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Are New DRM Technologies Setting Vista Up For Failure?
PetManimal writes "Computerworld has picked apart the way Vista handles DRM in terms of hardware and software restrictions. Trusted Platform Module, Output Protection Management, Protected Video Path and various Windows Media software components are designed to 'protect' copyrighted content against security breaches and unauthorized use. The article notes that many of the DRM technologies were forced upon Vista by the entertainment industry, but that may not garner Microsoft or Hollywood any sympathy with consumers: 'Matt Rosoff, lead analyst at research firm Directions On Microsoft, asserts that this process does not bode well for new content formats such as Blu-ray and HD-DVD, neither of which are likely to survive their association with DRM technology. "I could not be more skeptical about the viability of the DRM included with Vista, from either a technical or a business standpoint," Rosoff stated. "It's so consumer-unfriendly that I think it's bound to fail — and when it fails, it will sink whatever new formats content owners are trying to impose."'"
Why didn't the entertainment empires force this DRM crap on OSX in the same way, they should be small fry compared to Microsoft.
With regard to Music, OSX already has this. It is called iTunes and the Apple Music Store. OSX is very heavy into DRM, the only real difference here is Apple IMPOSES the DRM on THEMSELVES and they ONLY ALLOW THEMSELVES to sell the songs to their customers. (Which in my book is far and above just DRM, it is borderline consumer lockin that is fraud - since they DRM the OS, the software, the hardware they sell (iPod) and even the music DRM format themselves are Apple creations.)
If OSX wants to play HD movies, they will have to have the same DRM in hardware than Vista does, or they will NOT be able to play HD movies that are DRM protected. PERIOD. The difference here? OSX doesn't YET support HD Movies, so with the next Apple tax of $129 upgrade, you will get HD capabilities in OSX and also all the DRM fun that comes with it.