Workaround for silenced Notation version 2 in Windows 10

[Reinhold H.]

Let me add anonther comment here to this workaround for silenced Notation version 2 in Windows 10.

After Microsoft is pushing customers, in some countries almost forcing customers to upgrade to Windows 10 we get many inquiries from version 2 customers asking for support of version 2 on Windows 10.

From a license perspective the use of CoolSoft (+ public soundfonts) as a workaround is a use of each individual. CoolSoft's license "VirtualMIDISynth is freeware, use it as you like" is private license which each individual may use for his own needs. Notation Software cannot use CoolSoft as an alternative solution for version 2 on Windows 10. CoolSoft is based on the BassMidi software from un4seen. We at Notation Software do not own a license from un4seen nor has version 2 being sold to customers with this license. The BassMidi license is free for non-commercial use but for commercial use it is expensive. Therefore CoolSoft itself does not sell the software but asks users for donations. It is up to each individual to donate to CoolSoft.

As of today, CoolSoft does not offer realtime capabilites either which are essential for the realtime recording feature of Composer. These are the reasons why CoolSoft is just a workaround.

Btw. we have announced on Nov. 30th, 2014 (almost one year ago) that for various reasons (see here) a certification of version 2 for Windows 10 is not possible and the support of version 2 will end this Nov. 30th, 2015.

Reinhold

[Reinhold H.]

We have some good news to report for Notation Software version 2 customers who want to use Windows 10. Microsoft fixed the bug when using the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth which I have reported on Dec. 2nd, 2014. With the new Windows 10 version 1511 sounds are audible when playing songs with version 2.

As announced one year ago (see here) we do not certify version 2 on Windows 10 and will terminate the support of version 2 at the end of this month on Nov. 30th, 2015.

A license 2 stays in effect and license holders of version 2 can use the software as long as they want but without support. A version 2 license can be upgraded at a discounted upgrade price to version 3. The Upgrade Assistant on our website shows which options exist.

Reinhold

[Reinhold H.]

May be I was too optimistic with the last post. There are latest reports on the Microsoft Windows 10 forum that the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth is still not fully functioning. Please see here.

With the internal "Notation Software Synth" there is now a solution available which makes our products independant of Microsoft.

Reinhold