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No, iTunes actually sucks ass.; For reasons like this.
Topic Started: Nov 20 2008, 09:27 AM (159 Views)
Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10103284-37.html

iTunes customers angry over copy protection moves at Apple

Want to watch a high-definition show from iTunes on an older external display? Good luck!

Some Mac users are teed off that they are getting error messages saying the iTunes movie they rented or bought can't be played on their display because it is not HDCP (High Digital Content Protection) authorized.

And some people are complaining they are only able to play certain standard definition iTunes content on their laptop or via an HDMI connection.

As a result, some Apple forum participants have threatened to boycott iTunes.

"And here we are now with Apple users who have spent thousands of dollars on Apple hardware (30" Cinema displays are not cheap!), buying films legitimately through Apple's store only to find themselves screwed when they just want to watch the film!" wrote "non-troppo" on the Apple Discussions Forum.

Forum participant Jim Beggans complained that Apple expanded the usage limitations of iTunes without updating the published usage terms.

"It is imperative that Apple address this customer concern with NEW terms of service (which will require them to offer some remedy for existing purchases) and clarify that HDCP is a now a standard part of their products regardless of which mode of the DisplayPort is in use," Beggans wrote.

ArsTechnica, which first covered the issue, reports that Apple's new MacBook is using DPCP, or DisplayPort Content Protection, which was developed by Philips.

The Mini DisplayPort connector used on Apple's new MacBooks and MacBook Pros uses DPCP to prevent iTunes files from being played on devices that are not compliant with either DPCP or HDCP, a copy-protection technology used with the HDMI standard. DPCP supports the HDCP technology, but is considered a stronger level of encryption according to the Video Electronics Standard Association (click for PDF) .

"While Apple's own Apple TV has used HDCP to protect video files playing from its HDMI port, this is the first time we've heard of Apple bringing HDCP DPCP to its hardware," David Chartier writes on ArsTechnica.

Basically, Apple is moving forward with a new standard that is not compatible with older displays. In the past, Apple has shown a willingness to forge ahead with new technology that doesn't always play nice with the older stuff, and the decision to use the Mini DisplayPort connector on the new MacBooks and MacBook Pros ensured that DPCP and HDCP would come along for the ride.

"Apple's compliance with HDCP--a necessary but appalling condition of the content companies that deliver the HD movies and TV shows--is beginning to close out the 'analog hole' and cause real aggravation for laptop owners with legitimate use cases, writes Michael Rose on The Unofficial Apple Weblog site.

Andy Foster sums the situation up on his Computer Blog: "In other words, the only way any of us can guarantee we can play the stuff we buy that is HD is to ensure we have the newest in hardware."

What does Apple have to say for itself? We don't know and likely won't. Apple representatives did not return repeated phone calls and e-mails seeking comment over two days.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Frank_W
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I hate iTunes so much, I bought a Samsung MP3 player. It's cheaper, easier, faster, more compact, and it doesn't nag me constantly. I loathe my iPOD. No seriously: I really hate it. A LOT!
Anatomy Prof: "The human body has about 20 sq. meters of skin."
Me: "Man, that's a lot of lampshades!"
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Lindy
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Frank_W
Nov 20 2008, 09:47 AM
I loathe my iPOD. No seriously: I really hate it. A LOT!
Seriously? I loathe iTunes, but love my iPod :hearteyes:

Similarly, I loathe iTunes, but love my Apple TV :hearteyes:

Once I've got the media on the device, all is well. It's just that getting it to that point can be a real pain. :mad2:
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Aqua Letifer
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Lindy
Nov 20 2008, 09:55 AM
Frank_W
Nov 20 2008, 09:47 AM
I loathe my iPOD. No seriously: I really hate it. A LOT!
Seriously? I loathe iTunes, but love my iPod :hearteyes:

Similarly, I loathe iTunes, but love my Apple TV :hearteyes:

Once I've got the media on the device, all is well. It's just that getting it to that point can be a real pain. :mad2:
Only if that device is an Apple device. If you're looking to get some kind of portable media device, these days you're much better off NOT going through Apple or Microsoft. Frank's Samsung idea was right on. I myself have one from SanDisk. No restriction B.S. to deal with.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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PhJ
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Aqua Letifer
Nov 20 2008, 09:57 AM
Only if that device is an Apple device. If you're looking to get some kind of portable media device, these days you're much better off NOT going through Apple or Microsoft.
or use Rockbox, open source firmware for mp3 players
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Lindy
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Aqua Letifer
Nov 20 2008, 09:57 AM
Lindy
Nov 20 2008, 09:55 AM
Frank_W
Nov 20 2008, 09:47 AM
I loathe my iPOD. No seriously: I really hate it. A LOT!
Seriously? I loathe iTunes, but love my iPod :hearteyes:

Similarly, I loathe iTunes, but love my Apple TV :hearteyes:

Once I've got the media on the device, all is well. It's just that getting it to that point can be a real pain. :mad2:
Only if that device is an Apple device. If you're looking to get some kind of portable media device, these days you're much better off NOT going through Apple or Microsoft. Frank's Samsung idea was right on. I myself have one from SanDisk. No restriction B.S. to deal with.
I hear you. If you really want them, I guess there are alternatives to iTunes for people with Apple iPods (e.g. Anapod, Monkey's Audio, Yamipod, etc...), but I've not reached my breaking point yet with iTunes. I can still do everything I want within their "operating paradigm". Maybe that will change someday though.

In the meantime, I really like the actual Apple hardware devices -- enough that I'm still willing to put up with their PITB software.
Kubota B-Series Tractors
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ringo - "I am the best drummer in the world."
Lennon - "He's not even the best drummer in the band."
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Aqua Letifer
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ZOOOOOM!
PhJ
Nov 20 2008, 10:16 AM
Aqua Letifer
Nov 20 2008, 09:57 AM
Only if that device is an Apple device. If you're looking to get some kind of portable media device, these days you're much better off NOT going through Apple or Microsoft.
or use Rockbox, open source firmware for mp3 players
Ah yeah. I've never heard of Rockbox but I know there are some similar things out there. Does it work well?

I mean, that's definitely a good workaround but a lot of people don't even know what firmware is; they just want a device that'll play their music. You shouldn't have to be a software nerd to get your appliances to work the way you want them to.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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Aqua Letifer
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Lindy
Nov 20 2008, 10:18 AM

In the meantime, I really like the actual Apple hardware devices -- enough that I'm still willing to put up with their PITB software.
Well you know, I still think they make great computers. I just really effing hate how they manage their other stuff.
I cite irreconcilable differences.
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