Labels demanding common protection standard for downloads

The major record labels have had it with the confusing array of DRM schemes. So much so that they are ready to take on Apple and Microsoft and push for a common standard for digital music. They say the want to avoid a damaging situation such as when consumers were burned in the VHS Betamax war of the 80's.

They are determined to ensure that music fans with portable digital music players such as Apple's popular iPod can download and play tracks from online shops running rival Microsoft copyright software. Jay Berman, the chairman of global trade body the International Federation of Phonographic Industries, said the labels would work together to put pressure on technology companies to establish a common standard for downloads. Apple, which makes the popular iPod portable music player, has insisted on using its own propriety format for songs downloaded from iTunes music store, while rival sites use alternative  technology developed by Microsoft. However, the decisions have caused havoc for consumers - tracks downloaded from iTunes will only play on an iPod while tracks downloaded from rival services such as Napster, My Coke Music and MSN will not. And other portable music devices, such as those made by Creative, Rio and Sony, are not compatible with iTunes but do play tracks downloaded from the dozens of rival services.

Well, it is a noble cause, but of course it is in the benefit of the labels to not have to worry about compatibility and it's impact on sales. However, they are really taking on what would seem to be an impossible task. Apple will not or can not open up their standard to competition. They have always held the stance that the download portion of their business model was not a money maker and is not much other than a service to move iPods. 

Apple has an extremely popular platform, having sold some 100 million tracks to place on the number one consumers choice player, the iPod. They are not going to want to let go of this situation and will ride the crest as long as they can. Who can blame them? In addition, I cannot see Microsoft backing down either as they have funneled so much time, effort and money into their DRM scheme. Right now, they are more interested in playing catch up to Apple and also trying to gain more market share for their protection, just like everyone else. To me this is an example of the tail trying to wag the dog. One minute the labels are dragged kicking and screaming into the digital market place, the next, they are trying to tell the innovators how it ought to be run.

Source: The Guardian