So, first, this is awesome, if you're into this kind of thing: http://assimilateinc.com/media/news-press/assimilate-offers-free-trial-scratch-v7 In a nutshell, it's a non-expiring, fully-functional version of Scratch 7, which can't render, can't output XML/EDL, can't output SDI, and allegedly has a watermarked UI. If those are indeed the only limitations, which I haven't yet had a chance to thoroughly test, here's a question...can anyone see any reason why you couldn't use this trial version as a full-featured assist station?
Thanks for pointing this out Hillary. So, you're thinking maybe do conform and prep in the trial version, then send the CONstruct off to a full Scratch for finishing?
Well, yeah, basically. In the entire ten minutes that I've messed around with it so far, that seems like a possibility. I've never done any project sharing with Scratch, and I don't have readily available access to a non-trial Scratch 7 system at the moment, so I can't really test it out. It seems like you could do pretty much everything that doesn't involve much image viewing because of the annoying-ness (success) of the UI watermark. Not saying it's a good idea yet, but it could work, as far as I can tell.
Project sharing in Scratch is really easy as long as both systems can see the same files. All you'd have to do is export the Project or CONstruct file and load it in a full Scratch and everything you did in the trial should be there. Unless they also don't allow you to save your work, then that wouldn't work either. I like that Assimilate is trying to get Scratch out there, but if they really want to be successful at this I think a better tactic would be to remove the GUI watermarking, and just limit projects and renders to HD resolutions, and say, remove 3rd party plugin support. That will actually allow people to get work done with Scratch so they can see the value of it. Watermarking and disabling renders is really only useful for training, but it rarely creates new converts. Users need to see how it can benefit them in real situations for that to happen, especially at this price point. That's why Filmlight, Image Systems, and other high-end companies will leave a full, working demo at a candidate's location for 2-3 months. There's just too much money involved to not be positive it's the solution you need.
