eHomeUpgrade: Stop Using Microsoft Windows Media Player and Buying DRM-Wrapped Media NOW!

[Jeremy Charette]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/3052/stop_using_microsoft' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/3052/stop_using_microsoft</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Sure the title might sound alarmist, but when you realize all you are losing in regards to rights and licensing privileges when purchasing DRM-wrapped content, you'll agree that whole scheme reeks of injustice. Below are the details of new changes in Windows Media Player 11 which differ quite a bit from what users were able to do in Windows Media Player 10 – in particular the ability for users to backup their content licenses (we're now at the mercy of the studios with Microsoft's help)."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/3294.jpg" /> <br /><br />If you want to stop DRM...good luck. This is merely a continuation of the long fight between copyright holders and consumers. As CableCos, Telcos, and Consumer Electronics companies all fight for your dollars, they're going to attach their own DRM to the content you purchase, effectively creating a "walled garden" that they'll let you into, for a fee. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Just expect to miss out on a lot of premium and exclusive content, even moreso as time goes on. I intend to adapt, rather than complain.

[Felix Torres]

I intend to adapt, rather than complain.

Sensible.
Not much sense in fighting the tide.

Funny how they make a big stink about WMP11, which simply lets *providers* set their terms, when Apple gets a free ride on its pod/iTunes lockdown DRM restrictions that don't even let you choose *where* to play the music. &lt;shrug> Double standard? Nah! :roll:

To me, a hardware-independent DRM solution is preferable to a solution that ties you to a specific brand/model, given that, like it or not, in the post-Napster era we *are* going to have to live with some kind of DRM.

Would be nice if the publishers trusted us not to steal, but considering how many customers *do* steal media, there isn't much chance of a DRM-free world any time soon...

So, yes; we adapt or do without.

[Jason Eaton]

Not sure I follow on the Apple not letting you decide *where* part, care to elaborate Felix?

Perhaps I fall outside the example your thinking of, or inside the DRM restrictions perhaps, as I haven't had any issue of using my three (yes I counted them) purchased tracks for iTunes on my home computers and two iPods.

**** Edit ****

Morning caffine is setting in, the where being type of player? As in move my music from Creative to Sandisk?

With Zune coming up and yet another logo/certificate/requirement is 'Play for Sure' really working? If I read the writing on the wall looks more like everyone wants to go the intergrated root with their own devices.

Let me drink a little more soda I might disagree with myself in a minute.