Academic Version - Upgradable or not?

D

davidsetagaya

Member
Hi All,

I have the opportunity to purchase an Academic version of FCP through my school, but one problem:

I plan on buying the JVC HD100 camera, which is 24p HDV. I understand that FCP cannot support this codec natively at the moment. I've also heard that academic versions of FCP are not upgradable. My question is this:

Is this true? Will I be stuck with a version of FCP that won't work with my camera? Or will I be able to upgrade this version of FCP?

Sorry if this questions seems moronic, but I've gotten mixed messages from some of the board postings here.

cheers,
david
 
Well I got FCP4 Academic and when "upgrades" came out like FCP 4.5 (HD) I was able to get that for free. I can though upgrade to FCP5. If I want FCP5, I'd have to buy a new one. So I think that's the difference. As long as it's not a major number change, you shouldn't have any problem. However I"m not apple so don't quote me on this but I don't think simple support of JVC's HDV codec is gonna require a repurchase.
 
davidsetagaya said:
Thanks for the reponse! Sounds like it'll work for me then!
cheers,
david
Click to expand...

Just remember that when it does come time to upgrade, you'll have to buy it again from scratch. Add up your prices and plan for the future - it may be cheaper to pay more now. Depends whether you will be able to still get the discount when you next upgrade.
 
I've got to think that support for the camera would be delivered in updates, not a new release - so that us running HD (4.5), or new users running 5.0 would all get the support needed. (As long as the version you're running is still in support)

I've currently got an academic version b/c my wife is finishing her Masters, and I didn't realize at first that I wouldn't be able to by the upgrade to the next version - but for now - the decision is a good one - as we are still learning the program and it suits all of needs right now.
 
Edu purchases of FCP differ in two regions:
1) You are legally agreeing, by using said software, that you will not use it for personal profit (aka, no commercial use)
2) You are not qualified for an upgrade. This, as explained, basically means, if/when FCP 6 exists you have to repurchase the license, meaning at EDU price if you still qualify, or at full price.

These elements combined - if A) you plan to use it beyond school and wish to keep up to date or B) you want to have the opportunity to make money *legally* with the projects you create, then it's a good idea to go full license.

If it's just for personal/educational use and you're into affordability now, EDU license all the way. Can't beat half price.

Spencer Berry
 
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