I'm sorry, my guess is this sort of question gets answered frequently but I'm afraid I have not found my answer in forum searches. I'd like to just make sure that my understanding of the different products is correct before I make a decision on which to purchase...

1. The Vienna Instruments are only playable via the Vienna Instrument which is an AU/VST that can be loaded into any host sequencer/notation tool.

2. The Sample Libraries of the Pro and Horizon editions are loaded into existing Samplers in GIGA or EXS24 format.

I am more or less starting from Zero here. I currently use Logic but don't enjoy using EXS24. I really have no desire to purchase Giga - at least not until I can run it natively on a Mac. Also, I am hoping to use your libraries with Sibelius 5.

Currently I am leaning towards starting with the Special Edition (with ext. Library). It seems from there I can extend my collection in the Vienna Instruments I and Vienna Instruments II line of products as I see fit. In fact, there appears to be an "upgrade" path to the Vienna Instrument Symphonic Cube...for when I win the lottery!

The Special Edition seems like a great starting point for somebody who plans to expand (slowly, perhaps) over time.

Thanks for your help. This feels like a big decision...like buying a car or something. I must admit I'm a bit worried about being locked into your proprietary technology in the VI but hopefully you're planning to be around for a while!