Thanks for the confirmation, Rakesh. I suppose I would like clarification on the following, and can only guess others may too:
I joined the SnapStream "family" by purchasing BTV 3.7.4, and of course, received the 4.0 upgrade and subsequent point releases for no additional charge. Does that arrangement expire at some point, when I'll need to purchase an upgrade license for a future 'major release' of BTV? Or perhaps you folks (SnapStream) are still contemplating such a possibility, but have not yet made a decision? Enquiring minds would very much like to know... ;-)
To weigh in on the ad-supported licensing model idea: I would personally opt to pay for an ad-free license over an ad-supported one, and here's why:
SnapStream has done a fantastic job, IMHO, of "freeing" me from the bonds of external control of my TV viewing: Non-proprietary file formats, for starters. SmartSkip. Unlimited tuner support. Client-server architecture. Seamless, configurable, stateful media distribution that matched my "wish list" feature set very nearly to the letter. Overall performance and stability. No monthly fees. Willingness to involve community developers into the product lifecycle. Very attentive, responsive, and diligent customer service. Face it, folks: BTV puts the competition to shame. It would seem contrary to the whole philosphy of the thing to opt _into_ an ad-supported version of the software, which would, IMO, taint the overall feel of refinement of the product.
But I *LOVE* this software and what it does for me, and want SnapStream to succeed and prosper, so long as their dedication to the quality of the product and their customer base doesn't get lost in the shuffle. So I will pay to stay ad-free, as long as I'm given the option.
So Rakesh: are you feeling the love?
My one regret is that I'm not closer to the SnapStream offices, because I'd be all over the in-house customer product testing thing you guys have going on right now.