If Microsoft's decision to use a new closed DRM technology with its Zune service does not seem bad enough, according to Broadcast Newsroom RealNetworks has unveiled its own new DRM system, called Rhapsody DNA and is now in talks with several MP3 player brands encouraging them to incorporate their new technology. So far, SanDisk has already taken it on in four of its recently launched SanDisk Sansa e200R series MP3 players. However, RealNetworks hope to have other companies exhibiting Rhapsody DNA compatible MP3 players and network media players at the upcoming CES.
Rhapsody DNA is targeted at interactive streaming and to make it easier to transfer content between its subscription based download service and players supporting Rhapsody DNA, particularly network media players. For example, a network media player supporting the DRM will be able to stream music directly from Rhapsody's online music service without the need for a PC.
Real decided to develop this new technology to overcome Microsoft's PlaysForSure's issues and limitations such as some older players not being able to renew certain subscription song's expiration dates and the inability to show album art on portable devices. Another feature of Rhapsody DNA includes the ability to store streaming channels on portable devices, which is essentially like a large playlist stored in a single file. Unlike regular playlists, a stored channel can only be played from the start, although users can skip tracks. SanDisk's Sansa music players come with 13 preloaded music channels containing 500 songs in total.
Rhapsody's music service currently features a library of 2.5 million songs and currently offers music in a choice of two DRM formats: WMA DRM for PlaysForSure supported players and protected RAX for new players supporting Rhapsody DNA's DRM technology. Rhapsody DNA makes use of the Real Audio 10 format at 192kbps, using AAC as the audio codec and Real Helix DRM as the copy protection.
Rhapsody offers a choice of two unlimited subscriptions, one for $9.99 offering interactive streaming and downloads and another for $14.99, allowing downloads and streams to be transferred to portable equipment. Subscribers can purchase individual songs at a reduced price of 89c per track, which also gives them the ability to play these tracks on a wider range of players, including the iPod series.
In my opinion, with introduction of yet another DRM format on the market, it is already clear that DRM itself is doomed. For example, if having two next generation DVD formats seems bad enough, imagine if there were three more to choose from, all incompatible with each other. Well, this is exactly what is happening with music DRM technologies, in that we now have Apple’s FairPlay, Microsoft’s PlaysForSure, Microsoft’s Zune DRM, Sony’s Connect DRM and now RealNetwork’s Rhapsody DNA DRM, all incompatible with each other! Just as some consumers are holding back for something to give between HD DVD and Blu-ray, chances are that many consumers are doing the same for music downloads until something is done with all these incompatible DRM formats.
Further info on Rhapsody DNA can read on this detailed article at the Broadcast Newsroom.
