<p>The only worrying thing about this is that the content producers look like they're all going to be forced by these issues to use Microsoft's brand of DRM whether they like it or not. Windows Media DRM is the only form of DRM software that would already be part of the Windows OS (or easily and "legitimately" added with a Windows update).</p> <p>By their very nature, no customer would say yes to installing DRM software on their computer if they had a choice of still being able to play the audio CD even if the DRM software wasn't installed. The problem for the content providers with the Red Book audio CD standard is that to maintain compatibility with older audio CD players, they have to retain the unprotected audio tracks and can only mess around with extra data tracks that try to hinder ripping of the audio tracks.</p> <p>So much for any sort of third party or Open Source DRM solution to avoid the Microsoft lock-in. (no-one seriously thinks Sony et al with give up on seeking a DRM solution for audio CDs do they?)</p> <p>-Mart</p>

Posted by: Martin Hill 23 Dec 2005