 | | | Problems with download musicThe growth of download music from the Internet has soared recently as sales of MP3 players, particularly the ubiquitous iPod, have rocketed. However PC Pro magazine has undertaken research showing that UK music lovers are getting frustrated with restrictions placed on digital music tracks once they download them from online stores.
The magazine reported that people are also being turned off net music stores because of pricing and disappointing sound quality compared with CDs.
The UK's official singles chart includes sales of legal tracks, yet legal music downloads are still fledglings in the industry, accounting for a small percentage of the market.
"What people don't understand is that when they buy an iPod or other digital music player, they're being tied into a system," states a spokesman at PC Pro.
UK music lovers are getting frustrated with restrictions placed on digital music tracks once they buy them from online stores.
Digital controls
Issues around digital rights management system (DRM) restrictions are still the most pressing currently facing the digital music industry
DRM is designed to control and prevent the illegal copying and distribution of digital files. The number of machines music files can be downloaded onto can differ between services. Online stores also vary in how many portable music players can play the purchased track. For example, Apple's online music store, the largest web service, uses a different format for songs from the other download services.
Pushing legitimate downloads
The music industry worldwide has been aggressively pursuing those who use file-sharing networks to share copyrighted music. Online music stores, like Wippit, Napster, and iTunes, have tried to attract file-sharers to their legal sites instead. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) takes action against UK net users accused of illegally sharing music. Research for the BPI found that illegal downloaders had cost the music industry £654m in lost sales. | | | |
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