Copy protected CDs...

[Paul.Tait]

I once swore that I would never buy any audio CD that was copy protected. I have always burnt a copy of my CDs to keep in my car, so, if the car gets stolen, at least I still have the original CDs. This is not to mention scratches, very hot days in the car, split drinks etc. etc. I have never burnt a copy and given it to someone else.

Now guess what. One of my favourite bands have just released their new album and it's copy protected. Now I either buy it and don't listen in the car or run the risk of it getting stolen/damaged or I don't buy it. But I want it.

Is there a way around the copy protection? I believe I've heard people say that there is, but I don't know where to turn. If you don't want to divulge any secrets here then I understand, but I'd be grateful for any help.

I really want the album but I'm not laying down to the record company.  

Thanks

Paul

[beacher]

Hey Paul, I backed up (w/Toast) a disc last week by Walter Trout, before I noticed the copy-protected sign on the back, and it worked just fine.  Don't know if I would have tried it if I had noticed. . .I haven't heard anything about the technology since early last summer, so I can't advise that you do it, because I remember something about it jamming burners, but it didn't do it to my superdrive. . .

[Bruce_F]

Can copy protected CD's be converted to MP3 format in iTunes?

If so, then you should be able to burn a CD from those files.

I dunno for sure, however.

[ljocampo]

Paul:

Be sure to email your displeasure to the band's official website and telling them you WILL NOT buy their albums with copy protection.  Keeping it to yourself and us will just allow the practice to continue.  

In the mean time do a Google search and you'll find what you need.

[tacit]

QUOTE(Bruce_F @ Sep 23 2003, 5:15 PM)

Can copy protected CD's be converted to MP3 format in iTunes?

 No. That is exactly what copy protection stops--it stops programs that rip CDs to MP3s.

Often, a commercial disk duplication program (like Toast) can duplicate a copy protected CD. It's not actually "copy-protected"--it's "ripping-protected."

[gmann]

I just replaced my superdrive last week due to those damn things. I had put one in to play and it vibrated the drive so bad I thought it was going to come apart. Gradually the situation worsened until the drive went completely out. I have sworn never again to buy an audio CD.  

[Paul.Tait]

Thanks for all your comments.

I have posted a message on the band's message board telling them what I think of the record company and also that the fact that the CD is corrupt is not mentioned anywhere on the site.

I have also mailed Amazon who do not even mention it on their site - and they're selling the thing!

And I'm about to write to the record company asking for an assurance that the CD will not damage my computer/car player/portable player if I buy it. What do you think the chances of a response are?   I'll let you know.

Thanks again

Paul

[Epaminondas]

Paul,

I understand that there is a method to accomplish your intended task - actually heard it first on America's National Public Radio show "All things Considered" - but as I understand it, direct internet linkage into how to actually do this is limited in the US by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Copy-protected discs are said to render some Macintoshes inoperable.  Note that Apple has stated that such damage is not covered under warranty.

Boycott-RIAA has a list of copy-protected CDs, should you wish to avoid them.  There are other lists of copy-protected CDs out there on the Internet, as well.


Enjoy your music,

Epaminondas

[Paul.Tait]

I've had the most pathetic automated response from Amazon along the lines of 'we can't show all information on a CD in our catalogue' and 'sometimes suppliers don't issue us with all information'. With the e-mail comes a couple of links - has this mail answered your question or not? I clicked not and told them they'd completely missed the point and that displaying copy protection details is essential - after all, if the CD screws my drive up, who's paying? Not Amazon for sure.

Anyway, I have had a second response - appeared to be from a human being this time, but the e-mail said much the same as the first mail and basically what it comes down to is that they may or may not display 'copy protected' against a CD, but if you buy a CD and have problems with it, they might be prepared to 'look at it'.

Wonderful.

Paul