As I mentioned in a previous post, Apple’s Pro apps (Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Motion, and Soundtrack Pro) will now only be sold as a bundle, under the the name Final Cut Studio. The stand-alone packages and upgrades are discontinued. Apples has finally announced their upgrade structure…
I own DVD Studio Pro 3, and as far as I’m concerned, Apple just screwed me! They aren’t giving me any upgrade option at all. If I want to upgrade my DVD Studio Pro, I have to fork over the full price of $1299 for the entire suite. Thanks a lot Apple!
When it was available, the DVD Studio Pro 4 Upgrade costs $199. Apple could have easily added a $398 upgrade option for people like me ($199 for DVDSP4, and $199 for the suite), but they chose to turn their back on us. WTF!
I also find it interesting that there was a delay in the time between when Apple discontinued the stand-alone upgrade packages, and when they announced the new upgrade policy. It’s almost as if they didn’t want people to go out and get the stand-alone upgrades. Shame on you Apple!
Fortunately for me, my local CompUSA has 3 copies of the DVD Studio Pro 4 Upgrade left. I ran out this morning and bought that for $199, and now I’ll be able to continue to upgrade my software.
If you own older versions of DVD Studio Pro, Motion, or Soundtrack Pro… and you’ve had any thoughts of upgrading, it’s in your best interest to try and find remaining copies of the upgrade packages. Alternatively, if you don’t own any of these products, but you planned on buying them at some point, you should seek out full version so you can take advantage of this upgrade pricing. You’ll save a bunch of money.
A lot of online retailers list the products as unavailable, but the CompUSA website still lists both DVD Studio Pro 4, and Motion 2 as available. I would act sooner rather than later, because once they’re gone… you’re stuck.
I agree entirely — and I think Apple is making a big mistake doing this. These are good products, but there is a group of people who would buy 1 or 2 (especially DVD Pro or Final Cut Pro) who don’t need the rest of the package. Says a lot about where Apple wants to go with its software lines.
when does that offer expire for the upgrade to Final Cut Studio from the other software programs? thanks
Sorry Melody, that expired at the end of 2006.