| Protected WMA file ?
Question : What is a "protected" WMA file?
Answer : A protected Windows Media Audio (WMA) file is typically a digital
recording with special encryption code built in to prevent its use on
unauthorized devices. This code is intended to protect copyrighted works from
bring freely traded and used by people who did not legally purchase a copy of
the recording.
Restricting the use of digital audio, video and other forms of electronic
media protected under copyright laws is part of a system called digital-rights
management (DRM). Depending on how the copyright protection is set up within
the file, you may be prevented from playing a protected song on more than a
few computers or portable devices, or be unable to burn a playable copy of the
tune to an audio compact disc.
Most on-line music stores that offer legal downloads, like MusicMatch and
Wal-Mart, sell songs in the protected WMA format. Songs sold at Apple's iTunes
Music Store use a different copyright-protected format called Advanced Audio
Coding (AAC). (Songs in protected WMA format will not play on iPods.)
To use a protected file, you usually have to "authorize" your computer to
play the file by connecting to the on-line store over the Internet and
registering your machine or machines with the on-line vendor. Each on-line
music store has its own set of use limitations, so check the site's user guide
for how you can use the music you purchase there. |
