Removing DRM - Quick & Easy

Digital Rights Management

removingdrm — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:45:57 +0000

The following is an article from Ezine Articles.com

Also known as DRM, Digital Rights Management, is a form of technology that aims to control people’s access to music. This is a type of software installed in a device that prevents or limits the number of times a music file can be reproduced or shared to other portable music devices. Several content provider companies such as Apple, Sony, Nokia, Geetune and Microsoft have utilized Digital Rights Management as a means to limit the production of their creative materials.

Companies have recognized this as the only possible means to control the use and spread of their materials since they no longer have any other means of controlling them once they reach the hands of the users.

Hence, this was also the subject of a heated debate between music producers or record companies against music buyers. This then causes the question regarding rights to these music files that you have paid for arise.

Coverage of DRM

When browsing through songs on a given online music store library and you find a song you want, you are often asked to click on a “Buy Song” button. But with the introduction of the DRM technology, it would seem more like leasing a song and having partial access rights to it. Thus, if you subscribe to a leasing service, at least the rights are clearer.

Those music files purchased online using the “Buy Song” that are protected by DRM typically contain the following conditions:

*you are only allowed to access the songs in no more than 3 to 5 computers
*you are only allowed to make 2 to 7 copies of the playlist on a CD

Controversy Over DRM

Issues of music piracy, illegal download and transfer of songs has been the major problem facing record companies when it comes to the online music setup. Therefore, DRM seemed the best possible solution to ensure that people who were responsible for the production and creation of the music are well compensated for every use done on the track.

In modern times wherein a huge percentage of music purchases are done online, it could mean a tremendous loss for the music industry if all other unauthorized file transfers are not accounted for. Hence, users are placed in an odd position of whether all songs purchased were really their own, or is it as good as renting rights for using that music. Even with lack of ability to transfer those files for other users, it also omits the capacity to create back up copies for all your music files.

DRM can also be used to limit access to a song or an entire library by time. That is to say that the tracks will expire after some time, when your subscription is over. This will make more sense to people who wish to listen to a variety of songs without having to buy every single one that they like. Akin to renting, this model is beginning to take off in a big way in the USA and even in Asia.

And now, I’d like to invite you to get access to Unlimited Online Music for a low subscription fee every month. This allows you to “rent” your music and play any song you like for as long as you a. Geetune currently has a library of over 150,000 songs.

Shafir Ahmad of http://www.ShafirAhmad.com is a member of the staff at Geetune.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shafir_Ahmad

Digital Rights Management Intro

removingdrm — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:42:24 +0000

Digital rights management (DRM) is a generic term for access control technologies that can be used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals to try to impose limitations on the usage of digital content and devices. The term is used to describe any technology which inhibits uses (legitimate or otherwise) of digital content that were not desired or foreseen by the content provider. The term generally doesn’t refer to other forms of copy protection which can be circumvented without modifying the file or device, such as serial numbers or keyfiles. It can also refer to restrictions associated with specific instances of digital works or devices. Digital rights management is being used by companies such as Sony, Apple Inc., Microsoft and the BBC.

The use of digital rights management is controversial. Proponents argue it is needed by copyright holders to prevent unauthorized duplication of their work, either to maintain artistic integrity or to ensure continued revenue streams. Some opponents, such as the Free Software Foundation, maintain that the use of the word “rights” is misleading and suggest that people instead use the term digital restrictions management. Their position is essentially that copyright holders are restricting the use of material in ways that are beyond the scope of existing copyright laws, and should not be covered by future laws. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, and other opponents, also consider DRM systems to be anti-competitive practices.

In practice, all widely-used DRM systems are eventually defeated or circumvented. Completely restricting the copying of audio and visual material is impossible due to the inevitable analog hole.

Remove DRM From WMV

removingdrm — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:34:00 +0000

You might be familiar with the term DRM if you have ever faced problems with purchased audio video products. DRM means Digital Rights Management. Most music and video based companies exercise DRM rights aimed at piracy control. What it translates to in general terms is that DRM protection allows you to use the files in only one format, and restricts their copying or relocation to other sources.

While this may be beneficial for containing illegal copying of original files, it is actually bothersome for consumers who have paid for it legally. Those customers find that they can avail the product in a restricted format. This restriction applies o being able to copy or move the files in any other format. The solution at hand is targeted towards methods to disable DRM. If you want to know how to unprotect WMV/ WMA files, or how to remove DRM from them, read on.

There are a number of techniques available on removing DRM form WMA/ WMV files. DRM conversion software programs being the most commonly used ones. These programs function effectively in copying and converting WMA/ WMV files to other formats, removing DRM from them. WMV and WMA files that are bought online usually have DRM protection enabled on them.
The best way to unprotect songs is by removing DRM protection by using appropriate software programs that are obtainable online.

Ever since DRM related problems have been cropping up, many ways have been devised to remove DRM protection. Of these techniques the frequently used ones were to burn files and then rip them. These methods employ the use of auxiliary programs or hardware, like a CD burner and CD ripper, which are not applicable to all consumers.

The other procedure implied that the files were recorded and converted to other formats, thus removing DRM from WMA and WMV files. Such programs are now accessible online, making the lengthy method easier to avail to.

DRM policies have confined people and limited their options of utilizing the bought products freely. As a result, many new ways have been devised to eliminate these problems. In turn, music and video industries come up with even more restricting policies to stop people from removing DRM.

This creates a frictional relationship between product companies and buyers. It would be a better option to figure out ways that suit both producers and consumers without making piracy easier. Apple’s iTunes is one music company that does not apply DRM to its files, instead, it charges a little more on its products. Similar methods should be found and applied by other audio/ video companies.