Blane
1
THERE's no escaping a copyright clampdown following the first local release of a CD fitted with anti-copying technology - Robbie Williams' Escapology.
The CD is selling strongly with minimal reaction from customers and no complaints from retailers, according to EMI Australia managing director John O'Donnell.
As a result, all EMI releases next year will be copy-protected, which means the music cannot be digitally copied to blank CDs or other digital formats.
"We are not releasing any details about the technology, but we know that if someone is determined to circumvent it they will," Mr O'Donnell said.
"We're not fazed by that. It's an impediment that will stop many people and make others think twice about burning CDs."
Customers are advised to look for the new international copy control symbol - a reversed, white play button in a black circle.
EMI chief operating officer Paul Robinson said retailers supported the initiative because they were losing sales as a result of unauthorised copying.
"It's our agenda to protect all of our releases, regardless of whether it's a new band, a left-of-centre group or a mainstream pop release," Mr Robinson said.
Triple J music director Arnold Frolows said the recording industry was under siege, and would be well pleased if the system worked.
"But from my standpoint, as a music fan and consumer, the most interesting thing is just how long this gate will last before someone shoots it down," Mr Frolows said.
"You could take bets on whether it will be months or weeks before someone cracks it."
Record companies had a right to protect their own and their artists' earnings, Mr Frolows said, but he doubted that copying was really such a dire threat to sales.
"As a fan, you're going to want the complete package - the liner notes and the artwork that goes with the CD - even if you have a burned copy," he said.
The choice of Escapology gave copy protection a soft start in the marketplace, as Robbie Williams has a huge fan base.
Many consumers might find anti-copying measures "uncool" if encountered on releases by "hip" or alternative artists, Mr Frolows said.
"There was a huge backlash when Metallica sued fans for downloading material - it really made them very uncool," Mr Frolows said.
Many consumer groups, including the Australian Consumers' Association, say the future lies in downloading music over the internet in a format that people are happy to pay for.
"The music industry is being dragged kicking and screaming to it, but eventually it will have to happen," ACA spokesman Charles Britton said.
The CD is selling strongly with minimal reaction from customers and no complaints from retailers, according to EMI Australia managing director John O'Donnell.
As a result, all EMI releases next year will be copy-protected, which means the music cannot be digitally copied to blank CDs or other digital formats.
"We are not releasing any details about the technology, but we know that if someone is determined to circumvent it they will," Mr O'Donnell said.
"We're not fazed by that. It's an impediment that will stop many people and make others think twice about burning CDs."
Customers are advised to look for the new international copy control symbol - a reversed, white play button in a black circle.
EMI chief operating officer Paul Robinson said retailers supported the initiative because they were losing sales as a result of unauthorised copying.
"It's our agenda to protect all of our releases, regardless of whether it's a new band, a left-of-centre group or a mainstream pop release," Mr Robinson said.
Triple J music director Arnold Frolows said the recording industry was under siege, and would be well pleased if the system worked.
"But from my standpoint, as a music fan and consumer, the most interesting thing is just how long this gate will last before someone shoots it down," Mr Frolows said.
"You could take bets on whether it will be months or weeks before someone cracks it."
Record companies had a right to protect their own and their artists' earnings, Mr Frolows said, but he doubted that copying was really such a dire threat to sales.
"As a fan, you're going to want the complete package - the liner notes and the artwork that goes with the CD - even if you have a burned copy," he said.
The choice of Escapology gave copy protection a soft start in the marketplace, as Robbie Williams has a huge fan base.
Many consumers might find anti-copying measures "uncool" if encountered on releases by "hip" or alternative artists, Mr Frolows said.
"There was a huge backlash when Metallica sued fans for downloading material - it really made them very uncool," Mr Frolows said.
Many consumer groups, including the Australian Consumers' Association, say the future lies in downloading music over the internet in a format that people are happy to pay for.
"The music industry is being dragged kicking and screaming to it, but eventually it will have to happen," ACA spokesman Charles Britton said.