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Senate Bill May Ban Streaming MP3s

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the i-like-the-streaming dept.

Silverhammer writes "According to the EFF, a new Senate bill (S. 2644) sponsored by Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Graham (R-SC) would effectively ban streaming MP3 for licensed music by requireing 'casters to use the most restrictive streaming format available (e.g., Windows Media or Real) rather than simply the most restrictive features of a chosen streaming format (e.g., Shoutcast or streaming MP3)." From the article: "The PERFORM Act would ... requir[e] webcasters to use DRM that restricts the recording of webcasts. That means no more MP3 streams if you rely on the statutory license. Under the bill, the statutory license would only be available to a webcaster if: [114(d)(2)(C)(vi)] the transmitting entity takes no affirmative steps to authorize, enable, cause or induce the making of a copy or phonorecord by or for the transmission recipient and uses technology that is reasonably available, technologically feasible, and economically reasonable to prevent the making of copies or phonorecords embodying the transmission in whole or in part, except for reasonable recording as defined in this subsection."

4 of 503 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Well, that's democracy for ya by collectivescott · · Score: 4, Informative

    Are you serious? Stock dividends are pitiful compared to what they once were. The real money is in prediction of hype. The market sustains itself by drawing more money in, not returning it. The money isn't going to your grandma unless she picks the next microsoft or dell. Instead, the money is going into the hands of a relatively small group. The group is just a little larger now.

    http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/P110762.asp

    Guarenteed that all top oil execs are making tens of millions of dollars right now, once you throw in stock options, benefits, bonuses, and pensions. Meanwhile, it costs over 40 dollars to fill up your gas tank. Not that oil is unique, its just a good example. Which leads us to:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_stratificati on

  2. Re:Well, that's democracy for ya by CreatureComfort · · Score: 4, Informative


    I understand your point. I can even logically follow along and agree with your arguement.

    But somehow, the CEO still ends up with the new yacht, and the pensions go unfunded...

    --
    "Unheard of means only it's undreamed of yet,
    Impossible means not yet done." ~~ Julia Ecklar
  3. Secure Audio Path by tepples · · Score: 4, Informative

    Just use Total Recorder

    Total Recorder is a shim driver. Shim drivers don't work if your streaming station requires the Secure Audio Path, which works only on audio output drivers that have been signed by Microsoft as conforming to Windows Media Digital Restrictions Management rules. Drivers must turn off all cleartext digital outputs as a condition of getting signed; all unsigned drivers get silence. But ye still cannae stop the analog hole.

  4. I called Senator Feinstein's office about this by jfern · · Score: 4, Informative

    Here are her numbers:

    DC: 202-224-3841
    SF: 415-393-0707
    LA: 310-914-7300
    SD: 619-231-9712
    Fresno: 559-485-7430

    Or you can e-mail her here:
    http://feinstein.senate.gov/email.htm