Training disk is excellent. We are going from a 4k to an 8000 ( one SD 8000 and one HD 8000A)..and the disk has really helped out. I haven't gone straight through yet, more go over the chapters that I need at the current time. For the setup chapter I literally had the laptop next to the GUI and went through each menu that we needed to setup. It was a great way to learn, and not have to remember each and every menu setting the first time around. It also reinforfced the previous training we had at our sister station. If I remember correctly it is at ver 4. -Curt

Thanks for the response Bob. I was told today Sony owes us the training so we're going to go with that. What you were talking about with the DVD is exactly what we're doing. Getting started on that so we've all got the basics before the trainer gets here.

Sean - Unless your company wanted to go out on their own & get somebody on a freelance basis (hint-hint...I love to travel), the usual procedure is to go through SONY for training & they supply the personnel. The DVD will get you started, and from what I understand, it's almost a preferred method to get the DVD & use it to learn the basics. That way when a trainer does come in, they're not spending a lot of time on basic stuff, & can help you get up to speed with the fun stuff faster. As I understand it, the DVD is still at version 4. I am still waiting on all of the things from SONY that I need to update the info to current levels. But even at version 4, it'll give you a really good head start on the basics.

Bob, did you update this yet? We have the DVS-9000 in house and are approaching the drop dead date to get it on the air. They've had trouble getting a trainer in here for us for some reason and are thinking about purchasing the DVD to at least give us a head start until they can get someone in.

I can't speak for SONY, but based on my experience with other companies, the traditional manufacturer's position has been that software that fixes existing bugs is usually offered for free - software that adds additional features that were either not promised at the time of purchase or were not purchased at the time of sale would be considered as an upgrade & could thus be chargeable.

Thanks Bob, looking forward to the update. For those of us who have already (eh, hem) "Invested" in this fine tutorial, anyone have an idea if we would receive the updated version gratis? It's no different than a new software release, right? :-) JH

The course is designed to help beginners, with a step-by-step introduction to all of the features of the switcher - there is also advanced information for people who want tips & tricks. I tried to make the course interesting & useful for operators at all proficiency levels. The course was designed at version 4. I am scheduled at some point to update the course to versions 5 & 6. I'm just waiting on some equipment from SONY to start that project.

Can anyone speak to what the course covers (just basic landscape, or a thorough how-to?) and whether it's *reasonably* up-to-date with current 8000/9000 software? I'm not seeing a publishing date or rundown of the course at the above link. Thanks, Chad

[quote="Scott S."]Hey Folks, Ran accross the Sony SERVICE PLUS website and found a training disc for the 8000. This may be known already- if so sorry- just stumbled onto it. Scott S. https://servicesplus.us.sony.biz/sony-training-class-details.aspx?ClassNumber=TRAIN0079[/quote] That's the Sony Certified Operator training disk written by Bob Ennis. It's great! RE