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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
jlind325is
113 posts
 
All the more reason to buy physical media. I buy CDs then rip them for use on my music server and iPhone. I can then make a million copies if I want, rip them at whatever rate I want and whatever format. The cost savings is negligible compared to the freedom physical media affords.
nieuwen
60 posts
 
Why not use something like dBpoweramp which can convert files from ALAC (Apple "lossless" format)to FLAC? Check out their website: www.dbpoweramp.com/dmc.htm
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.
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