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Universal Music Prepares for Copy-Protection Complaints

Posted by michael on from the buy-return-repeat dept.

tregoweth writes: "Universal Music Group is preparing for the onslaught of complaints about their copy-protected CDs. They've launched a customer support site, which includes a FAQ ("Can I get a copy of this CD without the copy protection?"), tech support ("Why can't I copy the disc to my hard drive?", which they don't actually answer), a description of the reasons that you can get a refund (including some playback "issues" I hadn't heard about), and the fearsome legalese covering the audio player and compressed audio files included on the CD." Our previous story has more information.

6 of 695 comments (clear)

  1. The implications are ominious by uigrad_2000 · · Score: 5, Funny
    The CD will play in PCs that meet the following minimum system requirements: PC with at least Pentium® 133mHz or compatible processor, 32 MB RAM, CD-ROM drive, soundcard and speakers, Microsoft ®Windows95®, Windows98®, Windows2000®, Windows ME®, Windows XP® or Windows NT 4 ® with Service Pack 4.

    If my "PC" doesn't have Windows, it hasn't met the "minimum system requirements" to play a CD.

    It must be time to "upgrade"!
    --
    Free unix account: freeshell.org
  2. Re:Simple response by joss · · Score: 5, Funny

    > Sure, you may not be the next Britney Spheres, but why would you want to?

    So I could grope my own tits

    --
    http://rareformnewmedia.com/
  3. This actually helps people to pirate cd's... by Faile · · Score: 5, Funny

    "UMG has authorized all retailers to accept returns. If you have experienced any of the following problems, you may return the CD (even if the package is opened) accompanied by the receipt, to the retailer that the CD was originally purchased from for a full refund: *anything*"

    In other words I can buy a CD, rip it ('cos we all know it can and is being done all the time, protection or not) and return it fullprice :)

    --
    Anataka suki desu. Itsumo. Itsumademo.
  4. Re:Flood 'em with e-mails by sdo1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Or better yet, email them the ripped .wav files and ask them to remove the pops and clicks and send it back to you.

    -S

    --
    --- What parts of "shall make no law", "shall not be infringed", and "shall not be violated" don't you understand?
  5. FAQ updated! by Boatman · · Score: 5, Funny

    Q. Why have you copy-protected the CD?
    A. It's an integral part of our plan to increase our profits without providing extra value. It has the nice side-effect of making everybody into lawbreakers. This is the step after "steal underpants".

    Q. Are you going to copy-protect all CDs from now on?
    A. Shyea!

    Q. Can I get a copy of this CD without the copy protection?
    A. No. Well, yes. Until we finally get rid of gnutella. And freenet. And ftp. Then no, definitely.

    Q. Can I play this disc in my PC?
    A. The CD will play in computers that meet the following minimum requirements:
    * Internet connection

    --
    --Just the place for a snark!
  6. Even Better Response by mbcbvn · · Score: 5, Funny
    Hedge your bets. Write a nice little note like this and insert it into the liner notes.

    "Hi there, I am the previous owner of this CD. If you bought this CD thinking it was new, guess again. I returned this CD to [the store I bought it from] because it is defective and will not play in many CD players and computers. I suggest you do the same. And while you're returning it, ask them how this note got into your shrink wrapped CD."

    --
    dd