I’m not sure if this tops the sharpie DRM but this is hilarious.
So lets see, we’ll spend yet more cash just so our users can hold down shift when they pop in the CD… Yep this will prevent casual copying. Check…
The RIAA/MPAA needs to get real, stop spending millions on a solution that just costs you even more millions. Here’s a suggestion screw your attempts at using your existing PCM format for audio etc. Why not start a push towards next generation devices. Look how quickly DVD was adopted. Why not say yes, Windows Media kicks ass, it’s DRM hasn’t been fully cracked yet and probably won’t be for a little while (LOL). You can use existing CD’s and DVD’s because WMA/WMV is nicely compressed. And to offset the users that will no doubt object to everything being DRM’d with certain restrictions (copy to 5 machines), start using higher standards for your audio. There’s no reason why every DVD can’t be HD like that T2 release, and there is no reason why all CD’s can’t be encoded with WMA Pro using 5.1 sound.
Sure it’s going to require new hardware that will read WM. There’s more and more audio hardware that reads WMA, and if I remember right there’s a couple DVD players coming that will do WMV (Panasonic?). But they could just easily do what they’ve done for a while, simply include both for a bit. Even if it means an extra disc. Within a couple years (read 5), things might actually be looking up for them and they might make money again.
On the other hand, don’t. What do we care, we’ll enjoy your antiquated distribution system and enjoy the benefits of your mistakes.
