An update on Windows 8 is that it will be supported in Lightworks V11.1 with the latest HASP drivers and this is to be released in Beta shortly.

The next version of Lightworks 11.1 is now available as a Public Beta (11.1.c) for Windows. Anyone wanting to test it can find a link in their forum announcements page to join the Beta testing program. New Lightworks Version 11.1.c Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=34984&Itemid=81#34984)

A number of the new features require the Pro Version of Lightworks, although there are also improvements to the free version.

Note this version supports Windows 8

For people wanting to use or try out Lightworks Free, the Eyeframe converter seems to be the current tool of choice by a number of people for translating files into a format that can be used on the Free version. It's written by a member of the Lightworks forum. Links and a video tutorial can be found on the Lightworks forum in the thread on Eyeframe.

Since this now seems to be getting lost amongst the threads on the Lightworks Forum: EyeFrame - easy convert video to and from Lightworks (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=23&id=30817&Itemid=81)

There is a new beta available for testing: 11.1d

New Lightworks Version 11.1.d Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=36182&Itemid=81#36182)

The 64 bit version is only available to Pro users (as against the Free version).

Of interest to people wanting to trial Lightworks is that "MP4/AVCHD (MTS/M2TS) media to be imported into the Free version as transcode only"

There is an updated unofficial "Hints and Tips" pdf for V11. It's not yet on the Lightworks downloads page, but can be found in the first message.

A "Hints and Tips" unofficial PDF in progress (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=27&id=7325&Itemid=81)

You need to use this in combination with either the Quick Start or the full User Guide.

I gather there is a book on using Lightworks being written, but I imagine it won't be published until the mac version becomes available.

There is now a pdf available of the Lightworks terminology: A Guide to Lightworks Lingo (Terminology) (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=27&id=10290&Itemid=81)

It's basically the contents of the first post, but you have to register on the web site and be signed in order to see the link to the pdf.

The latest public beta of Lightworks, version 11.1e,, is available for testing. A number of features are only available on the Pro version (this includes 64bit).

New Lightworks Version 11.1.e Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=38946&Itemid=81#38946)

New features include updated installer to include latest Sentinel RTE (6.51), which allows installation on Windows 8

MP4/AVCHD (MTS/M2TS) media to be imported into the Free version as transcode only

Also improvements and updates for handling RED material.

Further details of the 11.1e beta: RedShark News - Lightworks drops need for QuickTime for H.264 as new Windows Beta is launched (http://www.redsharknews.com/post/item/416-lightworks-need-for-quicktime-for-h-264-as-new-windows-beta-is-launched)

I gather they're hoping to release the next beta version in the near future.

The latest public beta 11.1f is available for testing. New Lightworks Version 11.1.f Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=40373&Itemid=81#40373)

Added preliminary support for native H.264 MOV handling without using QuickTime (work in progress)
Added initial 48fps file support
Plus other new features.

Lightworks 11.2
At NAB 2013, EditShare will be previewing the new Mac OS X version of Lightworks.

NAB 2013: EditShare Unveils Major Upgrades Across Entire Line of End-to-End Tapeless Workflow Products | Broadcast Engineering [primary-term] press release archives (http://broadcastengineering.com/nab-2013-editshare-unveils-major-upgrades-across-entire-line-end-end-tapeless-workflow-products).

Also, a training certification program for Lightworks will be introduced later this year.

There's also "the first official full-length demonstration of Lightworks for Linux" in the next few days.

Lightworks have announced 30th April as target release date for releasing V11.1

Important Update About Lightworks (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=42353&Itemid=81)

30th April is also the launch date for the public beta of the Linux version.

They're also close to announcing the Alpha program for the Mac version. Anyone interested would be advised to keep a close eye on the Lightworks web site, because the places testing the Linux alpha went extremely quickly.

There are a number of new on line Lightworks tutorials available these are additional to the tutorials found on the Lightworks web site ( http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=192 ). The subjects include installing, an introduction and using the bins. ;

I gather they'll be revealing these tutorials on a weekly basis with a small, downloadable project, which includes sample footage and a script

The public beta of 11.1g is now available.

New Lightworks Version 11.1.g Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=43043&Itemid=81)

This is working towards a target release date of 30th April for 11.1.

Whatever happened to the promised Mac OS X version?

The Mac version is previewing at NAB 2013. It's about to go into alpha testing, if you're interested in being a tester it would be worthwhile keeping an eye on the Lightworks web site. I gather the Linux alpha testing places went extremely quickly.

Their development plan has been Linux first because it's en route to Mac OS X.

Editshare are previewing the Mac version of Lightworks at NAB. Editor Scott Hill will be giving talks about his work and Lightworks.

[

From Their Website;

"We will be showing a preview only of Lightworks running on Mac at NAB 2013. This means we are nearly ready to announce the Alpha Program for Lightworks on Mac. More information will follow soon."
Important Update About Lightworks (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=42353&Itemid=81#42353)

Here's a video interview about Lightworks, just after the AVID interview at 5.00 minutes in.

NAB 2013: Avid Media Composer 7 and Lightworks for Mac by Scott Simmons (http://provideocoalition.com/ssimmons/story/nab-2013-avid-media-composer-and-lightworks-for-mac)

Also with a interview with Editor Scott Hill

Scott Hill uses EditShare: Lightworks at NAB 2013 - YouTube

Here's a demo of the Mac version by Matt Sandford from Lightworks.

Lightworks beta demonstrated at NAB 2013 running on Mac OSX - YouTube

Public beta version 11.1H has been released.

New Lightworks Version 11.1.h Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=44460&Itemid=81#44460)

The release version has a target date of 30th April and work has started on version 11.2, which I assume won't be too far away.

The Linux version is due for public beta on the same date.

For people who want to test Lightworks on Linux, the public beta is now available.

Lightworks Linux Public Beta Is Now Available To Download (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=44717&Itemid=81)

It's part of their three operating systems plan for the program.

The release version 1.1.1 has been delayed possibly until the second week in May. There are some remaining unresolved issues that were found in the public betas.

I gather the upcoming 11.2 version will handle 4K, the current versions only do RED at these resolutions.

The Lunix public beta is now available.

The Lightworks Shark Bytes Tutorials can be found on YouTube. Unfortunately I can't put up the link because it doesn't work here, but google will help find the directory listing these videos. On the page there's a link to sample footage that you can experiment with.

Go ahead and post the YouTube link, Brian -- I'll make it work.

Thanks Chris, here's the link to the play list of Shark Byte Lightworks tutorials. These are being added to on a regular basis, there are also links to various other resources beside the play list.

Lightworks Shark Bytes Tutorials - YouTube

If you click on the title "Lightworks Shark Bytes Tutorials" in the top bar, you get through to the playlist page.

Addition: The latest 11.1 public beta is available for testing.

Came across this thread while looking for something that can use the .mxf files from my Canon XH100.

I've looked at the website, as well as reading on this forum, and I'm still not sure I've got an answer to the question of whether the free version will import my .mxf files. And from reading other threads on DVInfo.net, do I need to keep the file structure from the CF cards? I've just added the clip folders to the same folder on an external drive, as I didn't know I wasn't supposed to do that.

My editing needs are quite simple and straightforward, and I've been using premier elements for some years - I just don't need the extra features of expensive software. But the files from my newest camera are causing a problem.

Thanks

With the current free version (11.0.3) you'll need to convert your files into a more friendly codec. The free version being more limited than the Pro version.

EyeFrame is the current favoured software. it was developed by members of the Lightworks Forum.

EyeFrame Converter | Easy convert to and from Lightworks (http://eyeframeconverter.wordpress.com/)

EyeFrame - easy convert video to and from Lightworks with time code, reel name and proxies (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=23&id=30817&Itemid=81)

There's a tutorial video explaining how to use Eyeframe at these links.

The upcoming free11.1 version will transcode more of the codecs found on many consumer cameras.

Thanks Brian - I'll take a closer look at it sometime this week.

it looks like I'm in for a steep learning curve as soon as I can find time to concentrate on it. I guess I might have had second thoughts about upgrading my camera (the Sony A1 for infra-red work) if I'd known about the different file format.

Best way to learn Lightworks is to watch the videos and look at the guides. Don't try cut and pasting, use the bins in combination with the racks and play with it, there's a simple logic to it.

The EyeFrame seems to get around many of the codec limitations on the free version and makes life easier for people with less powerful computers.

The latest version of EyeFrame converter has Wine friendly menus.

EyeFrame Converter 1.7.6 with Wine friendly menus and key shortcuts and MediaInfo generation is out! | EyeFrame Converter (http://eyeframeconverter.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/eyeframe-converter-1-7-6-with-wine-friendly-menus-and-key-shortcuts-and-mediainfo-generation-is-out/)

This should assist Linux users convert various codecs to Lightworks free ver. friendly ones. A full Linux version seems to be a work in progress by members of the Lightworks forum or at least on the wish list.

More Shark Byte tutorials have been added and the series (together with the original getting started basic videos) can now be accessed on the Lightworks web site.

Shark Bytes (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=84&Itemid=202)

There are now over 500,000 registered at the web site.

The latest Lightworks beta 11.1k is available. This has improvements for native MP4/H.264 mov handling. New Lightworks Version 11.1.k Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=46319&Itemid=81)

Their target date for the release 11.1 version is 28th May 2013, which will include the new EditShare Licensing (ELS). This means that Lightworks will no longer be using HASP, the cause of installation problems for a number of users.

The new public beta is 11.1L is available for testing. This has the new EditShare Licensing (ELS), which they hope will avoid the issues that HASP was causing for some people.

New Lightworks Version 11.1.l Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=46906&Itemid=81#46906)

To coincide with the upcoming new release and the new licensing Editshare are introducing for the first time "a 30 day Pro Trial license allowing users to experience the full power of Lightworks Pro". However, I'm not sure if this trial is just for the beta testers.

28th May remains the target date for the release 11.1.

The latest Lightworks version 11.1 for Windows is now released.

New Lightworks Release 11.1 Now Available To Download (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=47233&Itemid=81#47233)

Key features are native MP4/H.264 mov handling and the new EditShare Licensing Service (ELS). The latter overcoming problems that people had with HASP Licensing.

Lightworks v11.1 - New Features Overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHyREuvuDh0&feature=youtu.be

There are two versions the Free and the Pro with an annual subscription. Also new is a 30 day free trial of the Pro version that's currently being offered with the Free version. 11.1 now also transcodes some consumer codecs for importing into the Free Versions, while the Pro version can edit them natively. 64 bit is only available in the Pro Version.

For Free version users EyeFrame developed by Lightwork's forum users, converts to Lightworks friendly codecs EyeFrame - easy convert video to and from Lightworks with time code, reel name and proxies (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=23&id=30817&Itemid=81)

I gather version 11.2 is now on the stocks will feature 4k and is due out later in the year. The current version only handles RED in those larger resolutions. The target for the Mac version is IBC.

An interesting thing that's happening is editors using Lightworks in combination with other NLEs.

The Lightworks free version is now available as 64 bit in 11.1.

Also new is the licensing for AVID DNxHD, which is now included in the installer in a locked state. It's now also available for purchase to use with the Linux beta.

Important Update About Lightworks (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=47457&Itemid=81)

A warning to anyone before you part with your money.
Before you buy the Pro version make sure that Lightworks does not crash your system.
It reminded me so much of Liquid (which was bought by Avid and was then scrapped) that got a bit carried away and bought the Pro version without checking that Lightworks was stable on my system.
Now I have spent £48 for Lightworks which crashes Windows XP every time I open it.
I cannot find any way of getting support from Lightworks and my post to the Lightworks forum has had no response after two days.

Yes, it's a good idea to try out the Free version first

I don't know the cause of your problem. The Lightworks forum is usually very helpful, but with the new licensing system there's a bit of learning curve for the members now that it's out in the wild. Unfortunately, the developers etc tend not to be around the forum over the weekend to give support, so you may have to wait until Monday unless the members come up with a solution. However, I've had Lightworks people sorting out a drive problem on my computer and they're keen to find out what problems are out there, so that they can do a fix.

Lightworks does have another support method if you can't get the information or help you need on the forum: Report a problem (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_lwks&view=helpdesk&Itemid=195)

This is separate to having a support contract, which I'd assume is much more hands on..

EDIT It seems that someone has a similar problem to yours with a LTO and they suspect it's a Windows issue.

Thanks Brian
I had not found the report a problem link. Thank you. I will try that.
I posted the problem to the forum on Thursday morning. I was hoping to play with it this weekend so it is a bit frustrating not to be able to do that.
I really hope that I can get Lightworks to work because from what I have seen so far it looks like it could become my NLE of choice.
Liquid and Avid run on my system without any problems and the specification seems to meet the minimum requirements for Lightworks.
The windows screen that comes up after each crash implies that it is newly installed hardware of software that is causing the problem and says to speak to the developers.

Quite a few people on the Lightworks forum use Windows XP, so it could be a conflict somewhere in your computer.

I normally use CS6 but I don't like the idea of renting software in the future so I was looking for a possible alternative. I have had a similar problem with frequent crashing on opening with Win 8, fortunately using the free version. When it was working, I found it unintuitive to use. Frankly is it worth the hassle? Should I persevere?

NLEs are very personal things, for it to work you have to give up the way you used Premiere. If you try to use them the same way you'll find Lightworks confusing and unintuitive. Lightworks has a very simple logic and once people lock into it they often find that it's the other NLEs that are unintuitive. Lightworks'' strength is as a story telling editor, if that's what you basically do, it's worth persevering.

It's worth checking out the keyboard short cuts, these can be AVID, FCP or Lightworks. I feel that the latter make more sense of the way Lightwork works, but JKL etc are similar. There's a keyboard image of the Lightworks key layout that can be printed out on one of the threads.

If you're experiencing frequent crashing when opening with Windows 8, I'm sure the Lightworks developers would like to hear about it.

The problem with Lightworks is that its trying to preserve an antiquated method of film clip management as if he computer doesn't exist. The designers are trying to preserve a work flow that has been effectively done away with by modern computer file management. The old timers that worked with rooms of film clip stored on shelves and in individual boxes want to continue to work that way. The reason that modern NLE' s developed the waythey have was to eliminate the ineffiencies of the old way, and Lightworks needs to adapt or disappear. J ust my opinion, based on my attempt to learn a bit about this NLE.

I'm not sure if you're referring to the terminology used e.g racks and bins, which are basically just folders. The interesting thing about Lightworks is that you can use it in a number of different ways, you can break everything down into sub clips or you can just select the clips you want to use on fly. You can do endless edits of the same scene and select the one want.

Apart from mostly using just the mouse, you can use the keyboard or for really fast editing the tactile Lightworks console, however, that's expensive pro gear, so quite a few users have a ShuttlePro v2.

In the future, will Lightworks break everything down for you in the future and automatically log into CUs etc? Who knows. Large productions still use slates, while single person crews use computer files, so there is a range of needs. There has been catch up in aspects of the program, in other areas it was still ahead of the others, although that's a moving target.

As an side, I've noticed that the Lightworks program seems to get smaller with each new version, so the developers seem to be trying to avoid bloated software.

I sense that the thing editors like about Lightworks is that it doesn't try to get in the way of the material. You're aware of the material, rather than the program. However, it's not a drag 'n drop program, although it can do that, but you do need to check the user guide for the full key + mouse combinations to make full use of it and it's not the fastest way to edit.

I just installed it and imported some non critical work, what I noticed immediately how painfully slow the import process was, what is just a few seconds in edius took over a minute in lightworks and it was only about 60 videofiles, could it be that lightworks conforms the audio during import so you have a preview of the waveform right after import?

The nle is very responsive though and it's amazing that they can pack a full nle in just a few mb's, but it's also a massive learning curve if you are coming from another nle, like starting all over again. If I would not have the cash to buy from the major players I sure would try to learn to use it. Think I"ll use it on a next personal project just to get the hang of the most basic functions.

I gather that Eduis carries out importing operations in the background, which I understand Lightworks doesn't (at least currently) do or at least in the same way. This seems to be one of the Eduis strong points and could be a factor in deciding which NLE you select to use.

Did you download the 32 bit or 64 bit Lightworks? You can either link to or transcode on import, which could affect the import speed.

I don't know what importing changes the Lightworks 11.2 version will have, it seems to be an area the developers are working on.

The problem with Lightworks is that its trying to preserve an antiquated method of film clip management as if he computer doesn't exist. The designers are trying to preserve a work flow that has been effectively done away with by modern computer file management.

I suspect that Editshare's other post production products may hint how Lightworks might fit in the longer term. Flow Browse - EditShare (http://suport.editshare.com/products/flow/flow-browse#simple1)

My impression of the philosophy is that they want the program to present the material so the editor can make new connections without distractions. How well that works can be open to debate, in the past, the arguments between Avid and Lightworks editors were just as fierce as between mac and PC users. That Editshare is run by former editors (although very much involved in the modern digital workflow), rather than computer people may influence the overall approach.

A public beta with fixes for some bugs that some people found when installing the original 11.1 release has been put up for testing. It's only intended for those people to test.

New Lightworks Version 11.1.1.a Now Available as Public Beta (http://www.lwks.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=19&id=47840&Itemid=81#47840)

I just installed it and imported some non critical work, what I noticed immediately how painfully slow the import process was, what is just a few seconds in edius took over a minute in lightworks and it was only about 60 videofiles,.

I did a quick check on importing some material, with a create link import it was pretty much instantaneous, while it takes time if you transcode on import. Transcoding is something you're more likely to need on the Free version because of the limited codec options.

For the person on a budget, Lightworks does work well on the lower powered computer. There's a small percentage of users with Windows XP and some of the LInux users were upset that they could only beta test the 64 bit and not the 32 bit version.

I believe you can still buy a turnkey Lightworks setup, although the software is the same you'll have all the hardware.

Correction: Max resolution apart from RED - 8bit, 10bit and 16bit DPX files are fully supported in Lightworks for import and export, at resolutions up to 4K.

DV Info sponsor Videoguys is now selling a Lightworks keyboard and software bundle. Videoguys.com - Search for "lightworks" (http://www.videoguys.com/Search/Search.aspx?Query=lightworks) The software & keyboard can be bought separately. I guess there may be reduced delivery costs for people in the US compared to buying directly

There are another 4 Shark Byte tutorials, these deal with Drag & Drop,

I gather Editshare is hoping to introduce off line activation for Lightworks in the near future.

BTW If anyone has any suggestions for features on Lightworks, the developers do read their Feature Requests section. The suggestions can cause a bit of debate, but over time quite a few do turn up in the program.

Edithare have announced that the Mac version of Lightworks will be demonstrated during London’s third annual SuperMeet. Third Annual London SuperMeet || Creative Pro User Group Network (http://supermeet.com/)