Is the end of DRM in sight?
May 14th, 2007 by 
stuart
After February’s letter from Steve Jobs, on the Apple website regarding his vision for an end to DRM. Mr Jobs argued that the copy protection software used to protect digital music downloads from piracy has not worked. In the letter he outlines a world where the record industry abandons so-called Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems.
A Media event was held by Apple and EMI, today with the topic of, the removal of DRM from EMI’s catalogue.
Apple and EMI have announced that EMI will be releasing their catalogue on iTunes without the usual DRM. This is happening under the guise of Premium downloads, with an increased price tag.
From press release: $1.29 for premium tracks (DRM-less), $.99 for standard (DRM), and $.30 for upgrade
The changes will also cover EMI music videos, but will incur no extra charge. There has been no announcement regarding other labels removing the DRM restrictions, but Steve did mention 2.5 million premium tracks available by year end, so it seems the end of DRM may be indeed be in sight.
Premium downloads will be available next month (May).
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