EMI and other international labels are in talks with Microsoft, discussing how their content should be handled in the next generation OS code named Longhorn. Apparently, the labels are not sure whether to protect their CD's or not, but what they are sure of is they don't want Redmond taking too much control. They are hoping for a framework or platform to place their content upon. They do not wish to be shackled by any technology from Microsoft. Rather, they want "a consumer friendly" copy protection like iTunes. Meanwhile, Microsoft has given the labels their ideas on how they would like to see copyrighted materials handled.
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The discussions over copy protection and Longhorn are in some sense very theoretical, based on expectations of future technology developments and future consumer behavior. The music labels have been experimenting with ways of putting new copy controls on CDs for several years but have released only a few albums with the technology in the United States, with mixed success. Microsoft's next operating system is also far from release. The company recently pushed back Longhorn's planned launch date until late 2006, and it is still working out details of a "Secure Computing" plan that some have said would help make digital rights management technologies much stronger. However, EMI, in particular, has previously talked with Microsoft about ways to make copy protection a simpler experience by building support more deeply into the operating system, Munns said. One idea from the record label side would be to let the operating system recognize a CD, when it is put in the tray, and automatically set in motion whatever usage rules have been specified by the label itself on the CD. This might include limits on the number of copies that can be made or what rules would be associated with a digitally "ripped" file, for example. |
Whatever is done, they must be sensitive to the growing variety of personal electronics that are becoming so popular. Too many DRM "solutions" and the end user is going to get upset if there is a compatability problem. DRM in any form for a stereo CD seems ridiculous. The prices are high enough to compensate for any supposed loss of sales revenues through sharing. At least the latest polls seem to indicate that sales are virtually unaffected. Providing a disc with DRM will either add to the cost of the product to the consumer, or if not passed on will further undermine profits for the labels.
If you buy a CD now, it isn't so you can all huddle around the stereo in the living room, you want portability. Muck that up and the consumer will think twice before purchasing another disc.
Source: C|Net
