Academic Mojo + Pro software = Illegal?

[Scott Cumbo]

well if they are using Academic version of anything it’s shady.

Scott Cumbo
Editor
Broadway Video, NYC

[James Beattie]

Officially when it is purchased it is agreed that it will not be used for commercial work. At one time it could not be upgraded, and you were stuck at that version until the next purchase.

Now, everyone can go to the Avid website and upgrade it to the latest version.

I would go through an Avid reseller, and upgrade to a software bundle for about $800. It is quite a deal, becasue it comes with a lot of 3rd party programs like BCC and Sorenson that will help in your workflow. Those programs separately cost over $1200. This would officially make your license a typical one.

But in my experience if you think you are doing something wrong, you probably are.

[Terence Curren]

If you are seeing the words “Academic Version” in MC, then the software is the academic version. AFAIK, there is no such thing as an “Academic Version” of Mojo. It might be possible to purchase one with an academic discount, but being hardware I can’t imagine they have a way of branding it as such.

Terence Curren
http://www.alphadogs.tv
http://www.digitalservicestation.com
Burbank,Ca

[Dave Schweitzer]

How can you tell the Mojo is an academic version? Does is say that somewhere on the hardware? A label or a plate on it?
When you launch whatever software package that’s driving the Mojo it should say “student” or “academic” on the splash screen, but does the Mojo itself output a screen to the monitor that says “academic” somewhere in the output?

[Adele Finkle]

Just the box for the mojo says Academic on it, next to the serial number. It doesn’t say anything when I start up the program.

I’m pretty sure they have the pro license of the software. I just think because it started as a home version for the producer to cut some personal stuff, then the software was upgraded to pro, but the mojo was not. If that is the case- is there a legal issue still?

[James Beattie]

No such thing as a education mojo, you just got a better price. If the software was upgraded, I would go with a clean conscience, you cannot upgrade education cheaper than anyone else. I would still upgrade to media composer 3.5 while they are offering a deal, and it is better software all around.

[Kris Anderson]

If there is a legal issue it’s certainly not yours as you’re just a hired hand. But I have to say, no disrespect to the OP intended, but if I hired you to work for me and you came on a public forum and started talking about my business like this, without knowing the background circumstances (there may or may not be any)….I’d fire your ass.

It’s very unprofessional to do what you’re doing here.

[Adele Finkle]

Thanks for all the helpwith my hypothetical. Just wanted to make sure no problems poped up in the future as I upgrade my software. Quite glad it seems I don’t also have to get a new mojo.

[John Pale]

as others have stated, there is no such thing as “acedemic” hardware. It’s totally possible to buy an Acedemic bundle with the Mojo. I don’t think Avid expects you to throw out the Mojo and buy an identical new one if you “graduate” to buying the regular non-acedemic software. If you were seeing a splash screen indicating Acedemic software, that would be cause for concern.

[Greg Thanos]

Is there any tangible difference between the Academic Version and the Upgrade version besides branding and or price point? Is the software identical or are there any technical limitations to the Academic version.