Tuesday, April 3, 2007

EMI Music launches DRM-free digital downloads

EMI Music announced that it is launching new premium downloads for retail on a global basis, making all of its digital repertoire available at a much higher sound quality than existing downloads and free of digital rights management (DRM) restrictions.

In May, Apple's iTunes Store will be the first online retailer to offer EMI's catalogue in two formats: at standard audio quality with DRM, or, for a premium price, improved audio quality without DRM restrictions. Specific details are as follows:
  • Standard tracks: 128kb/s AAC, DRM protection, locked into Apple players, $0.99/€0.99/£0.79
  • Premium tracks: 256kb/s AAC, no DRM protection, interoperable with non-Apple players, $1.29/€1.29/£0.99
  • Previously bought EMI tracks can be 'upgraded' to higher quality and DRM-free for $0.30/£0.15
  • Albums: offered with the above premium features at the same price prior to the announcement.
  • Music videos: also offered DRM-free.

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