US Libraries use Windows Media DRM to expire audiobooks

Alexander Turcic · 08-30-2005, 05:54 AM

Audiobooks that you check-out from a US library will automatically go dead after the lending period, thanks to Microsoft Media DRM.

Quote:

A patron with a valid library card visits a library Web site to borrow a title for, say, three weeks. When the audiobook is due, the patron must renew it or find it automatically "returned" in a virtual sense: The file still sits on the patron's computer, but encryption makes it unplayable beyond the borrowing period.

21 million iPod users will stay empty-handed for as long as there is no official support for encrypted MS Media files.

[via CNN via Slashdot]

Bob Russell · 08-30-2005, 06:40 AM

Believe it or not, I like this use of DRM as long as there is a reasonable usage period. I hope my library does this sort of thing. For a library book or audiobook, I expect to only use it for a period of time, so this expiration business is the way it should work.

Until then, did you know that in the US, IggleVideo (at many Giant Eagle grocery stores) and Cracker Barrel (in the coutry store) you can rent audiobooks? In the case of Cracker Barrel, you can even return the book at another location!

And there's always Audible.com for a premium solution.

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08-30-2005, 06:40 AM	#2
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Believe it or not, I like this use of DRM as long as there is a reasonable usage period. I hope my library does this sort of thing. For a library book or audiobook, I expect to only use it for a period of time, so this expiration business is the way it should work. Until then, did you know that in the US, IggleVideo (at many Giant Eagle grocery stores) and Cracker Barrel (in the coutry store) you can rent audiobooks? In the case of Cracker Barrel, you can even return the book at another location! And there's always Audible.com for a premium solution.

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