Why I'm reluctant to use Red Cineform workflow

[Stefan Scherperel]

For the last few years I have been using cineform as a key compenent of my workflow on lower end HDV originated material. Even though the codec is great and robust, over the last year I have run into many bugs and problems when updating. All of these were eventually resolved, but still a setback. The most frustrating thing however is their activation process. When activating Cineform it is tied to a specific computer unless de-activated and re established on a new computer. The problem? This is the most frustrating form of activation I have ever seen. I have had to resubmit my activation codes to cineform about 6 or 7 times in the last year, all working on the same computer. Sometimes when I updated I lost activation, and the old code would no longer work. So then I had to wait for a response from Cineform to get a new activation code.
I have just recently upgraded editing systems. While most of my workflow is RED based, and I am using the CS4 workflow, I recently came upon a projwct where I needed to use HDV. Break out the old cineform that is not installed on anything and go to activate, no dice. Contact them, get new activation code, still no dice. It is like I am being treated as a criminal having pirated software, even though I purchased the software through cineform.
Cineform, if you are listening, your software is great, your activation program flat out sucks. I never feel like I can reliably use cineform software because of this, and I refuse to upgrade to anything until I know these problems are resolved. At least the RED Cs4 workflow is great and only getting better.

[Ben Holmes]

Funnily enough, given your last sentence, I have had exactly the same experience with Adobe CS4, with endless activation and serial issues. And with Adobe, I have trouble just getting someone on the phone who can understand the problem, or the english language.

[Stefan Scherperel]

I guess this is all thanks to the millions of pirates out there that insist on stealing software. But even with all these hardcore liscensing and activation problems, whether it be cineform or adobe, there are always cracks out there that exist. And I guaranee you that those pirated versions of software don't have the activation issues.

[Tom Lowe]

Yes, Cineform's DRM is absolutely a huge pain in the f#cking ass. It's very draconian and difficult to deal with. The best thing is to email support (Jake) and just follow the instructions very carefully. It sucks, though. I have been stuck many times (every time I upgrade or reformat my PC, in fact) where I have to email them screenshots of the issues I'm having.

[Gavin Greenwalt]

At least it's free...

We just installed a new server this year and it cost us $100 to migrate a couple of our licenses. :( Pisses me off to pay for software you already purchased.

[Eren Ozkural]

Sorry, since we're talking about Adobe's customer service here may I just say that they have been very supportive over the years.

The last problem I had was when there was a conflict on my system as I had the Premiere/AE/Photoshop CS4 demos installed and had just bought CS4 Production Premium.

I got through to a representative who talked me through the conflict resolution, gave me his name and a reference number in case I had to call back at all.

Very prompt and polite. That's Adobe UK anyway.

[Dan Hudgins]

My programs have worked on the "Honor system" for about 23 years.

"Beta Testers" can install the programs on an "unlimited" number of systems without extra fees, as long as they run the systems. I need that for my projects and I am sure they will for theirs.