the content will also need to be downloaded initially.)

Thanks so much for the assistance. (I always try to know what I'm getting myself into before I make the decision to purchase by download!)

iengraf · Post by **iengraf** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:04 am

One more thought, sorry for the length of my questions!

If (more likely when) I should need to re-load of the system, will I need to apply for a new activation code to re-install the software, or will the same serial numbers work repeatedly? I have found instances with other vendors that the software is not able to be re-installed after re-installing the OS or upgrading the hardware without purchasing a new license.

Thanks for the help! I think this may be my final question!

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:10 am

The best answer is to have a look on the Ulead Website where the existing updates are located
http://www.ulead.com/tech/vs/vs.htm

Here you will see which versions an update applies to.
You will see mention of SE versions - those are stripped down versions termed simple editions. Those are given away 'free' mostly by hardware manufacturers. EG buy a TV card and you get a SE version of VideoStudio.

The simple answer to your question is Yes, updates to a downloaded (ESD) version will work the same as one supplied on a disc.

heinz-oz · Post by **heinz-oz** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:14 am

And, in addition to what Steve stated before, you do not require any additional activation codes etc. at present.

I tend to rebuilt my PC on a regular basis, requiring a complete re-install of all my programs. I have not had to get a new activation code yet like with MS.

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:15 am

iengraf wrote:One more thought, sorry for the length of my questions!

If (more likely when) I should need to re-load of the system, will I need to apply for a new activation code to re-install the software, or will the same serial numbers work repeatedly? I have found instances with other vendors that the software is not able to be re-installed after re-installing the OS or upgrading the hardware without purchasing a new license.

Thanks for the help! I think this may be my final question!

Ulead tried that once with MediaStudio 8 and it caused such an uproar on this forum that they had to backtrack and provide us all with a new version that didn't require activation.

Once you have your serial number you will be able to re-install as many times as you wish. Quite a few of my friends have a habit of wiping their hard drive clean (reformat) at least once a year to clear out the cobwebs.
Therefore your anxiety about this issue is proper and valid but you have nothing to fear.

iengraf · Post by **iengraf** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 3:09 am

Thank you both so much for all of the information. Download it shall be!

I do wish to say that this forum has been extremely helpful with their quick responses and the thoroughness of the answers. Your assistance is above and beyond any help I've received from other software forums. You're the best!