[UPDATE # 4] Transitioning from TL3 to TL4: Everything You Need to Know
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Hello everyone!
As the launch of Telescope Live 4 (TL4) approaches, we know many of you have questions about how the transition from TL3 to TL4 will work.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared details about TL4’s exciting new features and the retirement of Advanced Requests.
Today, we’ll cover how your data, subscriptions, and credits will transition to TL4 and what you need to do to prepare.
Our goal is to ensure a smooth migration, giving you all the details you need so you can continue your astrophotography journey without interruption.
Key Transition Dates
- TL4 Launch (expected in Q2 of 2025 – we are aiming at launching the platform in April) - TL4 will introduce a completely reimagined platform with the Partners Network, a revamped Gallery, and improved dataset management.
- Parallel Operation of TL3 and TL4 - TL3 and TL4 will coexist for a transition period, allowing you to continue using Advanced Requests and access legacy data while exploring TL4.
- TL3 Retirement (expected in June/July 2025) - After this date, TL3 will be shut down, and all features will no longer be available.
What Happens to Your Data and Features?
Observation Bundles and One-Click Observations
Not all One-Click Observations and Observation Bundles from TL3 will migrate to TL4.
Since these observations were automatically scheduled based on telescope availability, they often had inconsistencies in exposure balance, calibration, and dataset structure. Because TL4 is built around a structured, curated dataset model, only Observation Bundles that meet the new platform’s quality standards will transition as TL4 Datasets.
Why Won’t All TL3 Observation Bundles Migrate to TL4?
Not all One-Click Observations and Bundles align with TL4’s dataset-first approach. Some of the key reasons why certain TL3 Bundles won’t transition include:
- Unbalanced exposure times across filters, making post-processing more difficult.
- Limited or inconsistent calibration, reducing data reliability.
- Fragmented observation sessions, leading to incomplete or suboptimal datasets.
Since TL4 prioritizes high-quality, structured datasets, only One-Click Observations and Observation Bundles that meet strict quality standards will be migrated and restructured as TL4 Datasets.
This ensures that every dataset in TL4 provides a consistent, high-value experience for all users.
What This Means for Your TL3 Data
If an Observation Bundle from TL3 is migrating to TL4:
- Users who grabbed more than 50% of its One-Click Observations will receive the full dataset in TL4.
- Users who grabbed less than 50% will only receive a sample dataset. A sample dataset is equivalent to about 1 hour of exposure time.
Any One-Click Observations or Observation Bundles that are NOT transitioning to TL4 will remain accessible on TL3 until June/July 2025. That’s why we strongly recommend downloading any data that is not transitioned and that you may need before this cutoff date.
Advanced Requests
As shared in the last two updates, Advanced Requests will not transition to TL4.
If you missed those announcements, TL3’s Advanced Requests system will be retired in June/July 2025 and you can read more here (UPDATE #2 & UPDATE #3)
Here’s what you need to know:
- You can continue submitting Advanced Requests on TL3 until June/July 2025 – even though we recommend you don’t start any big project that cannot be fulfilled in a short time.
- We strongly recommend downloading any data tied to Advanced Requests before TL3 is retired.
- TL4’s curated dataset model and Partner Network will introdu
Subscriptions and Credits
- Your TL3 subscription will automatically transition to the equivalent TL4 tier.
- Platinum and Diamond plans (previously designed for Advanced Requests users) will transition into the new Gold Plan, which includes TL4’s curated datasets and community-driven features.
- All unused credits from TL3 will transfer to TL4, allowing you to continue using them for datasets, Wallpapers, and tutorials.
Gallery and Wallpapers
The majority of images from the TL3 Gallery will be migrated to TL4, ensuring that your processed work remains accessible in the new platform.
However, some images will not be transferred to TL4. This applies in cases where:
- The image does not have enough metadata to link it to a migrated dataset.
- The image was created using a dataset that will not be available in TL4 (since every Wallpaper in TL4 must be associated with an existing dataset).
- The image was processed from Advanced Requests, which will not be migrating to TL4.
For images that won’t be migrated, you will still be able to access and download them on TL3 in read-only mode until June/July 2025. We recommend reviewing your Gallery and saving any important images before this transition period ends.
Tutorials
- All tutorials will seamlessly migrate to TL4, with an improved interface and better search and recommendation features to help you find the most relevant content for your astrophotography journey.
- New tutorials will continue to be added, just as they have been in TL3, ensuring that you always have access to top-tier educational content.
Getting Ready for TL4
To ensure a smooth transition, here’s what you should do:
- Download Your Data - Check your Advanced Requests and non-migrated One-Click Observations. Make sure to download anything you need before June/July 2025.
- Familiarize Yourself with TL4 - Review our previous updates and sneak peeks to learn more about TL4’s features.
- Stay Connected - Keep an eye on your email and the Community Forum for updates, tutorials, and beta testing opportunities.
FAQs About the Transition
Will I lose access to my data during the transition?
No. All migrated data will be available in TL4, and TL3 will remain accessible until June/July 2025 so you can retrieve any remaining data that is not migrated.
What happens to my unused credits?
Your credits will transfer to TL4, and you can use them for Datasets, Wallpapers, and Tutorials.
Can I use both platforms during the transition?
Yes! TL3 and TL4 will operate in parallel for a transition period, giving you time to adjust and complete any ongoing projects. However, you will not be able to grab any new One-Click Observation or Bundle from TL3. In other words, TL3 will work in read-only mode during the transition period.
Will my subscription cost change?
No. Your subscription price will stay the same, and you’ll retain all equivalent benefits plus the new features in TL4.
Looking Ahead
The transition to TL4 is more than just an upgrade - it’s a new era of astrophotography.
With an intuitive interface, curated datasets, and community-driven features, TL4 will provide a seamless and enhanced experience for astrophotographers of all levels.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or concerns about the transition, reach out to our support team or join the discussion in our Community Forum.Thank you for being part of this journey. The future of astrophotography awaits!