Apple Announces DRM-Free Content From iTunes Store
Jan 7, 2009 4:15 PM
Most Popular
advertisement
Polls
TalkBack
Mix goes in-depth into the world of mastering. Tell us how mastering has helped your projects in the past. E-mail us at mixeditorial@mixonline.com.
This Month in Mix
As reported in Digital Music News: "Some rumors do come true. On Tuesday, Apple announced that its iTunes Store would soon sell DRM-free content from all four major labels, the end of a protracted standoff. That means greater content flexibility for users, though it does not mean MP3s—instead, Apple will be offering unprotected AAC downloads, encoded at 256 Kbps. Apple prefers the AAC format for its sound fidelity and size, though the MP3 offers a greater degree of compatibility.
"On the pricing side, the 99-cent uniform tag will splinter into three price points: 69 cents, 99 cents and $1.29. Albums will mostly remain at $9.99. According to initial information, the newer price points will largely be dictated by major labels Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and EMI, at least through wholesale pricing decisions.
"Additionally, Apple announced that all downloads will be available through 3G, instead of just online or through WiFi connections. That means over-the-air mobile downloads to the iPhone, a new level of content flexibility for users.
"In terms of timetable, the DRM-free content and 3G delivery are available immediately. Variable pricing will happen in April.
"The DRM-free shift sounds great for new buyers, but what about those carrying substantial, DRM-protected collections? Unfortunately, those users will be forced to pay to upgrade, specifically 30 cents per track for the 'iTunes Plus' privilege. Albums will require a payment of 30 percent of the new, premium album price.
"The changes were announced Tuesday at the MacWorld Conference & Expo in San Francisco. But instead of coming from Steve Jobs, Apple senior vice president Phil Schiller delivered the news. Jobs took a break from the customary keynote, and Apple is now splitting with MacWorld."
Visit Apple's iTunes Music page at http://www.apple.com/itunes/whatson/music.html.
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
Modern Recording and Mixing
This 2-DVD set will show you how the best in the music industry set up a studio to make world-class records. Regardless of what gear you are using, the information you'll find here will allow you to take advantage of decades of expert knowledge. Order now $39.95
Mastering Cubase 4
Electronic Musician magazine and Thomson Course Technology PTR have joined forces again to create the second volume in their Personal Studio Series, Mastering Steinberg's Cubase(tm). Edited and produced by the staff of Electronic Musician, this special issue is not only a must-read for users of Cubase(tm) software, but it also delivers essential information for anyone recording/producing music in a personal-studio. Order now $12.95
Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine takes you straight into the studio, with new product announcements, industry news, upcoming events, recent recording/post projects and much more. 
AES 2009: Slate Pro Audio Trigger
Upgrading Studio A at Santa Barbara Sound