StudioEase 5.3
© 1999-2006, 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
Table of contents
About StudioEase
Thank you for your interest in StudioEase. If you have downloaded this software from somewhere other than the rootsolutions homepage, plase make sure you have the latest version by clicking here.
StudioEase helps you minimize the time spent on management and administration chores of your studio(s). Logical links between the files help you get to any information quickly.
- point-and-click interface: no special knowledge 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. StudioEase 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. StudioEase costs no more than a roll of multitrack tape.
- support for international users: customize all printable forms with local language templates (English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian already included).
- Several license options available to fit your budget.
- main menu: central navigation, password protection, language setup, and other system-wide settings.
- projects: track daily studio activity and link records to related modules (archive, invoicing, track sheet, etc.).
- 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 StudioEase.
- 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.
If you want to stay on top of new releases, join the mailing list.
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System requirements
Several versions for both the Macintosh and the Windows platform are available.If you have FileMaker Pro, you can use the space saving document-only version. Requirements as specified by FileMaker.
If you do not have FileMaker Pro, download the standalone application. The following system requirements apply. All download archives are available here.
Macintosh OS X
- Any Mac with OS X 10.1 or higher.
- Stuffit Expander to unpack the archive (included with most versions of OS X).
Macintosh PPC OS Classic
- PPC 601 Macintosh or higher.
- 16 Mb RAM minimum.
- 24 Mb hard disk space.
- OS 8.1 or later.
- Stuffit Expander to unpack the archive.
Windows
- 486/33 CPU or higher.
- Windows 95/98/2000/ME/XP.
- 16 Mb RAM minimum.
- 30 Mb hard disk space.
- Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.
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Key features and fixes of this release
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- cleaned up application folder.
- audio tools
- film score tempo calculator.
- selectable default tool group.
- bug in instrument ranges screen fixed.
- bookings
- batch deletion of bookings.
- cleaned up expert view.
- budget
- optimized space for line items.
- contacts
- extended space for artist contract form.
- faster birthday checking.
- sorting by birthday fixed.
- cue sheet
- frame entry supported.
- incorrect messages after grouping fixed.
- incorrect messages after importing/completing episodes fixed.
- inventory
- generic import filter for records.
- duplicate record tool.
- improved history print form.
- loading default text fixed.
- invoicing
- optimized space for line items.
- sorting by client fixed.
- label print
- lyrics
- main menu
- improved user password protection.
- quick language setup for global terms.
- projects
- session date editing allowed.
- client grouping in overview.
- sound lib
- mass import of preset sound effects library catalogs.
- mass deleting of records allowed.
- jukebox function plays from selected record.
- keyboard shortcuts for new and duplicate record.
- quick update for library title, location, and status fields.
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Important changes in this release
If you have used an earlier version of StudioEase, please review this section for operational changes. If you are new to StudioEase, you can skip this section.
Editing session dates allowed
By popular request, it is now possible to edit session dates. To support strict time logging as in previous versions, this function can be disabled with the password set in the main menu. If you choose to manually edit a session date, you must make sure that you never enter two sessions for the same project on the same date, otherwise problems will occur with associated session charges and reports.
Stock tracking removed from label print module
The stock tracking screen has been removed from the label print module. Operation was of limited usefulness. The function can be easier and more accurately be performed if blank media types are entered into the supplies module. Please see the supplies: details chapter of the manual for more details.
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Installing StudioEase
StudioEase consists of a number of files that are distributed as a single compressed archive. If you have received an 'unpacked' copy (consisting of single files), it is recommended that you download a fresh copy, because your copy is probably incomplete or has been tampered with. StudioEase does not run on a locked volume, such as a CD ROM. You must copy it to your hard disk or some other writable volume.
Macintosh
- Unstuff the archive. A folder called 'StudioEase (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.
- Drag the folder to the preferred location on your hard disk. Important: Please make sure that all files remain inside the StudioEase folder. Do not move or remove them independently and do not change any file names, otherwise fatal errors will occur.
- Open the folder and double click the StudioEase application icon (in the standalone application version) or StudioEase.fp5 (in the FM datafiles 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
- Doubleclick the download archive and follow the on-screen instructions to install StudioEase. When installation is complete, you can delete the compressed file to reclaim hard disk space.
- If you accepted all defaults during installation, StudioEase is available from the Windown 'Start' menu, along with an internet shortcut to the rootsolutions website and an 'Uninstall' program, if you wish to delete StudioEase. In addition, a desktop shortcut and/or Quick launch icon may be created.
- Start the StudioEase 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.
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License agreement
This license agreement replaces any license agrement of previous versions where they may differ.
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 (if available) allows you to use the software on multiple machines or on a network, provided that the number of users using the software are within a 100 mile (160 km) radius.
In addition, a world wide license (if available) 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 current rootsolutions download link is used. Please 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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License options
StudioEase offers the following licensing options:
- Standard license
- Pro license
- Site license
- Worldwide license
All functions can be demoed with an unregistered copy. To help you decide which license is best for you, please review these differences:
Standard license - for individuals with small or home recording studios with essential functions.
Pro license - the best choice for smaller professional recording studios. The following modules and functions are added to the standard feature set:
- extended project logging mode (the logging modes are explained in the 'project logging' chapter of the manual).
- budget module
- supplies module
- cue sheet module
- password protection
- integration of user files
- equipment booking
- mass importing of sound lib records
Site license - the best choice for larger facilities with multiple rooms. A site license covers all users of your organization within a 100 mile (160 km) radius. The following modules and functions are added to the pro feature set:
- networking (requires FileMaker Pro on each networked machine or FileMaker Server)
- booking support for unlimited rooms
- messages module
World wide license - the best choice for large facilities with multiple rooms in several locations.
For current prices, please visit the StudioEase homepage or the rootsolutions online order page.
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How to order
Before you buy, you are encouraged to try the software. For current prices, please visit the StudioEase homepage or the rootsolutions online order page.
Payments are handled by KAGI.
Order now using KAGI's secure order page.
If you do not want to, or are unable to, order online, please click here for more payment options.
Special information for German customers
Wenn Sie die Gebühr lieber in Euro überweisen möchten, als online mit Kreditkarte zu bezahlen, schreiben Sie bitte eine kurze mail an info@rootsolutions.de. Ich werde Ihnen dann die Bankverbindung mitteilen. Das Passwort wird nach Zahlungseingang an die gleiche email Adresse geschickt. Die aktuellen Preise entnehmen Sie bitte der StudioEase Pro homepage.
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Upgrading from a previous version
Upgrades to version 5.3 of StudioEase are free for users who have originally registered, or upgraded to, v5.1. If you have an older version or received a free upgrade to 5.1, please purchase an upgrade.
If you need to purchase an upgrade, please go to the rootsolutions order page.
To receive a free upgrade key, please follow these steps:
- Make a backup copy of your old version.
- Download and install the new version.
- In the main menu, click register, select 'I'm eligible for a free upgrade', and follow the directions. Please make sure that this option applies to you. The version number required for free upgrades is displayed for your reference.
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