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Real DRM
Cinematique writes "C|Net is reporting that RealNetworks has released a format-independent Digital Rights Management software called Helix DRM. Real states that MP3, AAC, and even OGG can now be released with a DRM wrapper. And this is groundbreaking how? More importantly, do they expect content producers and consumers alike to really adopt this?"
I've successfully kept any and all Real software of my machine for two years now, and not felt the least bit sad about it.
At least on Windows machines, installing their software means you've installed a LOT of registry keys everywhere, plus you get several programs that default to starting with Windows.
Even uninstalling it leaves crap everywhere. And their ad-ridden players are massively annoying.
Quicktime is getting worse in the same way, but I'm more likely to download a Quicktime video than a Real one anyday.
So do whatever you want, Real. I'll be happily counting the days until your extinction.
They did get real. They know that any "protection" they put on their "content" will be no more complex then ROT13. However they have the DMCA - doesnt matter if the DRM stuff is any good, as long as it's illegal to own or distribute a tool that can be used to break it. 90% of people that currently nab mp3's and divx's off edonkey wont when they have to go to the trouble of installing a non-DRM signed program-to-break-drm onto their computers. Especially when any efforts to do this will be reported to the FBI, department of religious purity, department of homeland security and Microsoft Marketting.
Real Has been dead to me since they released Realplayer G2. Realplayer 5 was reliable, simple, small, and unintrusive. Since they released G2, it's been a downward spiral of overbloat, Adware and Spyware.
In Soviet Russia, Trojan exploits YOU!