The concept of DRM technology has been around for a number of years. In fact a lot of online music stores have used it for quite some time. The technology is a type of software which is built directly into the audio file which prevents it from being played in situations where it is not permitted to be played. This technology is often considered a good feature for companies who manufacture and release music but it has lead to a number of problems with people who buy music. This is especially true with people who specifically buy music online.

The most common problem which occurs for people who are dealing with DRM technology surrounds subscription services. A number of subscriptions services exist which allow people to download an unlimited number of songs but limit the songs to work only so long as the subscription service is active. This method works by requiring the user to connect their media device, such as an mp3 player, at least once a month in order to renew the music. The problem arises when someone is unable to or forgets to connect their device to their computers. Once the 30 day period is hit the music ceases to work whether the user is paid up on their subscription or not.

Another area which has seen some problems with the DRM technology is in relationship to businesses which sell DRM protected music going out of business. This often means that the DRM server gets taken down which can lead to legally purchased music not working at all or only working on the computer it was actually purchased on. This can be a big problem for many users who have spent their money on music.

CD burning can also be an extremely difficult task to complete when dealing with DRM technology. This can be a big hindrance to many users because they may only have access to a portable CD player or a car which lacks an aux port for mp3 players. Many people feel that if they legally purchase a song they should be able to easily burn it to a CD. After all, for many users the advantage to online music is not the avoidance of CD’s specifically but the ability to pick and chose the songs that they actually want to listen to instead of ending up with an entire CD with only one song they are actually interested in.

A number of the larger online distributers of mp3 audio have begun to release their music with DRM protection. Some feel that this is unwise because it increases the odds of people distributing the music illegally. Despite this fact many of these companies simply feel that the risk is acceptable if it ensures that they provide good customer satisfaction and ensure that their customer’s rights are protected.