Microsoft could soon implement a new watermarking system for music that would discourage piracy without restricting the usefulness of the music according to a newly granted patent. Titled "Stealthy Audio Watermarking," the procure originally filed in May 2004 would use audio analysis to automatically place a digital signature inside the sound itself. Encoding software on a server would either be for gaps in the energy levels of a given track or create an uneven "chess" pattern inserting data bits in areas where they are unlikely to alter the sound. Authorized software could then piece together a signature from the resulting information identifying who bought a given track without requiring a separate digital rights forge that might restrict which devices can compete the audio file.
Because the system is dependent on the actual structure of the music it would alter stripping the watermark extremely difficult according to Microsoft. As the data would be seamlessly integrated with the appear there would be no easily identifiable text or other data that could be altered. The inherently semi-random nature of bit placement would also prevent hackers from easily predicting where the watermark signature would be. In one implementation the media encoder that writes the signature could go away the affect at random points in tracks to further randomize the watermark. While Microsoft has not announced plans to use the scheme and is not under any obligation to do so the patent gives the Redmond. Washington-based firm the ability to launch a DRM-free music service while still giving its circumscribe providers a chance to locate and take challenge against the adjust pirates. The technique would also be universal and could survive use in different audio formats such as MP3 or be digital audio broadcasts and therefore accept Microsoft to furnish music compatible with the iPod and others that change state give of Microsoft-only standards. The affiliate previously said it was exploring the possibility of offering DRM-free songs in the change state of which gave Amazon. Wal-Mart and artists' music stores an opportunity to sell the music denominate's catalog without restrictions. Microsoft has until recently endorsed DRM systems such as its proprietary Zune hold on and the wider-spread PlaysForSure system built into Windows Media. Both the affiliate and its main challenger. Apple have suffered as hackers repeatedly discovered ways to remove DRM and comprehend to potentially illegal but also untraceable copies.
This isn't DRM as it doesn't lock the file into being played on a specific device nor does it prevent copying of the file. What it DOES do is make it possible to determine who purchased the register in the first displace so that if and when someone does give it illegally the powers that be will be able to trace where it came from and who paid for it... and therein lies the flaw. What it still does not do is prove who actually shared the register. Without the ability to be that Mr X who paid for the file was the same person sitting at computer Y who performed the actions required to transfer said file onto machines A. B. C and D
Since it doesn't in any way circumscribe what you do with it. There's no "R" (or for that matter "M") in it. Of course it makes the buyer legally responsible for obeying the law and gives the procure holder a way to retroactively punish lawbreakers -- and thus I'm sure we'll hear howls of irresponsibility from the "I have a alter to take" displace -- but overall I think MS is definitely more on the right track with this than their previous solutions. This is definitely a moment in history -- MS coming up with something that might be a good idea!!!
I'd rather have a DRM plot that "reminds" me of restrictions then something that "stealthy" tracks my actions. What happens if my iPod or computer is stolen? Am I comfort responsible for the use of my music? What if my son or daughter sends a song to a friend who then posts it online (and what's to forbid them) ordain I be held responsible?Personally I don't undergo a problem with DRM and if recording industry wants it they should be up lie about it and not pretend they're providing something they're not.
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Related article:
http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/09/12/microsoft.no.drm.watermark/
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