Creative issues MP3 player firmware to disable FM recording

Ever since the first radio cassette recorders hit the market, the vast majority (if not all) give the ability to tape off the radio.  This feature remains until today despite how often the recording industry complained that home taping is killing music.  With the growth of MP3 players, many companies that offer radio features also include the ability to record from the radio.  However, this may be set to end soon after Creative has decided to discontinue FM radio recording support, in at least some of its latest models, following reported pressure from the RIAA.

To make matters worse, Creative has even already released firmware updates for several of its player models, including the Zen MicroPhoto and the Zen Vision:M that removes FM radio recording support.  It was not that long ago that the RIAA started going after manufacturers of digital satellite radio receivers that also featured radio recording support.  For example, back in May, the RIAA sued XM accusing them of "massive wholesale infringement" of copyright, as their receivers allows users to record songs off the air.

Creative has apparently bowed to RIAA pressure, issuing a firmware update for two of its players that removes the FM recording feature. In the past, the music industry has argued that recording from radio broadcasts hurt music sales, and has most recently attempted to stop satellite radio services from implementing similar features. Specifically, the firmware change affects the company's Zen MicroPhoto and Zen Vision:M players. In the release notes, Creative gives no reasoning for the change other than saying "this firmware removes your player's FM recording feature."

Even though Creative may be discontinuing FM support in some (if not all) models, it seems unfair to start offering firmware to customers who already have either of these models to take away their FM recording support.  After having a quick check on the Creative's release notes for other players, such as the full size Zen Vision, they mention that FM recording support has been removed also.  Note that this also includes firmware designated for other regions.  For example, they mention FM Radio support is removed in the Zen Vision firmware release notes on its European site.

Hopefully other manufacturers don't follow suit, otherwise this will encourage the recording industry to force manufacturers of other equipment such as Hi-Fi systems, PC FM tuners and so on to prevent the recording of radio broadcasts also.  Unlike the issue with XM, Creative's FM radio support was very basic, much like that of a radio cassette recorder.  For example, it was not possible to set up timers and the FM recording feature certainly did not split up recordings into individual songs either. 

Source: Betanews