More audio CD burning copy protection being developed

June 8, 2004

DamnedIfIknow used our news submit to tell us "Let"s see.....first, we"ll raise the price of legally purchased downloaded music to more than what it costs you to buy it in the store. Next, we"ll dictate how people who bought it can use the music. Yeah, that"s it. Consumers will love us! NOT!!! These "clowns" need to be driven out of business! I pray there"s a special place in HELL for Macrovision!"

Well, don't candy coat it, tell us how you feel. I must admit this DRM is getting out of hand. Maybe SunnComm can go with them at a group rate.

SunnComm said a version of its new "secure burning" technology is already being tested by BMG Music Group, the world's fifth-largest record label and the most aggressive to date in pushing CD copy protection schemes in the United States. Macrovision's version is expected to be ready in the next few months.

If implemented widely, the new technology would mark a substantial change in the way ordinary people can use purchased music, possibly alienating some customers, analysts said. Given the costs of piracy, however, the labels are moving ahead cautiously in the hope of striking on a formula that works.

Rivals SunnComm and Macrovision are both saying that these same CD burning limitations could be applied to digital download services such as Napster or Apple Computer's iTunes, as well. Digital download businesses and the record labels will then lock horns once again, over how much "freedom" to allow online purchasers to have with their digital purchases.

Source: C|Net