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First of all I do backup all of my DVDs to SVCDs - and at this point I am happy with the results. PERIOD.
I did buy DVD X COPY at retail to:
1) vote with my money (the very same way I pay for good shareware);
2) be prepared just in case that BIG STUDIOS prevail;
3) when DVD recordable standards are finally set (meaning: whichever standard is left standing) and with time hardware prices go down I might consider investing money into it.
NOW the MEAT...
1) I would like to be able to register MY license of the software (and get any and all required authorization codes) without the need for actually loading this thing on my machine. At this point not only you have to enter two separate codes (license id & password) but also need to activate your product (does the great devil MICROSOFT come to mind... anybody?) What happens if the developer goes down due to court decision? How will you than obtain your authorization than?
2) What is this thing about ACTIVATIONS LEFT ??? I looked up all around the package and I haven't seen any mention of that!!! Evasive practices… anybody?
Bottom Line: I can clearly see the futility of my situation. By 'voting with my money' I subsidize the company whose registration practices are actually worse than anybody else’s. And I cannot maximize my investment into my DVDs or this product - if the developer folds (for whatever reason) and I have to re-install, I am left with a lemon.
Life is what happens to you while you're out doing something else...
cdtruckn
Senior Member
29 Apr 2003 11:13 AM
321 studios has been more than fair to us so if you don't trust them then take a refund thats all you can do.
JUST BACKEN UP with xp pro ;}
321_Q/A
Inactive
29 Apr 2003 11:57 AM
ogryzek,
The reason for Activations is basically to try and keep the illegal copies of our software from running.
We are a company that believes in, and fights for EVERYONE's right to the Fair Use of the things that we all buy. We do not, however, support ANY Free Use of copyrighted material.
This also applies to our software.
Fair Use says that you can load the software on a few different systems, and Free Use is when someone loads it onto their friend's system under the guise of their License ID.
We do not like having to put these measures into the software, but we do to protect our company.
Unlike Microsoft, we will add unlocks to your account for free. You just need to let us know when you need them. If, by chance, the courts shut us down, we will definitely take care of our customers.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 1 May 03 9:22 AM
ogryzek
Member
29 Apr 2003 5:49 PM
Your explanation is fair enough...
The registration process is however flawed in a way that it does not provide for a user, like me, with a solution I would feel comfortable with. Again, in my case I do not intend to load your software any time soon. Instead I invested in your product just like I invested in so many other pieces of software - part of it is to stick it to the MPAA / RIAA; part of it is to have a 'card in my sleeve'.
My PROPOSAL Since it seems that your software is using a routine to generate unique identifier of a computer system why not release it as a stand alone executable? That way user like me could 'PRE-Authorize' a copy of your software.
Life is what happens to you while you're out doing something else...
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 29 Apr 03 5:50 PM
321_Q/A
Inactive
1 May 2003 9:35 AM
ogryzek,
I'm not sure what the results of that would be, but I can propose any ideas for improvements, which customers have, to the management and developers to see what they say.
I'll run your idea by them this afternoon.
They take all of the suggestions seriously, and if it is something that they can do without causing any problems, it has a much better chance of happening.
Let me say that I appreciate all viewpoints on the software and our company, and I'm glad that you started this thread. I do think that the title may be a bit harsh, but I won't edit it.."
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
17 May 2003 3:25 PM
i have 2 computers in the same room, icannot use them at the same time,because i have to change 2 wires,or one of them will not work properly,i tried to put dvdxpress on both,second would not activate,so i purchased another,am loath to put dvx on the second machine in case it will not activate,yet you say i can,i am the only one who uses these machines,can you answer that?
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
22 May 2003 7:52 AM
since i posted message have been able to register dvdx on other computer with no trouble,why could'nt i do that with dvdxpress?,(no reply to original posting}. i have dvd copy plus will try that and see what happens
321_Q/A
Inactive
22 May 2003 9:13 AM
Try updating to the new version when it coes out. (it will be out soon) We have fixed some activation problems and a lot of other things should be updated and working better.
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
22 May 2003 9:28 AM
will do thank you,will be trying dvd copy plus to-night,{it is on other computer i need to install it}if it goes wrong ni will let you know,if you here nothing it is ok,don't like wasting time
Achilles
Inactive
29 May 2003 9:42 PM
321_Q/A
A suggestion re product activation:
I totally agree with you regarding protecting your software, but since you do not know the people you are dealing with, you tend to be suspecious of everyone and that creates bad feelings. I just had such a situation with one of your people over the phone acusing me of installing the software on friends' computers. To cut the story short, an e-mail to Mr. Moore corrected the situation and Tammy of your office was great!
Bottom line: us pcs gurus are always reformatting our drives for one reason or another, so why not use the Microsoft approach with Windows XP? reactivate as many times as you like provided your hardware doesn't change. If it does, you call Microsoft and explain. I have reformatted my drive and reactivated XP countless time with nary problem. The one time I changed audio and video cards, I had to call Microsoft, and they reactivated for me without hesitation. Now that their database has been updated with my new hardware, I have again reactivated numerous times with no problem. And by that I mean just click the activation button and get the response: product activated.
Can't 321Studios use this method? I am sure it will reduce a lot on your e-mails and phone calls and bad feelings.
Your response will be greatly appreciated.
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
30 May 2003 8:29 AM
totally agree with this,i have same problem,i have reinstalled windows xp lots of times,i have no trouble with microsoft,and most other suppliers of software,my stuff just registers,if not an email sorts it out,but some do not beleive you,they think you are trying to rip them off,you should be able to reactivate as mant times as you wish,i admit some may try to rip off ,but not all ,why should the honest people suffer because of a few villians
321_Q/A
Inactive
30 May 2003 9:40 AM
Achilles, (and BURNSCLAR)
I’m sorry for the problems that you had with our Support Department!
Usually, I don't think you should have a problem with it like you did this past time.
We are in the midst of making some changes that should help things a lot.
There should really be no real glaring difference between the way you activate a MS product and the way you do ours though.
We both use “Activations” we both try and deny people from using the software in ways that it was not intended, and with both companies activation process, usually all it takes is a phone call, or email, and things are straightened out. (usually before you even get off the phone)
I know that the activations are not the most user friendly idea, but I do believe that they are necessary.
Unlocks are something that you may run out of every now and then, but like MS, all it takes is an email or a phone call, and more unlocks will be added.
Now, this does not help the situation when you get just plain bad support.
It's something that we can/need to work out with our Technical and Customer Support Departments.
I'm thinking about it this way..
If you had received the support and not the accusations when you called, there probably would not have even been an issue, and most likely would have been very smooth.
We know that there are people out there using the software both legally, and illegally, and we always try and assume that the user is a legal user in good standing. Hopefully, we can make some changes and this will not be a problem in the future.
I will definitely pass along the suggestions to the powers that be though.
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
30 May 2003 2:47 PM
before i bought the second copy of dvdx i did talk to support in MIAMI,i found them very helpful,the man gave me another id,but it would not work,got fed up got second copy,that would not register,i went mad reinstalled windows that worked,i have to be fair when i get support they are great,it is getting them to reply to e mail's is the problem,i noticed a lot of people have this problem,a lot of times you get auto answer,that is all
321_Q/A
Inactive
30 May 2003 5:02 PM
BURNSCLAR,
You bought two copies?
If you bought the second copy because you couldn't activate the first one, you should be able to get a refund for the second copy.
Contact our Customer Service Department, and they will be able to help you do that.
not asking for a refund,if i did it will seem that is all i am doing this for,i am trying to make it easier for people who can't afford 2 copies,and who have problems to get them right,i made the mistake you didn't,i should pay,thank you for your help anyway
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
30 May 2003 5:20 PM
co-dosil=just remembered this this is more important to me than refund,when i bought second copy i got form to claim rebate which i sent to you{321 studios},i also got another for the purchase of dvd copy plus,according to the forum i will not get these because i live in UK, not US why?,please don't give me the wires & rubber planes nonsense i read in other forums,just the facts {JOE FRIDAY IS BACK ON TV}
Achilles
Inactive
30 May 2003 9:22 PM
321_Q/A
Just to let you know: I was one of the original beta testers, received 5 free licenses, another from Derrow for DVDSplit, AND purchased one just to support your company! In total, I have 7licenses, and the kid on the phone giving me the 3rd. degree!! Forget the support, just to hint it drives me mad!
The beauty about the Microsoft system is there is no human intervention as long as your hardware doesn't change. That gives you the feeling of privacy and the freedom to do what you want with your pc without that heavy feeling hanging over you: Here we go again!
Hopefully, the powers to be are paying close attention and reading every word.
That aside, I love 321Studios!
Achilles
Inactive
30 May 2003 9:31 PM
321_Q/A
I forgot: You say your activation method is similar to M/S. I totally disagree: Yours is limited to 3 before a phone call or an e-mail is required. M/S is unlimited, unless there is a hardware change, and a major one at that!
321_Q/A
Inactive
2 Jun 2003 12:34 PM
Achilles,
Now try and load that version of Windows onto another machine.
If it is the kind that requires activation, it will not allow you to activate the software. It will state that the activations are used up.
With our software, you can install it 3 times or on 3 of your systems at a time. When those activations are used up, we will add more for you FOR FREE.
When you call MS and tell them that you want to install your XP on another machine, what happens?? I know what happens because I have done it. They will ask that you pay for another license in order to put it onto another system.
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
2 Jun 2003 2:45 PM
that is true about microsoft,never thought about it that way,all right if you can get the people who answer e mail's quickly,people with problems activating,like me have just gone through the long process of reinstalling windows,and all the hardware and software,they want a quick response,making them wait,or not answering e mail's is quite annoyind,mabye they think you believe they are trying to rip them off,very frustrating if you are not and all you want is your software to work as before,these response e-mail's are a nusiance if they do not get answered. I TOO LOVE YOUR SOFTWARE BACKING UP ALL THE TIME ,NOT ONE BAD COPY YET
Achilles
Inactive
2 Jun 2003 9:55 PM
321_Q/A
I am aware that XP requires a license for each pc, but that is not the point I am trying to make! I am simply talking about the way the activation works. M/S requires human intervention if 3major hardware parts are changed, otherwise it is unlimited. Yours is limited to 3 no matter what.
I can understand M/S requirement for a separate license for every pc, since windows is the operating system. But if we are to purchase a new license for every piece of software we have everytime we upgrade our pcs, then you will be creating hackers from otherwise loyal customers.
I know I just upgraded to a p4 pc. I sold my old one after I reformatted the drive, reinstalled the operating system that came with it. I certainly did not give any of my licensed software away.
I am a great believer that software companies should reap the fruits of their hard work, and believe me when I say: I am on your side. All I am saying is: There is an easier way.
Glass
Inactive
3 Jun 2003 1:32 AM
Achilles
You and I have had a private conversation and decided that different methods work better for different people. Time to go out and enjoy life now.
Anyone else
Lets drop it and get on with making it work for everyone. That is the main priority.
Rag Tag-1
321_Q/A
Inactive
3 Jun 2003 10:14 AM
**dropped**
321_Q/A
Inactive
3 Jun 2003 10:19 AM
BURNSCLAR,
We are about to make some big changes in support that will really help the response time for contacting us.
I can't go into details yet, but the ball is rolling.
I'll post details as soon as I can.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 3 Jun 03 10:20 AM
BURNSCLAR
Junior Member
3 Jun 2003 1:40 PM
ok thank you very much for listening
It is already over 90 days since last post to this thread, you're not allowed to post here anymore.
