Does Digital Performer come as a download?

[timlanders]

Hi guys - I'm a DP user almost from it's inception, even a Performer user before that. I've been a champion for MOTU through the years, with many elevated conversations with diehard PT users under my belt (btw, never a concrete answer from one why PT is remotely better or even as good as DP for any professional situation). And as producer in LA and studio musician for too many years I've seen all platforms in use on big recording projects, DP always being the most stable and versatile (remember 16 track limits on PT LE?). Anyway, with all that said, I think we're forgetting the benefit of having a downloadable option for those that may have a legitimate need for a quicker solution. This doesn't mean that the disc/manual/copy-protection method that MOTU uses isn't beneficial, 'cuz it is, but there's no reason why we can't have both. For example, I really could use DP8 right now for a project I'm due to deliver in two days for a TV show. I recently heard DP's new plugins on a friend's system and the AC-30 is exactly what I need for this track. But alas, it's the holidays so I must wait about a week to get my box before I can use the software I already purchased. I, like most of you, have gone through this many times before; DP 3, DP 4, DP 4.6, DP 5, DP 6, DP 7 and now 8 (oh yeah, I upgraded to DP 7 in February, after DP 8 was announced and told I could upgrade to DP 8 for free when it came out. Well, as you all know, that release didn't actually happen for so long I never did get the 'free' upgrade. Oh well. But I digress. Why risk losing some potentially new or returning DP users just because of a comparatively archaic purchasing system? Yes, we can still keep the disc & manual copy-protection and have that very handy detailed manual at our side, but why not offer a 10 day keycode to use while waiting for your box to arrive, for instance? That couldn't hurt and it might even encourage more people to appreciate what we users already know. Digital Performer is the most intuitive and musical DAW out there. We really could use more of us.

[kgdrum]

IMO whatever approach MOTU takes it will never please everyone,I'm just glad the improvements DP8 has brought to the table and the improvements in tech support MOTU have implemented.

*If you ordered & upgraded DP7 after DP8 was announced, you're still eligible for the free DP8 upgrade,call MOTU and you'll get it,their database is not setup to do this automatically,eligible users who've contacted MOTU have received DP8.

[Radiogal]

*If you ordered & upgraded DP7 after DP8 was announced, you're still eligible for the free DP8 upgrade,call MOTU and you'll get it,their database is not setup to do this automatically,eligible users who've contacted MOTU have received DP8.

I was about to write this... Like kgdrum said.

[Killahurts]

Yes, we can still keep the disc & manual copy-protection and have that very handy detailed manual at our side, but why not offer a 10 day keycode to use while waiting for your box to arrive, for instance?

I actually think that's a good idea, if they can keep it secure.. but only for a registered user who has just purchased an upgrade, like yourself.

BTW Tim, welcome to the forum! It's a cool place to hang, especially for professional users of DP, lots of great info and people here.