MP3 getting antipiracy makeover

Found on CNet News on Monday, 01 March 2004
Browse Computer

The venerable MP3 music format, the technology most widely associated with unrestricted file swapping, is getting a makeover aimed at blocking unauthorized copying.

Thomson and Fraunhofer, the companies that license and own the patents behind the MP3 digital music technology, are in the midst of creating a new digital rights management add-on for the popular format, a Thomson executive said Tuesday.

Caldwell said he expected to see devices and services supporting the protected MP3 format by the end of 2004. The plans were first reported by the Los Angeles Times.

As long as you can play it, you can convert it. You could convert the file to a DRM free format. Or re-record it; most audio editors can do that. Even if the players will disable recording software, you still can plug line-out into line-in.