The Apple iPad can use music and video files with DRM.
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Apple's iTunes software allows you to purchase songs and movies for viewing on your computer or Apple's mobile device, such as the iPod or iPhone. In some cases, these files are protected through a process called "Digital Rights Management," known as DRM. DRM-protected files can only be played on authorized devices.
Understanding DRM
DRM is a method of discouraging the sharing of protected content. A DRM-protected file from iTunes can be played on a maximum of 5 authorized computers, in addition to mobile devices. The protection is built in to the audio or video clip during encoding and cannot be removed from the file.
Authorization and De-authorization
Authorizing a computer to play DRM-protected files requires having the iTunes software and an Apple Id. Once authorized, a computer is able to read and play the encoded files.
Deauthorizing a computer removes the authorization from the system, preventing files associated with your Apple Id from playing. It is important to deauthorize a computer that you are selling or making hardware changes to. Other situations where you should deauthorize the computer include making
How To Authorize/Deauthorzie
Authorization takes place automatically when you sign in to iTunes with your Apple Id. If you have not previously authorized the computer you are on, when you attempt to play a file with DRM, you will be prompted to log in.
To de-authorize a computer, open iTunes, click "Store" at the top of the screen, and choose "Deauthorize Computer for Apple Account." Enter your Apple Id and password when prompted to complete the process.
Exclusions to DRM
According to Apple," iTunes Plus is the new standard on iTunes." iTunes Plus songs cost a little extra over the regular songs, but come with a higher quality and without DRM protection, allowing the song to be transferred and copied without restrictions on the file. Songs with DRM purchased before iTunes Plus was available may be able to be upgraded for a small fee. Not all songs are available without DRM, but most are.
References
Photo Credits
- Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images News/Getty Images
