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#137553 12/05/11 03:30 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Jan R Offline OP
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For years I buy every 6 months the updates, PlusPAK for $99. But now I consider to buy just the annual updates because that is much cheaper in my opinion. I own the Biab 2011.5 version including all realtracks and other sets. The update to 2012 with the PlusPAK costs $99, but the annual update to 2012.5, MegaPlusPAK, usually will cost $139 including usb hard drive. So, that is a difference of $59. Am I right about that? It is very confusing.

Maybe I better can buy the 2012 PlusPAK update one more time and the next time just the Christmas updates. Or I can wait another 6 months to buy the 2012.5 update. Please advise.


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Jan R.

piano: Hammond Skx Pro
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If you feel you have enough realtracks to keep you busy a lifetime then just buy the band in a box 2012 update for only $29.

If you want all the new realtracks then the ultra pak 2012 will set you back $139

BUT

If you really want ALL of the new realtracks then you have to buy the Bonus pak for $25 as well as that Bonus pak contrains a nice country piano realtrack, which is not included on standard package purchauses.

Hope this help.

Happy Christmas
Musiclover


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Jan R Offline OP
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Maybe I miss something. I already have realtrack sets 1-136 in version 2011.5. So, if I want to update I have to buy the PlusPak for $99 and not the UltraPlusPak. That is required if you have the 2011 release. The BonusPak does not contain all realtracks, as far as I know.

My question is: till now I bought twice a year the updates by the PlusPAK. That costs 2 x $99 = $ 198. However, the annual Christmas update cost $ 139. So, it is better to buy just one update a year, the UltraPlusPAK. Is that correct? I am still confused why the PlusPAK is "expensive".


Thanks,
Jan R.

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I suggest speaking to the PG folks directly to determine what's best four you as they have the records and are most familiar with the options


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Quote:

Maybe I miss something. I already have realtrack sets 1-136 in version 2011.5. So, if I want to update I have to buy the PlusPak for $99 and not the UltraPlusPak. That is required if you have the 2011 release. The BonusPak does not contain all realtracks, as far as I know.

My question is: till now I bought twice a year the updates by the PlusPAK. That costs 2 x $99 = $ 198. However, the annual Christmas update cost $ 139. So, it is better to buy just one update a year, the UltraPlusPAK. Is that correct? I am still confused why the PlusPAK is "expensive".




The plus pak on dvd at $99 will upgrade your whole band in a box to 2012 (as you already have 2011.5) will include all the new realtracks etc.

However there is an additional option when you order where you can buy a bonus pak for an additional $25 which will include an extra country piano realtrack which is NOT on the standard buys.

Its best to upgrade only once a year around the christmas special time such as now, because you get better pricings.

Effectively what you are doing when you upgrade mid-year is paying extra for what you would get at the end of the year anyways, so you are paying just to have some updates a few mths earlier than people who only upgrade once a year.

musiclover

Last edited by musiclover; 12/05/11 07:52 AM.

Musiclover

My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall

Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use smile
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Jan R Offline OP
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Thank you all for your reply and tips.


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Jan R.

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Perhaps someone can say whether this has been true since 2009, but during that year a free program upgrade to BIAB 2009.5 was offered without RTs/RDS. It included all patches as well as many Wishlist enhancements, so was effectively a new program.

I agree that buying annually during the December sale is the most practical and economical option. But if you JUST CAN'T WAIT for those new RTs the midyear purchase is the way to go. I know that PG appreciate the business. I wish I could afford that kind of loyalty myself!


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Without a doubt the best buy is to update once a year at Christmas time. HOWEVER, the summer update usually has 100+ new real tracks and if just one of them is THE ONE you have been in need of a $99 upgrade is worth the price of not having to hire a musician to come into your studio to record that part. I look at the Real Tracks as the cost of hiring someone to come in and play the parts for me and since the standard rate to hire someone is usually around $50 an hour this pays for two hours. If just one real track is that good then I'm saving $ in the long run. BUT not as much if I just waited until the next update at Christmas. Problem is I CAN'T WAIT!!!! Sometimes I hate PG Music (-;).


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Quote:

Maybe I miss something. I already have realtrack sets 1-136 in version 2011.5. So, if I want to update I have to buy the PlusPak for $99 and not the UltraPlusPak. That is required if you have the 2011 release. The BonusPak does not contain all realtracks, as far as I know.





To be clear about the final cost of the upgrades options, in the case of physical deliveries, you have to consider all the additional charges as follows :

Option 1 :
Upgrade 2011.5 : 99,00$ + shipping 10$ = 109$ (DVD Delivery)
Upgrade 2012 PlusPak : 99,00$ + shipping 10$ = 109$ (DVD Delivery).
So, if you upgrade twice a year : 218,00$.

option 2:
Upgrade from 2011 : 139,00$ + 25,00$ (HDD Delivery) + 40,00$ (Internal customs tax/Europa). That is what I paid in 2010 in France.
So, if you upgrade only one time a year : 204,00$.
The differential is only 14$.
I don't know the real amount of the customs tax for The Netherlands. Thas is a point to investigate.
Just for your information.


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Jan R Offline OP
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I purchased the PlusPAK download. Thanks. I like to be up-to-date and doing so I can support PG Music to continue development.


Thanks,
Jan R.

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Jan,

I am still "wallering" in the joy of that purchase.
They will send you links, so you will be able to do
quite a bit right away.

I installed the entire drive about 60 meg last evening.
It takes awhile, but now I have a "permanent" back up.

There is so much in this new package.

You made a wise decision.


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