Scratch?

[roryhinds]

The scratch package of software at around the same cost as RED ONE body.
Then I can add what ever hardware I want to run it on.

 

[M Most]

The scratch package of software at around the same cost as RED ONE body.
Then I can add what ever hardware I want to run it on.

So basically, a company that's doing just fine with its current product should let you set the price for them, and the price should be based on another product that has nothing whatsoever to do with theirs other than the fact that one produces something the other can manipulate.

Scratch is an existing DI product that serves the DI industry. Red, as far as Assimilate is concerned, is really just another format they're going to support, just like DPX. Nothing in the software has changed other than the ability to import and work with another format. The existing user base - which is substantial - already uses this product for existing work that isn't about to go away simply because Red appeared. Red represents another shooting format alternative, but as far as finishing goes, the deliverables are still the same, and the working methods vis a vis conforming and color correction are still basically the same. The alliance between Assimilate and Red is great for both, because it provides a smoother path to studio quality deliverables for all existing Scratch customers. If you are an individual user of Red, and plan on finishing your own projects, you are much better off looking at Apple's tools as your solution. As has been said, they won't provide you with the speed, convenience, or number of deliverable choices as easily, but as with anything in this business or this world, there are businesses and there are individuals. The tools of business are those that can satisfy the client base quickly, efficiently, and at a high quality level. The tools of individuals are those that can do a similar job, but considerably slower (not an issue when your time is your own) and with fewer choices as far as final output (not an issue when you're only making HD video, HDDVD, or Internet deliverables). You use what's appropriate, feature wise and cost wise.

 

[Rob Lohman]

I'm starting to get really really confused by all of this. Guys, it's extremely simple:

1) RED's prices are RED's prices

2) Assimilate's prices are Assimilate's prices

3) If someone wants to change prices, they will. If not, they don't. No need to keep banging away at this

4) The price of Scratch doesn't change. The amount you pay for a *full* Scratch system (that includes software *AND* hardware!) changes depending on your NEEDS and budget (this can change what you need).

5) For example: if you don't need the 3D stereo module then you don't buy that module (and not pay $$$ for it). You then don't need to run two streams side by side and *also* save (and again not pay $$$ for it) on your SAN/NAS/RAID needs since you are running one stream instead of two

What is so hard about this? You simply talk to Assimilate (Lucas has given his details again and again) about what it is you want / need to do and they will tell you how much such a system with their base software plus the modules you selected and the required hardware costs.

Same thing when buying cars. Do you want the 250 or 300 bhp engine? Do you want the HD satellite radio? Do you want the 4 or 8 speaker system? Only difference is that they don't list the prices for all their modules and combinations. No need to keep asking for this either since they've decided not to do this but use a more personal approach and talk WITH you what you actually NEED. This is actually great since they can explain exactly what each module does and help you decide on what you need. Great (imho)!

Personally I think it's time to close this thread. A bunch of people (Lucas, me and mmost for example) have tried to explain it over and over again. Others still don't seem to get it or want something different. We just keep rehashing the same stuff again and again.

For the latter group take a look at the list posted earlier in this thread or get the "cheaper" products for which you can get a list price: After Effects, Shake, Color, Combustion etc. etc.

If you're interested in Scratch then simply send Lucas an e-mail and you'll find out soon enough which modules you need/want and what the total price will be. But don't expect Color/Shake/FCS2 prices, that's not realistic for such a product (does 4K for one).

 

[M Most]

I'm starting to get really really confused by all of this. Guys, it's extremely simple:We just keep rehashing the same stuff again and again.

Thank you for this, Rob. I completely agree.

 

[Kevin Halverson]

I contacted Lucas by email about an upcoming need that I have where SCRATCH may be the solution. We have exchanged a number of emails and have set up an appointment for when I am back in LA with my producer to see a demo and discuss our needs. I don't see any problem at all with the process, its very straight forward and very business like.

Highly configurable solutions don't lend themselves to box stock pricing structures. Seems only logical to me.

 

[Joel Kaye]

Same thing when buying cars.

GREAT analogy. Except cars have a base sticker price.

You can get on the Internet and figure out a Miata is less than a Ferrari. If I gotta make a phone to figure out whether we're talking Miata's or Lamborghini's something's wrong.

Then you start haggling... customers LOVE haggling with used car salespeople. Or you can buy a Saturn where you walk up and that's the price. It's right there on the window.

 

[jbeale]

I guess we all have expressed our opinions on this. I think the bottom line is- if you don't like how anyone does business- you don't have to do business with them.

 

[Kevin Halverson]

GREAT analogy. Except cars have a base sticker price.

I am not certain that there is anything akin to a "base sticker price" in this situation. It is all a la carte from what I can tell and there are a lot of permutations.