Lawo VSC - License Activation
This topic describes how to activate and install a Lawo VSC license. You will need to do this, once, when you switch to the licensed version for the first time.
Overview
If the Free version is selected, then no license is required and Lawo VSC runs with limited functionality. In this instance, all options are visible but an 'Upgrade License' dialog appears whenever you attempt to configure a restricted function. From here, you can upgrade to the licensed version to unlock the functionality, or cancel the operation and continue running the free version.
If the Licensed version is selected, then this starts a 15-minute grace period during which you can install a license. From the start of the grace period, Lawo VSC runs the full functionality of the app. If the grace period expires before a license is found, then white noise is inserted into the audio. The white noise is removed once a valid license is detected. If the license goes missing during runtime, then a new grace period (of 12 hours) begins.
Please note: It is possible to switch between the versions, at any time, by enabling or disabling the Use license option (in the Settings → License dialog).
The license activation is a one-time procedure that is described later. For now, it is useful to know that:
- To unlock the features of the Standard version, you must select the Licensed version and install a Lawo VSC license.
- Lawo VSC licenses are managed by the CodeMeter Runtime licensing system. This is the same licensing system used by other Lawo products such as Power Core, crystal and diamond.
- Lawo VSC licenses can be ordered from your local Lawo sales representative. You will need 1x Lawo VSC license for each app instance/computer. The license code(s) are delivered via email once your order is processed.
- Each license code must be redeemed at https://licenseportal.lawo.com and installed into a license container. This can be a local container (on your computer), a remote container (on a networked server) or a USB dongle (for portability).
- Once installed, the license is detected automatically by Lawo VSC (providing the license container remains connected).
- A Lawo VSC license can be transferred to a different computer (by re-hosting the license via the online portal).
License Detection in Lawo VSC
Before looking at the activation procedure, it is useful to understand what happens if a license is not found.
Once you upgrade to the licensed version, Lawo VSC checks for a valid license.
If a license is not found, then a 15-minute grace period begins and a message appears in the status area to show that the software is running in Grace Mode.
- During this time, Lawo VSC runs the full functionality of the app.
- The status message shows the amount of time remaining before the grace period expires.
- If the grace period expires before a license is found, then white noise is inserted into the audio.
Once a valid license is detected, the white noise is removed and the licensing message disappears.
From here on, Lawo VSC checks periodically for a license both at start up and during runtime. If a previously installed license is not found, then a new grace period (of 12 hours) begins.
Important: If the license is installed on a USB dongle or network server, then it is important that the dongle or server remains connected. If not, the software assumes that the license is missing and a 12 hour grace period is triggered.
Upgrading to the Licensed Version
If you run the free version of Lawo VSC, then all options are visible but the following dialog appears if you attempt to configure a restricted option.
The dialog asks if you want to upgrade to the full version and explains the limitations of the free version.
Some examples that trigger the 'Upgrade License' dialog are:
- Assigning more than 2 input or 2 output channels to the audio device (in the 'New Audio Device' dialog).
- Adding a second audio device (by selecting the + button at the bottom of the 'Audio Devices' list).
- Assigning a second network interface for redundant streaming (using the NIC 2 field in the 'Settings → Streaming' dialog).
If you choose to Upgrade, then Lawo VSC switches to the licensed version. This unlocks the full functionality of the app and starts a new grace period (as described earlier).
Alternatively, select No to abort the current operation and continue running the free version.
Switching Versions
It is possible to switch between the free and licensed versions by opening the 'Settings → License' dialog and toggling the Use license option.
- When Use VSC License is turned on, Lawo VSC switches to the licensed version. This unlocks the full functionality of the app and starts a new grace period (as described earlier).
- When Use VSC License is turned off, Lawo VSC switches back to the free version. If you have audio devices and streams configured, then these are removed.
Turning off the Use VSC License option can be useful to reset to an empty configuration (with no audio devices or streams).
Important: Switching between the versions removes any audio devices and streams that have been configured and restarts the Audio Engine.
Preparing for Activation
The licensing system offers two ways to activate a license: either online or offline.
To use the online activation method (described below), you will need:
- A computer with an internet connection (and USB port if using a dongle).
- The WIBU systems USB memory stick (if using a dongle).
- The license code. This is delivered by email on completion of your order.
If your computer does not have an internet connection, then the offline activation method can be used. This is described in the "Licensing" documentation, see License Activation - Offline Method.
The computer must be installed with CodeMeter Runtime (from WIBU systems)
Installing the Licensing Software
The correct version of CodeMeter Runtime is included with the software installation package for Lawo VSC. This means that it should already be installed, providing you followed the recommended installation procedure (described earlier).
On a macOS computer, you can check the installation by looking for the CodeMeter app.
If you skipped the CodeMeter Runtime installation earlier, then there are two options:
- either go back to your Lawo VSC software package and run the Cm Runtime installer,
- or download the installer from WIBU systems at: https://www.wibu.com/support/user/user-software.html. In this instance, take care to download the version for macOS.
Activating a License Online
When installing onto a dongle, the dongle must be connected to the computer's USB port.
Important: Currently, the activation process does not work with Safari and so a different browser must be used.
TIP: You can change the language using the drop-down menu at the top right of the page.
2. Copy your license ticket number into the 'Ticket' field and select Next.
The license code can be found on the delivery note shipped with the system or in the order confirmation email (for software-based products). It takes the form of a 25-digit ticket number such as the one shown below.
3. The WebDepot searches for and displays your licenses. Select Activate Licenses to continue.
4. At the next page, select the storage method for your license.
There are two possibilities:
- CmDongle - to create a USB dongle.
- CmActLicense - to bind the license to the local computer.
5. At the next page, select the licenses you wish to activate and the CmContainer to be used for the license storage.
6. Click on Activate Selected Licenses Now and wait for a few seconds.
A confirmation message appears once the activation is successful.
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7. After selecting OK, a summary appears.
8. You can now close the browser and return to your Lawo software application or install the USB dongle.
Once activated, it is strongly recommended that you backup your licenses (using the CodeMeter Web Admin portal). This will allow you to restore a license if the original is lost or damaged.
Next Steps
Once a license is installed, it is detected automatically by Lawo VSC.
The license detection can take 2-3 minutes, so please be patient for the Lawo VSC status area to update.
The license status can also be checked by opening the CodeMeter app. This shows that the CodeMeter service is running and that the license is activated.
The license installation is now complete and you can move onto the next topic (to choose a network interface for streaming).
Further Information
A number of other features are supported by the CodeMeter licensing system. These include re-hosting a license, offline activation, backup/restore and using a license server.
For more information, please see the "License Activation" documentation.