Why does my iLok software have to up to date to run Pro Tools 2018?

[DJ Hellfire]

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

I suspect it would have taken less time to simply install the iLok software update than to type several rants.

I suspect the forum doesn’t need yet another smart ass.

But yeah, you’re right. We should just allow the software to shut down in the middle of the session and just remain silent and just update the software quietly like obedient little paying customers.

[SDDP]

Originally Posted by DJ Hellfire

Completely disagree.

1.) This has never been this way until Pro Tools 2018.
2.) Out of the 100 or so iLok licenses I have, Pro Tools is the only one that now does this. The software is supposed to depend on the actual license, not the licensing utility manager. If my internet happened to go out while Pro Tools decides it wants me to update, I'd be screwed an unable to work until my internet is restored. This is completely stupid given I have a PHYSICAL license.

Let's just agree to disagree.



Again, BS. This has never been a requirement until Pro Tools 2018. The physical license is NOT controlled by the software. The software only TRANSFERS the license to the iLok. Avid recently added some extra crap in there that checks for iLok manager version. I have Slate (also subscription), Antares, Soundtoys, AIR, Eventide, etc, and none of this software requires iLok Manager be up-to-date to use.

WHOA!

I am so hoping this is an isolated incident!
This can be a deal breaker on SO MANY levels. Most (actually all now) Studio's, networks do NOT have access for internet on their macs these days. One needs to get IT/Engineering to come down (which is not in 5 minutes, but requires a support ticket and then they come when they can)
So if you're on a Network studio mixing a promo and this issue occurs and that spot needs to go out and air. That can be stressful if ProTools just quits.

Second, this can be a deal breaker for someone mixing remotely. As on a plane, a hotel, traveling abroad, or anywhere else where the is NO INTERNET available. Defeats the use of ProTools on the go


Most embarrassing would be if you're in the middle of a final mix with a producer/director sitting next to you and this happens.

I can go on and on with examples of real life scenarios that can be a deal breaker or just an embarrassment.

So yeah, I can see how this can be more than just frustrating.

According to Murphy's Law, these issues do not happen at an opportune time

[DJ Hellfire]

Exactly SDDP. It doesn’t matter how quick it is to just do the update. The fact of the matter is that this should not be happening to paying customers to protect against a handful of pirates that aren’t going to buy the software anyway. I hope this is just a bug.

[SigFriedChicken]

There's probably a "grace" period that ends after a while, meaning that they'll let you run an older of the iLok software for a while, but eventually the grace period runs out.

It sounds like they could do better job of giving you warnings. Maybe a window that pops up periodically that explains "Warning: You have X days left before Pro Tools will stop recognizing your version of iLok and you won't be able to use PT anymore. Upgrade your version of iLok as soon as possible, etc."

[SigFriedChicken]

I just opened ILM and got this message:

"Updating to version 4.1.2 is not a required update; however, some iLok-protected software may require that you use a version of 2.5.0 or greater. Please download the latest version from the iLok License Manager page of ilok.com."

Is it possible that a version prior to 2.5 was installed when this happened?

[DJ Hellfire]

Originally Posted by SigFriedChicken

There's probably a "grace" period that ends after a while, meaning that they'll let you run an older of the iLok software for a while, but eventually the grace period runs out.

It sounds like they could do better job of giving you warnings. Maybe a window that pops up periodically that explains "Warning: You have X days left before Pro Tools will stop recognizing your version of iLok and you won't be able to use PT anymore. Upgrade your version of iLok as soon as possible, etc."

This would be acceptable I think. Slate does something similar. They tell you how many days are left before you need to refresh your subscription. But the ILM version doesn’t matter.

Originally Posted by SigFriedChicken

I just opened ILM and got this message:

"Updating to version 4.1.2 is not a required update; however, some iLok-protected software may require that you use a version of 2.5.0 or greater. Please download the latest version from the iLok License Manager page of ilok.com."

Is it possible that a version prior to 2.5 was installed when this happened?

Yes, when I got the messages, I had the most prior version. I have been updating ILM every time Pro Tools forces me to.

[DJ Hellfire]

Bump! THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE FIXED!!!

It is absolutely unacceptable that Pro Tools just shuts down or crashes in the middle of working because a new version of iLok is available. I just had yet another CRASH in the middle of working on a session with only two tracks that is just playing back with no plugins or anything. When I relaunch, come to find out the crash happened because my iLok is out of date yet again. This is insane!

[amagras]

Could be a Mac thing? because I only get notifications of new ILM versions when I expressly open the app and have never had a crash related to that. I usually skip updates unless they say it's crucial.

[JFreak]

AFAIK, it only closes if your license manager is too old or the PT license cannot be found, as in accidentally taking the key offline.

The last point is what I REALLY HATE and it started in v9 -- it totally ruins stability in tracking sessions / live mixing because all you need is the computer somehow decides the usb port needs to be shut down or (more likely) you just hit the key and it powers off. This can lead to ruining a perfect take or stopping live performance. IOW, the last "stable" version is 8.1.1

I so would want Avid to get real and give us the option to have PT license on host computer if this "feature" cannot be removed...

[sdelsolray]

I thought that ProTools only checked the iLok for the license when it first booted up and not during the ensuing session. Did something change?