Sony Doing An End Run Around Its Own DRM

glassgnost writes "According to a story at CNN, Sony has an odd response to complaints from fans who have discovered they cannot import their CD content to an iPod. Individuals who complain to Sony BMG about iPod incompatibility are being directed to a Web site that provides information on how to work around the technology. In short, some labels appear to have been instructing customers how to defeat DRM -- which, IIRC, is a violation of DMCA." From the article: "For now, the copy-protected discs work only with software and devices compatible with Microsoft Windows Media technology. Apple -- the dominant player in digital music -- has resisted appeals from the labels to license its FairPlay DRM for use on the copy-protected discs. The DRM initiatives are generating complaints from fans, many of whom own iPods. The message boards of artist fan sites and online retailers are filled with complaints from angry consumers who did not realize they were buying a copy-protected title until they tried to create music files on their home computers."

Comments

Blaming Apple

[powerpuffgirls]

Interestingly SonyBMG is blaming Apple for the lack of support.

I think this situation is bound to happen, when your right hand doesn't know what your left hand is doing.

Re:Blaming Apple

[Gizzmonic]

To be fair, Microsoft is at least willing to license the DRM. Apple refuses to do so.

I guess we all just imaged that Motorola iTunes phone then?

Apple is willing to license the DRM. Sony would rather use this incompatibility as a competitive advantage for its portable players over the iPod (Gee, we've never seen this strategy from Sony before have we?). Once again Sony fails to realize that you can't annoy your customers into buying their crap.

Best advice: Bring 'em back

[randalx]

Instead of circumventing the copy protections, I hope most are simply returning their cd. Obviously they only care about their bottom line and not the trouble they put their "consumers" through. It's the only way they might get the message.

Are they trying to pull a fast one?

[kizzbizz]

"Unfortunately, in order to directly and smoothly rip content into iTunes it requires the assistance of Apple. To date, Apple has not been willing to cooperate with our protection vendors to make ripping to iTunes and to the iPod a simple experience. If you believe that you should be able to easily move tracks from your protected CD to your iPod then we encourage you to use the following link to contact Apple directly and tell them so. http://www.apple.com/feedback/ipod.html"

So, they are trying to convince me that the reason THEY are DRM-ing their CD's is because of Apple? Im sorry, but who do they expect will be convinced by this? We're not talking about Momma and Poppa Joe here who will be complining- this will be educated individuals from the internet generation. These people will easily be able to see right through this decieteful childsplay. This is a foolish act by Sony that makes them sound like even more of faceless evil megacorporation than they already do.

Re:Are they trying to pull a fast one?

[SlimFlem]

I'm so sick of all this blame-game bullshit being played by the music industry and I'm sick of all the crying and whining by the RIAA. This bullshit article tries to push the term "protected music" like it's doing something for you and making your life better but damn Apple for messing up my "protected music" experience. What the hell kind of shit is that? I don't want, need, or will never buy anyone's stupid ass "protected music". Please, it's all a bunch of shit. I don't miss wasting my hard earned money on cd's at all.

Re:Text of the canned circumvention email

[paulm]

Dear Customer,

    We are sorry that you are having problems driving the car we sold you without
a steering wheel. An easier and more acceptable solution requires cooperation
from the DOT to install tracks which your car can ride on and be guided to
approved locations. To help speed this effort was ask that you contact your
local DOT.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance.

The Sony BMG Automotive Support Team

Re:Text of the canned circumvention email

[crimoid]

Dear Consumer,

        We are sorry that you are having problems driving the car we sold you without a steering wheel but you were a complete sucker for purchasing such a vehicle in the first place.
        We realize that you have a choice when purchasing automobiles and are happy that despite our products' defects you still choose to buy them. Your sheep-like loyalty is appreciated.

The Sony BMG Automotive Support Team