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Digital Rights Management and iTunes


This topic has been mentioned in a few threads for various reasons.

It seems many of us are trying to better organize our digital music libraries on computers.

Although I like iTunes and the iPod interface, I do not like DRM complicating my life for files I have purchased and rightfully own.

Similarly, I am currently frustrated that the Apple "lossless" format is proprietary and therefore cannot be used on my new HiFiMan player as I try to migrate to that player for higher portable fidelity.

So for the first time last night thanks to a suggestion in another thread, I noticed that it is not so complicated to back up a purchased iTunes library by "ripping" to CD.

Then, if I take that ripped music, and RE rip my backup CD - presto - I get unencumbered WAV files on my hard drive?

I suppose that adds a step in the process, but otherwise pretty surprising that DRM is so easily defeated?

Again, I am only doing this with music and files I have purchased and paid for from iTunes.

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.
cwlondon

Showing 2 responses by ckoffend

ckoffend
684 posts
 
Ahhh, the downside to the newer versions of i-Tunes. I have worked hard to not upgrade iTunes and with it the more restrictive DRM. Of course by not upgrading, I swear iTunes can never find the album artwork for any CD is rip.

I buy most my CDs on Amazon, used. Typical price is $3 delivered, maybe splurge for $5-6 for a SACD, delivered. Just yesterday I had a short list of 3 new CDs I wanted and all three were available used, all three from different retailers delivered for under $10.

My library has an excellent source of music - both new and old, classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, you name it.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
srwooten, you are right, I just went back and checked my receipt from yesterday. Shipping/handling was $2.98 so my average price paid is $4 delivered. I think $4 is still a good price for a CD that I want. I no longer just go out and buy CDs that I am not familiar with. It's too easy to find them at the library or listen to them on-line to determine if I like them - knowing that the online listening does not provide much info. as to the recording quality. But truth be told, if I like the music sometimes I have to live with less than stellar recording quality.

In my area, I have really limited access to used CD stores and those that do exist are usually selling for the $3-$6 range and the selection obviously isn't as good as Amazon.

I have not found any CD's for $0.01 on Amazon, but I am sure a few exist.
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