StudioSystem 4.0

© 1997-2002, Stefan Schramm

Comments, questions: info@rootsolutions.de
Support: support@rootsolutions.de
Bug reports: Please fill out the online bug report form or send mail to info@rootsolutions.de

Up-to-date information about this and other products: http://www.rootsolutions.de

Table of contents

• Description of the StudioSystem
• System requirements
• Key features and fixes of this release
• Important changes in this release
• Installing the StudioSystem
• License options
• License agreement
• How to register
• Upgrading from a previous version

Description of the StudioSystem

• point-and-click interface: no knowledge of Filemaker Pro required. With more than 1600 field definitions, you can enter as much detail as you wish or just use the modules that you find most useful.
• integration: access all information from within one application. The StudioSystem is communication and accounting software, archive, address, and inventory database, studio calculator, appointment keeper, label and track sheet printer, and more for all studio activity.
• cost-effective: solutions of this type are typically custom-programmed and cost hundreds of dollars. The StudioSystem costs no more than a roll of multitrack tape.
• support for international users: customize all printable forms with local language templates (English, German, French, and Italian already included).
• Several license types available to fit your budget. See license options.

• main menu: central navigation, password protection, language setup, and other system-wide settings.
• archive: keep track of your tape libraries and work information.
• audio tools: a complete set of production calculators and other utilities.
• budget: make detailed project estimates for yourself and/or clients.
• calendar: enter appointments and booking information for all your studios/suites.
• contacts: name/address database with support for faxes/letters, envelopes, mailing lists, etc.
• cue sheet: create cue sheets for film/TV work and share them with others using 'CueImport'.
• inventory: your studio inventory's serial numbers, value, wiring info, etc.
• invoicing: print invoices with only a few mouse clicks. Track overdue payments and view income by client, period, etc.
• label print: print professional looking labels for most media types.
• lyrics: enter lyric sheets and link them to projects.
• messages: virtual bulletin board for studio and production personnel.
• notepad: jot down reminders and call them up from anywhere in the StudioSystem.
• projects: track daily studio activity and link records to related modules (archive, invoicing, track sheet, etc.).
• sound lib: manage your sample and sound library with intuitive key word searches.
• supplies: a database of the goods and services your facility offers.
• to do: keep a list of pending tasks. Supports chainable and renewable items.
• track sheet: print track, outboard recall, and locator sheets for your sessions.
• help: extensive, context-sensitive on-line documentation.

System requirements

Full version

• PPC 601 Macintosh or higher.
• 16 Mb RAM minimum.
• 24 Mb hard disk space.
• OS 8.1 or later.
• A free copy of Stuffit Expander.

Third party stuff and recommendations

• Filemaker Pro 5.0 or later for network operation and user files.
• Full page color monitor recommended.
• Quicktime.

Alternate version

• 680x0 Macintosh (040 recommended).
• Filemaker Pro 3.0 or later.
• A free copy of Stuffit Expander.

The following restrictions apply to the alternate version:

• Features introduced after V3.5 are no longer incorporated. Check the online version history for a complete listing of features.
• There is only one license option, it is more like the Pro license, there are no restrictions in the feature set.

Essentials:

• 486/33 CPU or higher.
• 16 Mb RAM minimum.
• 30 Mb hard disk space.
• Windows 95 or higher.
• Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.

Options

• Filemaker Pro 5.0 or later for network operation and user files.
• Full page color monitor recommended.
• Quicktime.

Key features and fixes of this release

• general
  • new licensing options offer standard, pro, and network licenses.
  • facelift for all modules.
  • distinction between session logging modes transparent.
  • much improved print options for most modules.
  • spacing option for custom stationary with big letterheads.
  • history navigation option without main menu detours.
  • fewer graphics for faster operation.
  • consistent record navigation in all modules.
  • module links no longer dependent on the project name.
  • several overviews offer extended functions for grouping/navigation (color coded).
  • improved help navigation with cross referencing.
  • no more quizzes during evaluation :-)
  • lots of smaller fixes and enhancements.
• archive
  • import of selections from Masterlist and SADiE editors.
  • shortcuts for label printing from overview window.
  • simplified label printing for individual records.
  • selections overview window with grouping and sorting functions.
  • new linked credits module.
• audio tools
  • song durations calculator.
  • event length calculator.
  • improved patch change calculator.
  • improved glossary and cross references.
  • single click access to all keys in circle of fifths page.
• contacts
  • letters/faxes no longer restricted to a single page.
  • support for UK address format.
  • quick setting of country codes for imported records.
  • selectable default addresses eliminate extra dialogs when printing.
  • send messages directly as email.
• cue sheet
  • long scene descriptions no longer cut off on printouts.
  • improved navigation to/from projects.
  • improved behaviour when adding cues.
  • import bug (incorrect timecode of first cue) fixed.
• inventory
  • unlimited history supported.
  • serial numbers included in printed and exported reports.
  • comments/key words are searchable.
• invoicing
  • simplified data entry (charges screen eliminated).
  • unlimited line items in standard mode.
  • occasional incorrect default text bug fixed.
• label print
  • import of selections from Masterlist and SADiE editors.
  • link to sound library module.
  • support for TT patchbays.
  • support for MiniDiscs.
  • support for mini CD-R's.
  • print bug for Jaz/Zip labels fixed.
• lyrics
  • a new module for song lyrics. Full integration with projects.
• projects
  • support for unlimited sessions in standard mode.
  • improved print layouts.
  • duplicate alert bug when deleting records fixed.
• sound lib
  • link to label print module allows for quick media label printing.
  • unlimited multisample entries per record.
• to do
  • quarterly renewal option.
• track sheet
  • new scribble strip form.
  • bug in effect outboard popup list fixed.

Important changes in this release

Project logging modes

The format for the standard project logging mode (which has been renamed from 'internal' to 'standard') has been changed. Records imported from versions 3.x are automatically updated after importing. The changes include the following major improvements:

• The disctinction between the project logging modes has become transparent. In fact, projects created in either 'standard' or 'extended' modes (formerly called 'internal' and 'client', respectively), now peacefully coexist in the same file. This lets you view all projects in a single overview, regardless of mode. Conversion between all logging modes (extended, standard, personal) is possible.
• Because all projects now reside in a single file, you can freely switch between modes, navigate to related records in other modules, etc. No more 'There is no related information' type alerts when switching modes!
• It is now possible to create simple invoices when your logging preferences are set to 'extended', without creating a project first. Before, this was only possible in 'standard' (internal) mode.
• The 30 entry limitation for simple project logs has been eliminated. You may now add as many sessions as necessary. Printing is no longer confined to a single page. Any comments are printed across multiple pages as necessary.
• New for simple project logging is the addition of individual timers per session. This lets you accurately track time, even if you switch between, or work on multiple projects simultaneously during a day.

Links among records in related modules no longer depend on the project title. For example, you may have a working project title, create an archive entry, and later rename it to the final title. The project and archive names may now be different, but navigation is not affected. Because of this change, renaming records no longer produces alerts, and is even possible when a user password is in effect. The 'rename' command (which has been renamed to 'sync') is still provided for convenience to quickly synchronize the project title in all related modules. During importing of records from previous versions, the new links are automatically created.

Some graphics that caused a significant slowdown with slower computers and across networks have been removed. This includes the backdrops and command bars. These graphic elements have been replaced with native Filemaker Pro graphics which draw much faster.

Version 4 introduces a new country code (4) for specifying UK addresses. If you have previously entered UK addresses, you can quickly update them to the new country code after importing as follows.

• use the find screen to find all UK contacts (with the 'country' field).
• navigate to the details screen of any record in this set by clicking the disclosure triangle or the name.
• from the code popup menu, select '4'.
• click code and OK the dialog box.

Please note that UK addresses are still confined to 2 lines to make them fit on StudioSystem printing templates.

• The main info and grouping screen have been combined into one.
• The personnel and performers pages have been combined into a 'credits' screen. This change also eliminates the limitation of number of credits per category and gets rid of the 'hard coded' credits of previous versions. You can define a number of freely assignable default production credits or musicians in the preferences screen.
• The reduction to six details screens means that all screens may now be accessed with a single tab line.
• Simplified label printing - Label creation for archive records has been greatly simplified. The pop-up status field and its associated options for 'single' records have been removed. Instead, creating a label for an individual record now works like a 'group' label, except that the group only contains a single item.

Installing the StudioSystem

Macintosh

1. Unstuff the archive. A folder called 'StudioSystem (version#)' is created on your hard disk. After you have expanded the file and verified operation, you can delete the compressed file to reclaim hard disk space or pass it on to someone else.
2. Drag the folder to the preferred location on your hard disk. Important: Please make sure that all files remain inside the StudioSystem folder. Do not move or remove them independently and do not change any file names, otherwise fatal errors will occur.
3. Open the folder and double click the StudioSystem application icon (standalone version) or the main menu (alternate version). Your copy is verified and initialized. Installation is now complete. If any errors are returned during this procedure, your copy is probably damaged. Please make sure you have followed these instructions and try again. If you still have problems, contact technical support.

Windows

1. Doubleclick the download archive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the StudioSystem. When installation is complete, you can delete the compressed file to reclaim hard disk space or pass it on to someone else.
2. If you accepted all defaults during installation, the StudioSystem is available from the Windown 'Start' menu, along with an internet shortcut to the rootsolutions website and an 'Uninstall' program, should you ever wish to delete the StudioSystem. In addition, a desktop shortcut is created.
3. Start the StudioSystem application. Your copy is verified and initialized. Installation is now complete. If any errors are returned during this procedure, your copy is probably damaged. Please make sure you have followed these instructions and try again. If you still have problems, contact technical support.

License options

• Standard
• Pro (single user)
• Pro (multi user)
• Site and Worldwide licenses

Standard license - the best choice for individuals with small or home recording studios. The following functions and modules are disabled:

• projects extended logging mode - only the standard logging mode is available. To review the differences between 'standard' and 'extended' logging modes, please check out the 'project logging' chapter in the online help.
• budget
• supplies
• cue sheet
• messages
• password protection
• integration of user files
• studio booking is restricted to a maximum of two rooms

Pro license (single user) - the best choice for smaller professional recording studios. All functions of the StudioSystem are enabled except for networking. Studio booking is restricted to a maximum of two rooms.

Pro license (multi user) - the best choice for larger facilities with multiple rooms. All functions of the StudioSystem are enabled. A multi user license requires the purchase of at least 2 Pro single user licenses or a site or world-wide license. Please note that networking also requires multiple licenses for the Filemaker Pro application or Filemaker Pro Server (single user operation does not require Filemaker Pro).

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License agreement

• rootsolutions grants you a non-exclusive license to use the software free of charge if your use of the software is for the purpose of evaluating whether to purchase an ongoing license to the software. The evaluation period is limited to 30 days. After that you are required to purchase a license or delete your evaluation copy.
• A single user license allows you to
  • use the software on any single computer per license;
  • use the software on a second computer so long as only one copy is used at a time;
  • copy the software for archival or backup purposes.
• In addition, a site license allows you to
  • use the software on a network, provided that the number of users using the software are within a 100 mile (100 km) radius.
• In addition, a world wide license allows you to
  • use of the software on a network or multiple networks, regardless of how many users are using the software or where they are located.
• If you are publishing a CD-ROM collection of software, you may include the software without restriction, provided that an original package as provided by the rootsolutions download link is used. You must notify rootsolutions about such use by sending an informal note to info@rootsolutions.de.
• The software is provided “as is” and without warranty, express and implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will rootsolutions be liable for any damages, including lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages, even if rootsolutions is advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by you or any third party.

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How to register

StudioSystem prices:

To review the differences between the licenses, click here.

Standard license: US$ 60.00
Upgrade standard license: US$ 15.00
Upgrade standard to Pro license (single user): US$ 40.00

Pro license (single user): US$ 95.00
Upgrade Pro license (single user): US$ 25.00

Site license (multi user): US$ 350.00
Upgrade site license: US$ 90.00

World-wide license: US$ 800.00
Upgrade world-wide license: US$ 200.00

Hardcopy reference manual: US$ 20.00 per copy (incl. shipping). One complimentary hardcopy is included in a Site or world-wide license.

Ordering online

Order using KAGI's secure order page.

Order using KAGI's non secure order page (not recommended). Do this only if your browser cannot handle secure transactions.

Ordering with 'Register'

If you do not want to order online, please open the Register program. You can pay by credit card, cheque, or cash from many countries. Enter your name and email address, scroll down to the desired program, if necessary, and enter the number and type of license(s) you want.

Paying by credit card via email

Email the data to Kagi at sales@kagi.com. You can either copy the data from Register and paste it into the body of an email message or you can save the data to a file and attach that file to an email message. There is no need to compress the data file, it's already pretty small. Payments sent via email are processed within 3 to 4 days. You will receive an email acknowledgement when it is processed.

Paying by credit card via fax

You can fax the data to Kagi at +1 510 652-6589. If you have a fax modem, just print the data to the Kagi fax number. Payments sent via fax take up to 10 days and if you provide a correct email address you will receive an email acknowledgement.

Paying by check or cash

If you are paying with cash or US$ check you should print the data using the Register application and send it to the address shown on the form, which is:

Kagi
1442-A Walnut Street #392-UUF
Berkeley, California 94709-1405
USA

You can pay with a wide variety of cash from different countries but if you pay by check, it must be a check in US dollars drawn on a US bank. Kagi cannot accept checks in other currencies, because the conversion rate for non-US checks is around US$ 15 per check.

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Upgrading from a previous version

If you qualify for a free upgrade

Go the registration screen of the main menu. Copy the code (by clicking the button) into an e-mail message and send it to support@rootsolutions.de. Please put 'StudioSystem upgrade' in the subject line of the mail message. Your registration status will be verified and the password will be sent to you via e-mail. Normally, you can expect this to take 2-3 days; however, if it falls into vacation time, it may take a bit longer. Please be patient.

Follow the same procedure as for registering, but check the StudioSystem upgrade option instead of the full version, either online or in the Register application. Once your payment is received, you will be sent an e-mail acknowledgement. Your registration status will be verified and the password will be sent to you via e-mail. Normally, you can expect this to take 2-3 days from the ackowledgement; however, if it falls into vacation time, it may take a bit longer. Please be patient.

The upgrade prices are shown here.

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