The Blog for Video 2.0

OK, well, it is here the beginning of the beginning. Today in London, EMI and Apple have announced that they will begin to offer DRM-free music and music videos. Music files will be high quality 256kbps AAC files and will sell for $1.29 US. There will also be a $0.30 upgrade for users who have already purchased lower bitrate versions of the same songs.

iTunes will be the first online distributor to offer the new DRM-free songs, starting in May.

Many analysts and reports believe that DRM-free files which will play on any music player will hurt iPod sales. Users will have more choice and may choose to purchase a lower cost MP3 player or one that offers more features than current iPods. When asked if DRM-free downloads will have an impact on iPod sales Apple CEO Steve Jobs replied, "I don't see a link, because you have always been able to buy music from elsewhere (CD's) and put it on your iPod. We're going to keep working to do the best job at what we do, and we are going to hope that consumers agree."

This is excellent news for consumers, music and movie fans, and for the future of digital content. HungryFlix.com has been offering movie downloads with no DRM for years now and we really belive that DRM is not a solution. It is rewarding to now see the major studios and Apple agreeing with us.

Labels: apple, digital download, DRM, hungryflix, iTunes, online distribution