iTunes Question for Randy

[BJWanlund]

Randy--

As we all know, you have made serious strides in providing the utmost sound quality for the records that have been released onto iTunes so far. Are we, indeed, going to be seeing the WDR releases in iTunes Plus? From what I've heard from some sources, they wouldn't be buying iTunes tracks until that happens.

BJ

 

[Randy Thornton]

The moment iTunes Plus was officially announced, I notified everyone at the label. In my mind, this is the first step towards high quality downloads that are also DRM free. I also believe that technology will continue to evolve beyond that. But iTunes Plus is an important first step. I do know that they are looking very seriously at iTunes Plus. The decision is not up to me, and there are many issues involved. Though it seems it would be as easy as ?flipping a switch?, we all know real life is puzzlingly more complicated. But I do believe that the change is inevitable. Here are some facts I offer as proof ?

1. EMI, arguably one of the largest Labels in the world, has already stepped up and is offering their catalog under iTunes Plus.

2. Steve Jobs wants everyone on iTunes Plus.

I assume that most of you know what the differences are between iTunes and iTunes Plus, but for those who don?t here?s the deal ?

Standard iTunes uses a 128 kbps AAC compression algorithm with DRM (Digital Rights Management). You can purchase single tracks for $0.99 and albums averaging $9.99.

iTunes Plus uses a 256 kbps AAC compression algorithm with no DRM. Single tracks are $1.29 and an album averages $12.99 ? twice the bit resolution with no DRM for $0.30 more per track, and $3.00 more per album.

I should also point out that if you have purchased something under standard iTunes, and that title is later released on iTunes Plus, you Do Not Have to Buy the Entire Album Again! You merely pay the difference ? 30 cents a track, or roughly 3 dollars an album. This is iTunes? Policy and I can?t find enough positive adjectives to describe how that makes me feel. It?s unprecedented! I wish I could have taken in my old vinyl and only had to pay the difference when up-grading to a CD.

I do believe that iTunes Plus is in our future. When, I don?t know.

Randy Thornton


Here are some links I think you?ll find of interest ?

Steve Jobs on DRM
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughtsonmusic/

The iTunes Plus Press Release
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2007/05/30itunesplus.html

 

[BJWanlund]

Thank you for answering so quickly, Randy! I was just wondering, so I can start saving up for the obscene costs associated with the WDR iTunes Plus transition because I've bought so many WDR titles in iTunes, and may buy several MORE titles!!!

BJ

 

[Kurt]

Actually, after Amazon opened their DRM free MP3 store, iTunes dropped the iTunes+ songs down to $0.99 as well. But they still charge the same thirty cent upgrade fee. If there are so many Disney albums at the Amazon MP3 store that are DRM free, I can't see iTunes ones far behind (and am really waiting since all those exclusives aren't at Amazon).

 

[Turbollama]

The only reason I have not purchased any Disney music from iTunes is because the quality is 128. The DRM can be overcome by burning the songs to a CD, but the quality is all I have been waiting for. So if/when this occurs, I will be having a shopping spree with my iTunes gift cards.

 

[BJWanlund]

Kurt -

Talking about the 30-cent upgrade fees. That's going to be one f***ing expensive upgrade, and I'd like to see it before it goes into the $75-100 range!

BJ