Topic: Sony BMG DRM for audio CD's (Read 11188 times)

JimH · « **on:** November 01, 2005, 04:56:31 pm »

Maybe this has been reported previously, but some of Sony / BMG's audio discs will install "special" software on your PC.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=598261

This is worth a read.

Alex B · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2005, 05:18:35 pm »

It has been discussed at Hydrogen Audio too: http://www.hydrogenaudio.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=38439

On XP the Tweak UI utility can be used for disabling the AutoPlay function: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

Myron · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2005, 06:23:48 pm »

This really sucks!!

If they were to spend a fraction of the time spent on DRM on making it easier for us to buy music legally, we'd all (incuding Sony) be so much further ahead.

For Shame....

Griff · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2005, 06:57:13 pm »

Thanks,

Great reading.

Something from the other end of the stick:

http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/archives/004106.php

JimH · « **Reply #4 on:** November 02, 2005, 10:30:37 am »

Another good article here:
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,123362,00.asp

hit_ny · « **Reply #5 on:** November 02, 2005, 11:11:58 am »

Sony might not be the only one doing it

..going by what i read elsewhere

Alex B · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2005, 11:39:09 am »

From: http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/faq.html

Quote

What is the bit rate that the audio files I move to my computer are encoded in?

Windows Media Audio (WMA): 128 kbps
ATRAC3: 132 kbps

I'd like to have lossless files instead. Should I contact Sony/BMG with the provided form?
http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/form1.html.

hit_ny · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2005, 01:27:28 pm »

Why not ?

jgreen · « **Reply #8 on:** November 02, 2005, 03:05:42 pm »

This is why I no longer envy the young. DRM, WMD, VD, you name it. As best as I can tell, the youth of today are paying the tab for my fun.

I read the article cited by hydrogen, and it appears, XP64 is immune to the patching/hooking that the sony DRM employs.

Quoting Alex B:

What is the bit rate that the audio files I move to my computer are encoded in?

Windows Media Audio (WMA): 128 kbps
ATRAC3: 132 kbps

--Does this mean that the CDs Sony is printing and selling now are 128 kbps and not 1411 wav? If so, what would possibly be the reason for buying a CD, DRM aside?

LonWar · « **Reply #9 on:** November 02, 2005, 04:03:17 pm »

All they are doing is annoying the honest people.

Sony's music for the most part is available on the web, a few day's before or on the release date.
So there not annoying the people that upload it, they are annoying the people that want to by the CD, and do what they want with it, ie, Copying for the car, Ipod, work computer... etc.

Alex B · « **Reply #10 on:** November 02, 2005, 04:19:35 pm »

Quote from: jgreen on November 02, 2005, 03:05:42 pm

--Does this mean that the CDs Sony is printing and selling now are 128 kbps and not 1411 wav? If so, what would possibly be the reason for buying a CD, DRM aside?

The CDs have also the standard audio content, but Sony/BGM allows only the copyprotected low quality files to be used on Windows PCs and has tried to hide the CDA content.

The funny thing is that because the malware doesn't work on Mac computers the Mac users can access the standard CD Audio content without restrictions.

I guess the same is true for the Linux and other OS users too.

Alex B · « **Reply #11 on:** November 02, 2005, 04:56:52 pm »

Quote from: imjustagamer on November 02, 2005, 04:03:17 pm

All they are doing is annoying the honest people.

Sony's music for the most part is available on the web, a few day's before or on the release date.
So there not annoying the people that upload it, they are annoying the people that want to by the CD, and do what they want with it, ie, Copying for the car, Ipod, work computer... etc.

I really don't get this.

I have ripped Audio CDs for years. After the year 2000 or so I have used the original audio CDs only for transporting the contents from shops to my home PCs. My PCs are connected to hifi systems and my server is the main audio source. I can play all music I have ever bought through the home LAN in a lossless or a high quality lossy format.

Now the record companies are making my life difficult by changing the rules. It's really "nice" to be a paying customer.

In an ideal world, I could buy lossless music albums from Internet at the price of standard audio CDs. One album would contain the audio files in a lossless format without any DRM, a pdf booklet and a package of high quality album art image files. That would be a good next generation "music album" product. The record companies should understand what the customers' needs are.

LonWar · « **Reply #12 on:** November 02, 2005, 05:07:18 pm »

Quote from: Alex B on November 02, 2005, 04:19:35 pm

The CDs have also the standard audio content, but Sony/BGM allows only the copyprotected low quality files to be used on Windows PCs and has tried to hide the CDA content.

The funny thing is that because the malware doesn't work on Mac computers the Mac users can access the standard CD Audio content without restrictions.

I guess the same is true for the Linux and other OS users too.

There are rippers that will still buypas the crap and allow you to rip your cd's.
Saddly, MC is not one of those rippers.

Alex B · « **Reply #13 on:** November 02, 2005, 05:16:27 pm »

Quote from: imjustagamer on November 02, 2005, 05:07:18 pm

There are rippers that will still buypas the crap and allow you to rip your cd's.

It is easily possible, but I don't think it is legally allowed if the content is DRM protected (this may vary from country to country). That I meant by the changed rules.

JimH · « **Reply #14 on:** November 02, 2005, 05:43:56 pm »

You're correct, Alex.

marko · « **Reply #15 on:** November 02, 2005, 06:06:32 pm »

it's ridiculous.

as they up the ante, the pirates gain more self-gratitude demonstrating their leet skillz at bypassing the protection.

I recently purchased the X&Y cd from coldplay, and for some obscure reason, neither of my TDK drives could rip the tracks. I found it easier to locate lossless copies on the internet than jump through hoops trying to get it done here.
I was, and still am, cheesed off about that to say the least.

ijag's reply above (#9) is absolutely right on the bullseye as far as I'm concerned. somebody, somewhere, in a corporate suit really doesn't have their finger on the pulse at all. Alex, you say you don't get it. He's saying the exact same as yourself. They've changed the rules and your life difficult, annoying the paying customer, but the whole exercise is pointless because the albums still get released into the pirate's realm regardless.

As for legally allowed, "home taping has been killing music" for as long as I've been buying it, and as far as i can tell, it's still going strong 25 years later. If we went out and bought it, we should be able to rip it to any format we desire. Wonder if there's any "Mac emulator" software out there?

When all's said and done though, there's little our posturing in this thread is going to affect it. The whole affair just seems like such a sad waste of rescources on Sony's side of the fence.

Alex B · « **Reply #16 on:** November 02, 2005, 06:30:29 pm »

Quote from: marko on November 02, 2005, 06:06:32 pm

Alex, you say you don't get it. He's saying the exact same as yourself.

Actually, I meant just that. My wording was sloppy. I should have written: I really don't get this whole DRM thing...

I just hope that threads like this in the user forums all around the globe can have some influence. Hopefully many readers besides the few posters understand and spread the message.

marko · « **Reply #17 on:** November 02, 2005, 06:41:44 pm »

Quote from: Alex B on November 02, 2005, 06:30:29 pm

Actually, I meant just that. My wording was sloppy. I should have written: I really don't get this whole DRM thing...

Not like you at all

I did think it might have been that, read it a couple of times but couldn't decide which way you were going. no offense meant.

Quote

I just hope that threads like this in the user forums all around the globe can have some influence. Hopefully many readers besides the few posters understand and spread the message.

Amen to that.

LonWar · « **Reply #18 on:** November 02, 2005, 07:03:22 pm »

The new BMG protection is really annoying as well, If I want to put it on my computer it has to be wma, Oh and it says on the back

"This may not be compatible with iPods.." WHAT!!! Doesn't apple have like 85% of the handheld market? This really is getting out of hand.

marko · « **Reply #19 on:** November 02, 2005, 07:17:36 pm »

The sad truth is that the kids of today will likely just treat it as a "cool feature". "Hey man, check out this neat free player that came with this CD, wow, look at that, it even lets me make a copy" and by the time they all wake up, if they ever do, it'll be way too late. We are peddled a strong stereotype of the "net savvy" teenager, but my experience is that the majority of them are incredibly naiive and impressionable while sat at their pc's laughing at BonziBuddy's latest joke!!!!

the ipod thing might jolt a few of them mind you!!

LonWar · « **Reply #20 on:** November 02, 2005, 07:27:25 pm »

No, I don't think they will see it as a neat feature.... I think it will drive more people to find creative ways of obtaining the music without the disc.

Why would any company want to exclude the iPod.... That is just STUPID.

jgreen · « **Reply #21 on:** November 02, 2005, 07:30:35 pm »

Quoting Alex B:
"I just hope that threads like this in the user forums all around the globe can have some influence."

Not unless you tear it up and smoke it, then maybe it will have some influence. Look at all the time and money Bill Gates has spent developing the "secure media path" in Windows Vista, when not a single customer requested it.

The record companies have the right to do what they want with their property, but I think they're the ones smoking the threads, or rope. Piracy is widespread, and yet CD sales are down only 10%? How many people my age are listening to Brittany Spears, or buying yet another copy of the White Album, once they've (legally) digitized their CD? That CD sales are as strong as they are, given an aging market and some really terrible new music, seems to prove that piracy isn't cannibalizing sales.

But that's not the point, of course. The point is that there are people out there getting something for nothing, most of whom would otherwise not get anything for nothing--they're not the RIAA's customers.

LonWar · « **Reply #22 on:** November 02, 2005, 08:01:04 pm »

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/ptech/10/04/music.copy.reut/index.html

Here is a interesting CNN link from 10/4

Seems like some artists are telling fans how to buypass the DRM..... Funny.

marko · « **Reply #23 on:** November 02, 2005, 09:25:27 pm »

by email..
someone needs to fill out this form and post the reply...

http://cp.sonybmg.com/xcp/english/form10.html

GHammer · « **Reply #24 on:** November 02, 2005, 09:42:34 pm »

Personally, I'd just return it to where I bought it. Let the retailers tell them that DRM isn't a great idea.

If I wanted something that has this system on it I'd don my black eye patch and get it in a useable format...

ThatAdamGuy · « **Reply #25 on:** November 03, 2005, 12:27:57 am »

Quote

[...]I recently purchased the X&Y cd from coldplay

No offense, but as long as people continue to purchase (and not return) these CDs, it seems a bit hypocritical and unproductive to complain about the record companies' anti-consumer practices.

I respectfully urge everyone to boycott CD purchases (except from independent labels) until the labels reform their ways. As long as we keep giving them money, nothing's going to change for the better.

glynor · « **Reply #26 on:** November 03, 2005, 12:44:12 am »

Without admitting defeat (or that they did anything wrong), of course... Sony has backed down somewhat by issuing an uninstaller which disables the Rootkit in response to the criticism. It does not appear to actually uninstall the DRM software, and probably does not disable the extra filters it adds into the CD-Rom driver chain, but it appears to claim to remove the "cloaking" (the hiding of the "$sys$" files, folder, registry keys, and services).

It's still a stinking piece of crud to have it on your system. Anyone who doesn't turn off Autorun in the first few minutes with a fresh Windows install is just asking for trouble in my opinion (and not just because of this).

This kind of stuff makes me sick and angry about where we seem to be headed. For those of you who didn't see this rant, the MPAA is actually now in the business of writing legislation for copyright protection! (I forget, which constituents elected them?) This particular lobbyist-law they are pushing proports to be about closing the "A-Hole" (no, I'm not kidding, read the article). I think it's time to stop corporate business-model wellfare and let the open market work as it should. I think this is as much about the corruption of capitalism as anything else.

As someone said in the discussion thread...

Quote

I know few a-holes that could use some "plugging".....

hit_ny · « **Reply #27 on:** November 03, 2005, 01:29:48 am »

Sony is in a strange postion regarding music nowadays. This used to be the company that invented the Walkman. Then they bought lots of music and their music division has more clout than their engineering division. They hate the iPod btw.

It's this pulling from opposite directions that has resulted in the CD mentioned above.

Matthew · « **Reply #28 on:** November 04, 2005, 08:50:29 am »

http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/10/sony-rootkits-and-digital-rights.html

AnyDVD gets around this new Sony protection.

http://www.slysoft.com/en/

bob · « **Reply #29 on:** November 04, 2005, 09:12:24 am »

Quote from: imjustagamer on November 02, 2005, 07:03:22 pm

The new BMG protection is really annoying as well, If I want to put it on my computer it has to be wma, Oh and it says on the back

"This may not be compatible with iPods.." WHAT!!! Doesn't apple have like 85% of the handheld market? This really is getting out of hand.

It works on a Mac though because it just ignores the data track. Since they have to be compatible with a regular CD player there will always be a way to get the content off.

Matt · « **Reply #30 on:** November 05, 2005, 02:48:02 pm »

The circus continues:
http://www.sysinternals.com/blog/2005/11/more-on-sony-dangerous-decloaking.html

datdude · « **Reply #31 on:** November 06, 2005, 08:48:27 pm »

Quote from: camper on November 06, 2005, 08:39:43 pm

In one of my previous lives, I worked for a record company (don't shoot me, please). I was involved in the area of pre-recorded cassettes and 8-tracks (it was a while ago...). One of the things that astonished me was when I was told that 8-tracks were actually designed for a limited life of 100 plays. After that, the record company expected you to buy another copy if you wanted to continue to listen to the tunes.

Even before the days of ripping CDs and DRM, the record companies were trying to control the number of times you could listen to the musci you bought.

Food for thought....

This occurs with virtually every large corportation. The problem is the deception.

datdude · « **Reply #32 on:** November 06, 2005, 09:40:33 pm »

I will never buy music that is DRM'd. At least if I buy a record or CD it WILL play on my home stereo. Not this 'play for sure' if it meets all of the above requirements. And if those requirements change? At least I know my CD player will still be able to play CD's. Computers are too complicated and with DRM, this makes online music a nightmare. I understand their perspective that they don't want to go back to the Napster days but when buying music online that does not sound as good as Cd's or records for that matter along with no liners and then on top of that only being able to play it where they tell you you can, is just plain insanity.

The record companies went to CD to boost sales. This is because it gave people freedom. Records could only be listened to at home(obviously) but eight track and tapes failed because of the quality. CD's boosted the industry because the quality was finally there along with the freedom. It seems like we are going backwards. This situation is the like that NIN song 'the hand that feeds'. The quality is going down(compressed music, no cool tangible product) and the freedom is obviously non existent unless you buy into their entire world and if you leave(monthly subscription, latest format/player software and physical), you are screwed. The only advantage is the diversity now available at your finger tips. However this does not out weigh at least I would think for most people the negatives. But maybe the younger generation is getting stupider and buying(no pun intended) into the online hype. "I trust SONY and Apple buceause their brand is way cool."

. He11 the new Circuit City t.v. advertisements make me feel like a slave every time I am using my laptop like right now.

Record companies need to offer online music with bit rate choices, more artwork, and even throw in music videos when you buy the DRM'd audio file. I can't believe Apple is trying to sell these now. Videos have only been made from a record companies perspective to promote the music itself.

My lord!!! Hopefully these guys will go bankrupt and a new set of RISK TAKING independents will desire to be the next major record company. Only in my dreams will this happen or at least in my lifetime. Oh what it would have been to be living in the 40's 50's & 60's. We need record companies (not media conglomerates) that actually care about the music and not about getting customers into their world so that they buy the rest of their de-valued widgets!!!

JimH · « **Reply #33 on:** November 12, 2005, 04:15:38 pm »

It's been reported that Sony will no longer ship CD's with this form of "protection".

ewingr · « **Reply #34 on:** November 12, 2005, 04:31:58 pm »

I just ran into my first CD (By BMG) that has this crap on it. I"m going to try to take it back, although I'm not sure Best Buy will take it back once opened.

This sucks big time.

[EDIT]
I took it back to Best Buy. They would not refund my money. While I was not surprised, it still made me mad. He said "Sorry, we can't take it back because it's been opened". It's ironic. I understand the reasoning, but I was bringing it back because I couldn't copy it. They wouldn't refund my money because they were afraid I copied it.

I picked it up, smacked it down on the counter and said "Keep it. And, I won't be back here again to spend any of my money". They said "We can't keep it, it's yoru property, sir." They were polite. I said, "It's worthless to me" and I walked out.

I had immediatedly decided to spend the cost of teh CD to make the point with them.

All that said and done, I know it won't make a bit of difference, and someone there will have a free CD.

Oh well.

On to boycotting the companies that put those out, and the resellers that don't provide good service, such as Best Buy.

BullishDad · « **Reply #35 on:** November 12, 2005, 08:40:29 pm »

I've been following this thread ever since Jim started it. Did I miss something or did it disappear for a few days? Either way, I'm glad the discussion has continued.

ewingr, my hat's off to you for making an emphatic point. I may have opted to contact Sony for a refund or make a fuss with Best Buy corporate. I had my own bad experience with Best Buy a few years ago and have spent very little money there since. I am curious, did the CD indicate that it was Copy Protected on the outside? I thought if you don't accept the EULA, you are entitled to a refund. How do you read the EULA without opening the package?

If the record companies ever get the message that copy protected disks won't sell, they won't bother. However, I'm afraid that not enough consumers care about ripping music to their PC. It's great that this issue has made the press and that Sony has backed off...for now. I believe they already have an alternative copy protection that has been used, and they seem intent on finding a way to control how, where and when you listen to your music.

hit_ny · « **Reply #36 on:** November 13, 2005, 05:49:05 am »

Quote from: JimH on November 12, 2005, 04:15:38 pm

It's been reported that Sony will no longer ship CD's with this form of "protection".

Might this have anything to do with the class action suit being filed against them in CA and soon NY ?

I wonder whether it now goes away as a result.

GHammer · « **Reply #37 on:** November 13, 2005, 05:31:47 pm »

I guess it is over for them. MS will remove it, Sony says it is 'temporarily' suspending the thing.
Sometimes when people put software on your system without notice, it backfires.

http://news.zdnet.co.uk/internet/security/0,39020375,39236971,00.htm#zdpoll

ewingr · « **Reply #38 on:** November 14, 2005, 05:33:03 pm »

Quote

I may have opted to contact Sony for a refund or make a fuss with Best Buy corporate.

Would probably have been wiser. Like I said, I made an immediate decision. That translates into not thinking abou it

I did complain to BB via the survey web site. It'll be interesting to see if they even bother to reply.

JimH · « **Reply #39 on:** November 14, 2005, 06:57:35 pm »

Microsoft to the rescue:

http://news.com.com/Microsoft+will+wipe+Sonys+rootkit/2100-1002_3-5949041.html?tag=nefd.pop

Dungeons and Dragons.

JimH · « **Reply #40 on:** November 14, 2005, 07:01:14 pm »

Quote from: BullishDad on November 12, 2005, 08:40:29 pm

I've been following this thread ever since Jim started it. Did I miss something or did it disappear for a few days? Either way, I'm glad the discussion has continued.

It was still here but had moved down to page 2.

JimH · « **Reply #41 on:** November 16, 2005, 09:16:10 am »

Sony has decided to recall the CD's involved and offer replacements.

From the NY Times:

A toll-free number and e-mail message inquiry system will also be set up on the Sony BMG Web site, sonybmg.com.

"We deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause our customers," the company said in a letter that it said it would post on its Web site, "and are committed to making this situation right."

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/16/technology/16sony.html

MerlinWerks · « **Reply #42 on:** November 16, 2005, 09:35:05 am »

More interesting news...

http://www.cdfreaks.com/news/12691

JimH · « **Reply #43 on:** November 16, 2005, 09:48:24 am »

Interesting doesn't begin to describe it! Thanks for posting. Ed Felten below is a well known security expert from Princeton.

The site is:
http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/

and this is the beginning of the article:

----------- from http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/ ----------

Earlier today Ed Felten and I reported a serious security hole opened by the uninstaller that Sony provides to users who want to remove the First4Internet copy protection software. Further testing has confirmed that computers remain vulnerable even after the uninstall process is complete.

Sony’s web-based uninstaller is a three step process:

You fill out an uninstall request on Sony’s web site.
Sony sends you an email with a link to a second request form. When you follow this link, Sony’s site automatically installs a piece of software–an ActiveX control created by First4Internet–called CodeSupport.
After delay, Sony sends another email with a link to a third web page that removes the copy protection software. However, the CodeSupport component remains on your computer indefinitely.
Due to a serious design flaw, the CodeSupport component allows any web site you visit to download and run software on your computer. A malicious web site author can write an evil program, package up that program appropriately, put the packaged code at some URL, and then write a web page that causes CodeSupport to download and run code from that URL. If you visit that web page with Internet Explorer, and you have previously performed at least step 2 of Sony’s uninstall process, then the evil program will be downloaded, installed, and run on your computer, immediately and automatically. Your goose will be cooked.

LonWar · « **Reply #44 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:01:07 am »

Wow.... Am I ever glad, I do not let my CD drive run automatically....

Hey Jim, Is it illegal for a Ripping Program to bypass CD protection? I know it is for DVD's....

Nolonemo · « **Reply #45 on:** November 16, 2005, 02:01:58 pm »

You have to wonder about the astonishing stupidity (at least in a security sense if not a PR sense) of the programmers at First4Internet.

First, they write code that can be exploited maliciously. Then there's a stink about secret installs of hidden code on computers. So they write a fix that (a) not only creates a worse security situation but (b) leaves more junk on the computer!

First4Internet on resume = kiss of death.

glynor · « **Reply #46 on:** November 16, 2005, 03:57:39 pm »

Those that have been following this stuff might find this page an interesting read.

Apparently, the First4Internet code has been discovered to contain LGPL'ed code from both LAME and the id3lib library, without complying with the requirements of the Limited GPL copyright license that both of those packages are distributed under. So, it appears that this "copy protection" software (as laughable as that might be) actually violates copyright law itself!

Apparently, Sony feels that their copyrights are more important than everyone else's.

Also, gamer, to answer your question, IANAL, but "officially" the DMCA should make it illegal to possess or sell a device who's primary purpose is to circumvent "copyright protection mechanisms". However, most of these provisions haven't been tested fully in the courts (and, of course, the DMCA only applies in the USA).

In fact, with this particular DRM package, depending on how widely you interpret the DMCA's wording, TweakUI (which can disable the Autoplay "feature" and defeat the DRM), any Linux computer, and any MacOS computer could all be considered "circumvention devices". In truth, it is exceedingly unlikely that anyone would be actually held liable for circumventing this particular batch of DRM.

This law (and those like it being enacted all across the world currently) is utterly obscene. It says essentially, even if what you intend to do with the tool is legal (and even if what you actually do is legal), the mere possession of the tool itself is illegal. And why? Because the Entertainment industry needs these draconian measures to protect itself from sophisticated Pirates. They tell us this DRM is their solution, for protection against the mean, nasty pirates. (Now, do any of us think the Pirates might use any circumvention device as exotic or sophisticated as a Mac? No, of course not.)

DRM is not and has never been about preventing piracy. It's mostly about controlling the distribution chain. (The other side benefit the RIAA (and MPAA and their ilk) are also lusting after is the ability to charge for time and place shifting.) The Record companies exist because when "recording" was invented, the equipment was expensive, so you needed them. Then, you could do the recording yourself, but how were you going to distribute your music world-wide... You need the Recording Company. But now there is P2P and the Internet, and people have high-speed network connections. The Recording companies are deathly afraid that their "employees" (the artists) will realize that they don't need them anymore. Why get a piddly royalty when you can make the whole shebang?

glynor · « **Reply #47 on:** November 17, 2005, 09:35:05 am »

More fun news today on this. Muzzy apparently discovered more stolen code in the F4I DRM software last night. This time the code in question is covered by the plain, vanilla GPL, rather than the LGPL. Check this blog for more info.

As many of you know, the big difference between the GPL and the LGPL is that the GPL includes the "so-called" viral clause that forces all derivatives of GPL'ed code to also be released under the GPL. This means that using GPL code in a proprietaty product is far more serious, as it should require the proprietaty source code to be released. The LGPL allows you to link to a LGPL'ed library and still keep the rest of your code closed (though you're still not allowed to steal code and actually incorporate it into your source as they appear to have done, and you must include the LGPL'ed source code and license with your product).

The really funny part of this new revelation is the software in question. The GPL'ed code discovered was stolen from VLC, and is actually "the function DoShuffle from a GPL-ed file called drms.c written by Jon Lech Johansen and Sam Hocevar". That piece of code was actually written to allow you to play legally purchased Apple DRM protected content (from the iTunes store) on applications other than Apple's iTunes (in this case VLC). In other words, it is a content-protection circumvention device that violates the DMCA and is one of the pieces of code that "DVD Jon" keeps getting sued over.

It is becomming plainly obvious that F4I was violating copyrights wholesale in their attempts to hack-together their junk code, which was (of course) designed to "protect copyright". The hypocrisy is pretty apparent.

danrien · « **Reply #48 on:** November 17, 2005, 10:28:25 am »

sometimes all you need is a link to make you feel a little better

glynor · « **Reply #49 on:** November 17, 2005, 11:44:58 am »

True, but they still haven't issued a full uninstaller that doesn't seriously compromise your system. So you will eventually be able to swap-out the bad CD, but not get rid of the crud on your system...

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Author Topic: Sony BMG DRM for audio CD's (Read 11188 times)