[nrapallo]

Originally Posted by DaleDe

The imp format typically does not have DRM but then it is not the internal format for the reader. The reader supports automatic conversion of IMP eBooks to its internal form. Internally there can be DRM on the files.

Just to elaborate, only the ebook text (stored in the DATA.FRK .res record of the internal format) is DES encrypted when DRM is employed. The ebook bookstores call it "Secure IMP", but the metadata information can be changed using the right program (I don't think GEBLibrarian handles this correctly). In addition, any images in Secure IMP ebooks can be extracted (I use my unfinished / unreleased imp_dump.pl perl script to accomplish this). I think a imp2imp type of program is possible along the same lines as mobi2mobi. It's on my todo list.

BTW, the DRM is specifically tied to the device's key (internal serial number) and User ID that was conveyed to the ETI servers when the device was registered. The way I understand this, when the hardware devices were originally manufactured (by RCA for my REB1200), the external serial number was paired with an internal key and that information was only given to Gemstar (and now to ETI, the current "manufacturer"). The ETI servers encrypt Secure IMP files prior to making the purchased DRM title available to the device. As long as the device's User ID (tied to the external serial number) remains the same, the purchased title can be read on the device (and only that device). That is, a Secure IMP purchased by me for my REB1200 can only be read by my device and it cannot be "shared" with any others.

I believe the only sites currently capable of DRM on this device are http://www.eBookwise.com site and http://www.filamentbooks.com/. They plus fictionwise can provide downloads via an online bookshelf that can directly provide books in the internal format.

Dale

And in this case, fewer DRM ebookstores is a step in the right direction, IMHO...