Remove DRM Protection

Is it possible to remove DRM protection from audio and video files?

If you want to know more about DRM in general, why this technology is being used, and who is using it, click here.

Is removing DRM protection from downloaded files legal? Click here to find out more about this ongoing debate.


Removing DRM:

Yes, it is possible to remove DRM protection from audio and video files.
When you purchase and download a DRM protected file, you are also automatically downloading certain licenses. These licenses determine how you are allowed to use the file.

You will obtain a "play right", which allows you to listen to the downloaded files on your computer as often as you'd like.

You might also be given a "burn right", which allows you to burn the files onto a cd a limited number of times, usually 1-3 times. Sometimes you have to pay extra for this right.

Also check if you are being given a "sync right", which would allow you to transfer the file onto a portable Mp3 player. Keep in mind, however, that the mere right to transfer the files onto an Mp3 player doesn't necessarily mean that the player can read/play it. A DRM protected iTune audio file can be read by an apple iPod, but not by others.
In order to remove DRM protection, you have to obtain a license either way. That means the downloaded file has to be legally obtained.


There are two drm solutions

Solution 1:

For this option, you need a valid burning right. Create a play list full of DRM-protected audio files that you have legally downloaded from an online music store, or the like, and burn the songs onto a CD-R/CD-RW. After successfully burning the audio cd, use a cd ripping software, like the freeware "audiograbber", to rip the cd to Mp3 (or WMA, WAV) files. The ripped and encoded Mp3 files will no longer be DRM protected.

The problem with this option, is that you will be burning a lot of cds. If you burn all of your downloaded music onto cds anyway, then this is a good way to remove drm from WMA or other protected audio files.

If you do not want to waste numerous cds, you can use a software like "noteburner", that simulates this process virtually.

Solution 2:

The first option we discussed above makes a burning right necessary. A playing right is all you need for this second option. You can remove DRM protection from audio files by simply recording it while it's playing. In a broader perspective, it's kind of like holding up a microphone to the speakers. Of course not that primitive though.
A great software that uses this process in a more quick and advanced way, is "Tunebite Platinum". This product also eliminates the DRM problems with drm protected video files.

Click here to find out more about removing DRM from videos.

Return Home from
Remove DRM Protection