Sony BMG dropping DRM
DRM is dead, long live the MP3. OK, dead might be an overstatement, but Sony BMG is the latest major record label planning to offer music in the unrestricted MP3 format. For years, Sony, EMI, Universal, and Warner have insisted on using digital rights management software to limit music piracy. But now each of the major four labels is offering up at least a portion of its library in DRM-free MP3 or AAC formats.Why the change? Partly because as time goes by and consumers are used to paying for music from online retailers like iTunes or Amazon MP3, fewer people are turning to pirate networks to get free music. But more importantly, over the last few years Apple has developed a near-monopoly on the music download business. And while the record labels are certainly profiting from their relationship with Apple, they also don't want to be locked into selling their music through just one channel. By offering DRM-free music, they can help boost Amazon MP3 and other online music retailers that are competing with Apple.
It's not clear how much of Sony BMG's library will be available DRM-free. But the company does plan to participate in Amazon and Pepsi's upcoming Super Bowl promotion to give away 1 billion DRM-free tracks.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Victor Agreda, Jr. said 1:01PM on 1-04-2008
I'm giving my hacked DAT recorder a big ol' hug today.
I wonder if part of this is because the MP3's they offer aren't as hi-fi as some would like? Or is that an issue?
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Todd said 10:47AM on 1-04-2008
Oh BTW the Sony "MusicBox" website is a Drupal site and I want to point out the hypocrisy.
Sony doesn't mind taking form the Open Source community in order to low its development costs ( Drupal is a very nice, turn key web site and content management platform that is completely free for anyone to use ) BUT they infest all their MP3s with DRM to prevent distribution.
And let's no forget the whole rootkit fiasco from a few years back:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Sony_BMG_CD_copy_protection_scandal
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts
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Demodave said 2:09PM on 1-04-2008
Ever since Amazon started offering DRM-Free MP3 files, I have purchased at least a $200 in legal MP3's.
The number of DRM-Restricted files purchased ever? None. Thank God that the big companies are starting to realize that if they offer their music at a fair price AND put no restrictions to it, that the majority of the fans will gladly purchase the tracks from a legal source. We are not thieves!!
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kingkool68 said 1:38PM on 1-04-2008
Sorry I'll still continue to download my tracks for free. Same with software.
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