I have just filed a complaint with the BBB against Pinnacle for false advertising, deceptive emails, as well as bait and switch techniques.  I will explain my reason for doing this below, but first wanted to let people here know that I also spoke with a BBB representative on the phone who "urges other people with the same situation to file a complaint as well".   But before I give that information, here is what happened to me:

First let me say I am a HUGE Pinnacle fan, since version 11.  Yes I know many people here have been users since version 9 and have cheers and jeers for many reasons with each new release.  Studio 12 was the first time I really feel in love with an editing software program.  I even entered the Pinnacle video contest and came in 5th.  I used Studio 12 to make my best friend’s wedding video, and other videos over the past year.  I find its ease of use, and powerful effects to be easy as well as fun to use.  So when I got the email to order Studio 14 I was very excited.  The email said, "Download Studio 14 now to get editing right away, and feel secure knowing you will receive a DVD backup in just a few days".  All for $79.99, a $20.00 savings if I acted “right away”.  I placed my order, got my confirmation email, and yet there is no way to download the software.  I posted on this forum, to see if I was doing something wrong only to learn others had the same problems and that this is common for Pinnacle to do. 

I understand the email states a “Release Date of September 28^th”  however there is no way to misinterpret “download Studio 14 now to get editing right away”.   I felt (as apparently many others who were deceived by Pinnacle) that after I paid I would have instant access to the downloadable version.  Unfortunately this is not the case.  After several calls to digital river (who distributes the software online) and Pinnacle customer service… I was told the download won’t be available until the 28^th, and that the email is incorrect.  Now while some of you say this is common, it’s NOT OK with me to be manipulated and outright lied to.  Not in these economic times.  I don't know what steps have been taken in the past to stop this from happening, but I will not sit back quietly. 

Aside from false advertising, and the bait and switch tactics they placed a hold on my credit card for the amount of the “instantly downloadable” software.  So now I have no access to that money until the 28^th.  What’s worse is that the email is STILL going out, and Pinnacle is STILL taking orders currently claiming you can download Studio 14 instantly.  There are several other actionable violations Pinnacle is committing with these emails, false claims, and manipulations.  However I don’t want to speak to anything that hasn’t happened to me personally.  I have since filed with the Better Business Bureau and would suggest everyone else who ordered and were promised instant access to do so as well.  Or share whatever grievance you have against Pinnacle with the BBB.  There website is “www.bbb.org” or you can call Phone: 1 (703) 276.0100.    

Many of you have said this always happens… so then put an end to it.  If everyone bands together we can make a difference and make it so this doesn’t keep happening.  I know some many consider it harsh for me to post this on Pinnacles forum… but I do so because I have a belief that they still have the opportunity to make it right.  I stand up for what I believe in, and I also am willing forgive when a situation is corrected.  So Pinnacle the ball is in your court.  I hope you will respond to me, ether privately or in this thread as your other forum members deserve answers to.  I have posted this message across SEVERAL other video editing, and software forums on the web and will continue to do so until an outcome is reached.

If you don’t plan on releasing the software until the 28^th, that is fine with me.  I will be happy to wait.  Yet in the meantime you need to STOP sending out deceptive emails, with the clear intent to defraud your customers.