09/28/2008, 10:20pm, EDT
Sunday, September 28thWal-Mart to shut down DRM servers Oct. 9
Wal-Mart is following the actions of Microsoft, Yahoo and Virgin, shutting down its DRM (Digital Rights Management) servers on October 9. The move will render any Wal-Mart-purchased, copy protected WMA music files inert if not burned to CD prior to the server shutdown. Boing Boing is reporting that Wal-Mart has emailed customers warning them of the impending server shutdown and its effect on their collections.
"If you have purchased protected WMA music files from our site prior to Feb 2008, we strongly recommend that you back up your songs by burning them to a recordable audio CD," the message reads. "By backing up your songs, you will be able to access them from any personal computer... Beginning October 9, we will no longer be able to assist with digital rights management issues for protected WMA files."
The email adds that customers will not be able to transfer songs to other computers after the October 9th cut-off or access songs after changing or reinstalling their operating system or in the event of a system crash.
The server shutdown will finish Wal-Mart's transition to completely DRM-free music downloads, which begun in 2007 and was prompted both through lackluster sales of protected music and initiatives by major labels to produce a stronger alternative to iTunes. Universal Music Group chief Doug Morris in particular has complained of Apple's online store as imposing "golden handcuffs" through its popularity, which forces Universal and others to accept Apple's terms for music sales if it intends to remain successful; the company has since deliberately withheld DRM-free music from iTunes while switching to MP3 at several other major stores in a bid to render them iPod-compatible and reduce a dependency on the electronics giant.
Filed under: industry, audio
Other story tags: Microsoft, Yahoo, Universal, Wal-Mart, DRM, Virgin
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Makes iTunes alt Less
This should be something purchasers should consider when buying a Zune. When you look at market share, the Zune is still very small. While it's seems to be growing and it's latest iteration has gotten decent reviews, M$ has a track record of abandoning previous users of their now defunct DRM.
It's very interesting seen the role reversal between M$ and Apple, because a very similar argument could have been made with Window and Mac OS, though Apple never just quit it's OS (evolution of OS' withstanding).
WalMart should refund
everybodies money. They did it for the movies they 'sold' last year. Music isn't any different. User's shouldn't have to downgrade their music by re-encoding it twice [to a CD as audio and back as MP3 or AAC] just to keep using their so-called "purchase".
Yes, but
Yes, that would be the right thing to do. Who ever heard of such a thing. Buy a song and then it's gone. What a rip off. Yet, a proper copy shouldn't "downgrade" the music. Depending on how you encode your files, there should be no discernible loss of sound quality. I would say that it is a monumental drag to do so and would only buy DRM free music to begin with. I use the iTMS these days to check for music via genius etc., then buy DRM free, higher bitrate at amazon. Many are doing this, as evidenced by Amazon's recent rise in popularity.
Y'know though
The MP3 format Amazon uses is stone age: a 128kbps AAC file has much more quality than a 256kbps MP3 file (and uses less space!) But, hey, it's MP3, so it must be good right?
The steady and ongoing decay of DRM'd music is a good thing though.
more power to Apple
More reason to only buy from Apple, all these other companies screw you.
intert
How does music become intert?
Re: more power to apple
More reason to only buy from Apple, all these other companies screw you.
No, it is less reasons to buy from Apple, at least for DRM'd music or video. Everyone makes the assumption Apple's servers won't go down some day, but why worry about the future. Just go DRM-free.
customers win
Ultimately, it's a win for consumers.
@testudo
"No, it is less reasons to buy from Apple, at least for DRM'd music or video. Everyone makes the assumption Apple's servers won't go down some day,"
Yes, it is possible for Apple to shut down some day. BUt these "GREAT anti-iTunes replacements" are shutting down now or have already shut down. Everything dies. these just died early cause people don't want them. Just a thought. ;-)
PS. Apple started the down load revolution and also started the DRM free revolution (remember EMI?) but cannot force the music to allow it to offer DRM free. Its THEIR call (just for those who do not know better.... and you know who you are. :-) )
Just a thought.
en
customers win
Ultimately, it's a win for consumers.