Activation and licensing

The show file KeyboardTEK delivers is the content. The activation is the right to perform it. They arrive together in the same invoice email but do different jobs, and understanding the difference makes managing licenses, extending a run, and switching machines straightforward. For the files themselves and how saving works, see Files and saving.

How activation and licensing works


The show file and the activation are separate

KeyboardTEK delivers both a show file and activation key in the same invoice email, but they do different jobs. The show file is the content; the activation unlocks it.


How activation works

There are two methods to activate a show file.

  • Activation key (the standard method): type or paste the 24 characters. Requires a one-time internet connection to verify with KeyboardTEK's server. This is how almost all productions activate.
  • Activation file (the alternate): drag the .kta  into KTPlayer's activation dialog. No internet required. Useful when the venue has no network, or you're activating multiple machines.

Once installed, you'll be able to use the show file until the expiration date. KTPlayer does not need internet access or the .kta  file.


Why expired activations stay visible

KTPlayer doesn't remove expired licenses, they stay in the activations table as a history. You can't delete an expired entry, and don't need to.

Extending a run

If your performance window extends, you don't need a new show file. You need a new activation.

  1. Contact KeyboardTEK with the new dates.
  2. They issue a new activation key or .kta  file.
  3. Install it via File → Activate a license….
  4. The dates for that title will refresh in the activation table.

The show file on disk is unchanged, but the active period is updated.

Moving to a different machine


Your production licence allows the show file to be activated multiple machines with the same key or .kta file.  Follow the same process to install KTPlayer on the other machine and copy the .ktd  and .user  file over.

Confirming activation

When you open an activated show file, the bottom bar shows who the license is registered to and how many days remain. If that line isn't there, the file isn't activated.

When an activation fails

Activation can fail in a few ways:

  • No internet, activating by key. The key needs a one-time check with KeyboardTEK's server. Use the activation file instead, or move to a network-connected location for the activation step.
  • Wrong key entered. Activation keys are 24 characters. Re-paste from the invoice email; don't retype.
  • Already activated on another machine. Each license is single-machine. Contact KeyboardTEK if you need a transfer

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