The Slow Death of DRM
A step in the right direction as EMI Music launches DRM-free superior sound quality downloads across its entire digital repertoire
The new higher quality DRM-free music will complement EMI's existing range of standard DRM-protected downloads already available. From today, EMI's retailers will be offered downloads of tracks and albums in the DRM-free audio format of their choice in a variety of bit rates up to CD quality. EMI is releasing the premium downloads in response to consumer demand for high fidelity digital music for use on home music systems, mobile phones and digital music players. EMI's new DRM-free products will enable full interoperability of digital music across all devices and platforms.
Eric Nicoli, CEO of EMI Group, said, "Our goal is to give consumers the best possible digital music experience. By providing DRM-free downloads, we aim to address the lack of interoperability which is frustrating for many music fans. We believe that offering consumers the opportunity to buy higher quality tracks and listen to them on the device or platform of their choice will boost sales of digital music.
One of my biggest complaints about online downloads is the quality of the damned things - the use of low bitrate MP3 just kills music for anything other than tiny speakers or tinny earpods - allowing for CD quality downloads DRM free is a major breakthrough for music lovers everywhere.
Lets hope other companies follow suit.
Tags: emi, drm, online music