SmartSound, default music tracks, and updates.

Kmot

Contributor Location: Northridge, CA Joined: Apr 18, 2012 01:45 Messages: 432 Offline

Solved by

Apr 05, 2013 21:45

I have a question to pose to all interested parties:

Are the SmartSound updates, really needed?

Okay, here is the situation as I see it and as I use it:

I have the default music that comes with PowerDirector. All the various versions of PowerDirector that have included SmartSound, is what I have used over the years. I have never purchased extra music tracks.

Every so often, I will get a pop-up notice telling me there is an Update to SmartSound. And that it includes "xyz" new music tracks. So I install the update. Then I go looking for the 'new' music, and all I have is the same old default stuff.

So my question is this: Do I need to install the updates, if all it is, is in fact a vehicle for me to purchase extra music tracks?

I do not purchase music tracks. So I don't see a need to install these 'updates' that are in fact 'upgrades'.

But if I do not install the so-called update, will my SmartSound featue become unstable or worse, unusable?

Thanks!


Filename	quicktracks update.jpg	Download
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~Tom~

ynotfish

Senior Contributor Location: N.S.W. Australia Joined: May 08, 2009 02:06 Messages: 9977 Offline

Apr 06, 2013 00:54

Hi Tom -

I think my understanding of the SS updates is the same as yours... what they do (I think) is to update the list of available (for preview & purchase) tracks.

Funny, I've never gone in to check whether anything has changed. When the update runs, I'm always in the middle of something else. Next time one comes in, I'll do a "Tom" on it.

I'd say that not installing the updates would make zip, zilch & zero difference to how SS functions. It's not actually updating QuickTracks - just the library (list).

I might drop a note to SS support & see whether they can clarify.

BTW (from your screenshot) I don't have any listing, at all, for "Crime Scene" - even in the unpurchased tracks.

Cheers - Tony
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Kmot

Contributor Location: Northridge, CA Joined: Apr 18, 2012 01:45 Messages: 432 Offline

Apr 06, 2013 16:57

Thanks for your thoughts Tony. ~Tom~

ynotfish

Senior Contributor Location: N.S.W. Australia Joined: May 08, 2009 02:06 Messages: 9977 Offline

Apr 06, 2013 22:51

Here is the reponse from Frank at SmartSound (received within hours of emailing my question).

Cheers - Tony

Hello Tony,

Thank you for the inquiry, and I'm glad you are enjoying SmartSound music!
The Library Updates basically update the local database of music inside the
SmartSound application. Usually we push these updates when there is new
music available. When we release a new album, the library update will
insert the information for that album into the database so that you can
browse it and preview it from inside the software. Sometimes the updates
may remove albums that we are no longer allowed to sell, or perhaps apply
pricing updates, but most of the time it is to add new music that is
available. It will not actually add the actual sound files for any tracks,
as the music installation is handled differently, it just updates the
database of available music. That being said, the software should still
function properly if you do not apply the update, but you may end up trying
to purchase an album that is no longer available, or the pricing displayed
for a track or album may not be up to date. It is best to apply the updates
to make sure the library is current and you have the best selection of music
to choose from.

I hope this helps, and if you have any other questions please let me know.

Best regards,
Frank
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Kmot

Contributor Location: Northridge, CA Joined: Apr 18, 2012 01:45 Messages: 432 Offline

Apr 08, 2013 01:47

Thank you very much Tony! ~Tom~