DRM key to Linux’s consumer success? | CNET News.com

“The consequences of Linux not supporting DRM would be that fixed-purpose consumer electronics and Windows PCs would be the sole entertainment platforms available,” Ayars said. “Linux would be further relegated to use in servers and business computers, since it would not be providing the multimedia technologies demanded by consumers.”

How about the DRM using content providers will be relegated to use by teen agers and grandmas because they aren’t providing their content in a usable form demanded by knowledgable and educated consumers?

George Greve’s response:

“Apple iTunes allows people to burn their tracks on regular CDs, which can then be re-encoded and file-shared easily–so is better described as ‘digital inconvenience management’ only. eMusic.com offers clean audio tracks without any restrictions. No DRM platform comes close to either of these in popularity.”

“So fortunately, it is up to the consumer to decide what the consumer market wants. And its answer is clear: It does not want DRM!” he said. “The sooner we bury the foolish notion of putting each and every use of a computer under control of the media industry, the sooner we can start looking for real alternatives.”

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Here’s an excellent example of what it’s going to take to kill DRM — a popular artist who’s willing to buck the entertainment cartel in a big way:

Sun Apr 9, 2006

BERLIN (Reuters) – A new mobile phone that includes a link into Robbie Williams’ Web site and plays his songs is another step in a “digital revolution” that the recording industry must take advantage of, not spurn, his manager said.

Williams, one of Europe’s most successful entertainers, has angered music industry executives in the past by praising internet piracy, once even calling it a “great idea”.

In an interview ahead of the British pop singer’s world tour, which starts on Monday, his manager Tim Clark said the industry should classify digital music seekers as customers, not criminals.

Defending the piracy comments, Clark said: “The recording companies are taking a big stick to people who are not criminals at all.

“What Williams means is that if we can’t provide the fans with the wherewithal to do it (download) legally, frankly it’s our fault and not theirs. If they’re not providing the carrots, they’re leaving it to others who will.”

Clark said Williams, who in October live-streamed a Berlin concert to 100,000 mobile phones, wanted to push the “digital revolution” further. He said the new phone made with T-Mobile and Sony Ericsson was just another step toward that aim.

“Digital sales are a reality — it’s clear that the physical sales (of music) are dropping at double-digit percentage rates,” said Clark, one of Williams’ two managers, when asked why the star was teaming up with firms outside the recording industry.

“Digital sales already mean a great deal in places like Korea and Japan. We want to be involved because people like T-Mobile and Sony will have a huge influence on how music is distributed. We need to be involved to have some influence.

“It’s about being part of that future,” he added. “Even though there might be some drawbacks now — some people say the quality of compressed music is not as good as CDs. They are right, but that will improve dramatically over time.”

The “Walkman” phone to be unveiled on Monday contains Williams’ music and live video clips, and links to his Web site.

Williams, 32, launches his five-month world tour in Durban, South Africa. Encompassing 40 concerts in 14 countries, it is his first tour in three years, and entered the Guinness book of world records for the fastest-selling concert after 1.6 million tickets worth $187 million sold out in hours on November 19.

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