Can you provide a link to where HEVC is a Studio only function? I still use DR16 and am able to edit HEVC videos (takes 1 extra step). I posted a video on YouTube showing how to do this. A few people have commented they can't get it to work with DR17 and if it's a studio only issue, then I'd love to pass on the info... but looking for actual documentation that says it's only studio version.
Video that shows how to use DR16 & HEVC :