sh0ck3r on 19/6/2009 at 15:02
Basically, I'm a little confused that Apple claims that iTunes's music files are DRM-free when there still seems to be signfiicant restraints on them. DRM-free would seem to mean you could download the file and do whatever you want with it, with no limitations imposed. But it seems there are still limits (like how many machines you can access the songs on or something along those lines), although these might have been eased somewhat compared to in past versions.
Is calling the files DRM-free a misnomer, or are they in fact DRM-free and free of restraints and I have the wrong information?
Matthew on 19/6/2009 at 15:22
Most files are DRM-free, to my knowledge. The rest are slowly being replaced with DRM-free versions - the old DRMed ones had a 5-account activation limit and I think you may only be able to access an iTunes account from 5 different computers before you have to revoke access for some.
Aerothorn on 19/6/2009 at 17:08
Of course, all the music I bought is still DRMed (got it because I won a gift certificate) so I can't play it outside of iTunes, which I don't use.
If you want to download tunes, use Amazon, eMusic or Zune Marketplace (depending on what you're going for) - iTunes is basically a crappier version of Amazon (which is 100% DRM-free).
Zerker on 19/6/2009 at 21:33
All current iTunes music is DRM free. As Matthew indicated, the information you found probably applies to the existing DRM'd tracks which iTunes still supports, or video purchases. I have no trouble playing any of my music on my Eee PC through Rhythmbox, which is pretty good evidence of the lack of DRM.
Aerothorn, in the absence of any CURRENT DRM, I fail to see any compelling reason why iTunes is crappier. On the other hand, the Amazon music store is still US only only in the US, UK, Germany, and France (so says Wikipedia). But not in Canada.
uncadonego on 20/6/2009 at 00:43
g2p.org
