EMI has announced that it will release its music catalogue DRM-free.
Although single tracks will carry a higher price (AU pricing nor confirmed), downloads will be offered at a higher bitrate and complete albums will NOT carry a price premium!!!
Could this be the start of the collapse of DRM?
EMI is obviously hoping to increase sales and revenue, but certainly, the consumer is the big winner here.
This move comes at a time when DRM is coming under increased pressure.
Graham Philipson gives a good summary of the current stand-off between music companies and music consumers HERE.
Recording industry claims of huge monetary losses from piracy have long been considered 'rubbery' at best. In disputing estimates, detractors argue that not every downloaded file represents a lost sale. Industry claims are considered to be a desperate attempt to maintain an outdated (and expensive) business model.
The Recording industry may be coming around.
Meanwhile, Google Chief Executive, Eric Schmidt, recently questioned the valuations that media companies put on their copyrights. Traditional media argues their content has a certain intrinsic value, while Google says "prove it," he said.
Google is currently facing legal challenges to their video uplaod service, Youtube.
Read more at Electronic Frontier Foundation.
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