Windows 10: Windows Media Drm, Ending 14th July 2015

Not sure if this has been mentioned before, but Drm'd content downloaded for offline access in WMP is coming to an end

Got an email from Blinkbox (UK media service, offer streaming and download for offline use)

Not sure how many people still download media instead of streaming, but if you do you might want to check it out

https://support.blinkbox.com/hc/en-g...DRM-switch-off

The Windows Media DRM switch off will mean you can no longer use certain blinkbox features on your device.

• From 14th July 2015, you won’t be able to use our download to PC feature
• Content you’ve downloaded to your PC will stop playing within 30 days
• There’s no change to streaming, which will still work as normal

Why won’t I be able to watch content I’ve already downloaded after 30 days?

Every thirty days or so, your movie or TV show checks with Microsoft’s Windows Media DRM server for a license to play. Because the Windows Media DRM servers are being switched off, it won’t be possible for the server to issue you with a license to continue playing back your content.

:)

 

Windows 10 Support Status

Windows 10 is the last Windows Version that microsoft will release, Mainstream Support is Until October 13th 2020 and Extended Support Ends on October 14th 2025. Hopefully in the future Microsoft will make a new OS

 

Windows 10 Activation

You can use the media creation tool from MS to get Windows 10 install media. To activate for free you would have needed to upgrade the device between July 2015 & July 2016.

The free offer to upgrade a device is now ended, to activate you need to buy a key. (which you can do from within windows after the install)

 

Microsoft likely is stopping paying what ever fees. No fees no new license.
Doesn't sound right for something you downloaded in good faith. Maybe they got into a
pissing match with MS.

 

Hi there

This is one of the bugbears of ANY DRM stuff -- I'd google a bit and then "De-DRM" all the stuff -- IMO the whole DRM idea is total NONSENSE -- you should be able to play the content you have paid for where and on whatever device you like. Not only that but also remember if the original provider stops providing the service or goes out of business it means your whole library could be rendered useless or unplayable.

Ms if it IS switching off its DRM servers should at least provide a feature for removing the DRM before the servers are switched off IMO --otherwise just google a bit --there's plenty of links to "DRM removal". In this case IMO it's not ILLEGAL as all you want to do is ensure that you still have access to content you've PAID FOR.

Imagine if you bought a (physical paper) book which said you could only read it in a particular room.

Cheers
jimbo

 

This is why I usually avoid any content that has DRM, I have a few items bought on this service (only because got them on offer)

The advantage of why I used them was it tied in with the MS software (WMP), so I could have all my media together, purchased and my DVD rips, all easily to see in one place

Looks like going forward, the only way to access DRM content is through the apps provided, so your content will be spread across numerous apps depending on where it is bought from

I have been wanting to get into digital media, instead of buying physical, but the way the DRM works just puts me totally off it
£9.99 for a digital movies I can only run the way they want it
£9.99 for physical media that I can rip and use on any of my devices
I know which way I will be using in the future

 

Hi there

That's why I STILL get CD's -- rip to FLAC and can then play on any device I choose -- also UNCOMPRESSED unlike highly compressed mp3's from ITunes often riddled with DRM.

BTW if you STREAM at high quality you can still record the stream in Real time (analog) which should be OK quality wise if the original stream is decent quality. This won't then have any DRM in it. You can then convert to the format of your choice.

Cheers
jimbo

 

Hi,
I usually go for CD's aswell, I might be stuck in the past but I prefer to have a physical object when I buy something, buying a media file doesn't feel the same

Was having a look at recording streams earlier in the week, found out that VLC player can save what you are streaming, not looked into it greatly, but it could come in handy

 

Hi there
If you want DRM free recordings of BBC TV / Radio stuff download the get_iplayer app.

For other streams you'll need to find different programs but this BBC one works fine both on Windows and Linux.

get_iPlayer • Forums • Guides • Help

Cheers
jimbo