iTunes’ promise about DRM almost delayed
EMI and Apple said DRM-free tracks would be available on iTunes by the end of May. There’s only a few days left, but the word is that they will deliver. According to the generally well-informed French site MacBidouille, one thing that’s held up the DRM-free higher-quality versions is a desire for a ‘big bang’ release rather than dribbling them out over a period of time. MacBidouille’s source is anonymous, but said to be well informed. PaidContent offers a different spin, interpreting an EMI spokesperson’s comments to mean that an “exclusive” item to be part of the release of Paul McCartney’s solo back catalogue will be the ‘one more thing’ to accompany the arrival of DRM-free tracks. It will be interesting to see the effect that DRM-free digital downloads will have on the market.
On one hand, people want to be able to play the music they buy on any device they own, whether that’s an iPod or another portable player, a phone, all their computers (including the one at work) and so on. On the other, it will be even easier for those so inclined to distribute unauthorised copies of DRM-free downloads as they won’t have to go to the trouble of ripping the tracks from a CD. The trouble is, EMI’s decision to combine higher-quality encoding with the removal of DRM means it will be very difficult to see which characteristic is most valued by buyers. The proponents and opponents of DRM will probably find a spin to put on the outcome - whatever it turns out to be - of EMI going DRM-free.
Source: ItWire, NYTimes
DRM free downloads is one thing, but I think they need to rethink DRM completely. As it stands right now, DRM for music and video ONLY impacts the legitimate customers. It in no way prevents piracy, and in no way effects the pirates.
The only people that will ever encounter this DRM are the ones actually paying to download a tune or buy a DVD. But as a pirate, you never really encouter it as it’s been broken or bypassed, and you are free to do whatever you want.
I know I’m not the only person that has purchased something legally to find that I need to break copy protections, and the law, to actually use it. So I end up downloading shit I already own or are going to buy, so I am free to watch it on my laptop or listen to it at work freely, and easily.
I guess this is why you see them moving the DRM From the media to the devices themselves.