Feb 01, 2007. This year is off to a fast pace start and DRM seems to have been the hottest topic at MIDEM. This was inevitable given the growing chasm over the iPod's inability to play encrypted Windows Media content and the inablity of any Plays For Sure device to playback iTunes content managed with FairPlay. A variety of the brand name media entities have tipped their hats to Microsoft and are deploying Plays For Sure content encrypted with Windows Media DRM [WMRM, Windows Media Rights Manager]. Brands like the Ultimate Fighting Championship which is launching on-demand Pay-Per-View matches via UFC.com and Universal Music's launch of the largest Classic and Jazz music download site on the Internet, ClassicsAndJazz.co.uk . Both offerings use Windows Media DRM exclusively to manage their entire libraries.
BUYDRM is very excited aboutT.V. New Zealand's recent announcement that they are launching a new Broadband On-Demand service. Next week we will take a look at how T.V. New Zealand is using Windows Media DRM to monetize their digital media assets and the significance of TV NZ taking this first step in expanding their media offering.