On 8/26/10, we were alerted by one of our members that an archived set of files entitled "The Ultimate Upmix Package" had begun making the rounds on a series of BitTorrent and other public file sharing sites. The package consisted of a cracked version of Plogue Bidule, plus SPEC 4.2.1 and the video guides from this site. The uploader had no permission from anyone on this site to openly share our method or guides, and removed any credit to Glenn when uploading.
While SPEC continues to be available for free on this site, we at SurroundByUs are strongly opposed to and very dissappointed in this development. It only serves to create further confusion among those looking for a stereo-to-surround method online, as downloading from this package would rob the downloader of the ability to receive regular updates when new developments occur. It is also clearly violation of copyright, not just of the material posted by Glenn on this site, but also of Plogue Bidule. While we are not directly associated with Plogue on this site, we know them to also be a small group for whom every spam absolutely counts. They're not Adobe or Sony by any stretch. Why someone would choose to do this to material which, other than Plogue, is absolutely free, is beyond any of us.
We have taken some steps as to this situation. Obviously, we cannot rid the internet of these files. You can take them off some sites, but they will just pop up on others. We are aware of who is responsible for at least one of the uploads, a member by the name of AstroStar01, who has since received a permanent ban from this forum. We do have some personal identification information on this person, but will not proceed further with it at this time. We have alerted the developers of Plogue Bidule as to the infingement of their copyright by this individual as well. Wherever these files are found, we ask that our membership please discourage others from downloading the package and, instead, point them towards this site.
Despite SPEC being a freely available surround method (we will be offering the ability for members to make monetary donations soon), we will strongly enforce any and all copyrights on this site, both now and in the future.
Thank you for your continued interest in further developing what is quickly becoming the standard for stereo-to-surround conversion.
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