downloading music

[AlwaysTexas]

Ok, so we're finally joining the new technology of downloading music. What are the best websites for this? We're looking for most economical and best selection.

thanks.

 

[Mizzou415]

It depends on how much downloading you're going to do.

If you're just starting, you might be best off joining Napster since you're charged a monthly fee rather than per song/album so Napster is probably the cheapest way to build up a collection.

I use Dell Musicmatch which I've been happy with.

 

[sessamoid]

Depends on your philosophy. Napster isn't building a collection, it's renting one. When you stop subscribing, your music files stop being playable.

If you buy music, I'd stick to buying CDs and converting them on the computer. If you're really set on buying downloaded music, nothing beats the iTunes Music Store.

 

[Mizzou415]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[sessamoid]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[dustin_c1]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[sessamoid]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[dustin_c1]

People said the DVD+R/DVD-R format was the next VHS/Betamax.

They were wrong and you could see it from a mile away. All new DVD players play both +R and -R formats. It doesn't matter whether you have a +R or a -R disc, your DVD player will play it.

Apple vs Microsoft DRM is the next VHS/Betamax. If one format loses, you may end up with a bunch of junk files that you paid good money for.

Remember, at one point in time, Sony Betamax was near 100% of the market and because of the proprietary design of the tapes, there was a technological lock-in to help maintain the monopoly. Apple's head start with the iPod is certainly no guarantee for the future.

Apple is working towards a monopoly on music decoding hardware and all online music. The problem with Apple's plan to never license out their technology is that it is an all-or-nothing plan. They either become a total monopoly or are relegated to status of a bit-player.


Currently Apple has a near monopoly on hard drive based portable digital audio players. However, most of the files people play are in the unprotected mp3 file format. Most people who own iPods don't use iTunes to purchase music and could easily buy a Dell Jukebox or other device without losing their music collection.

The critical time will be when people start *really* purchasing music online, the point where CDs begin to become irrelevent and online purchases become the main source of revenue. Only then will Apple's lock in work in their favor.

If Apple can pull this off, they'll have some serious stock! But think of what they have to pull off: Apple must effectively become the world's only online music distributor and online distribution must become the main method of music distribution. Further, Apple will be the exclusive provider of hardware that plays the music. For Apple to be anything other than a bit-player 5 years from now, they will have to be *the* music industry. That's a very, very tall order.

Here is how I see it playing out.

* Microsoft, in response to the threat from Apple will dramatically lower the licensing costs for their DRM technology. They'll flood it rather than watch it die.

* Many hardware companies will compete to sell portable devices. On the Apple side, there will only be the iPod. As with Apple computers, the iPod will eventually be much more expensive and offer less.

* There will be many online vendors selling music and margins will be next to nothing. Downloads will be cheaper on these services than on iTunes.

* As technology advances, cell phones will store massive amounts of data and have access to megabandwidth wireless networks. Why carry an iPod and a cell phone when you can just carry a cell phone? When the cell phone companies look to license DRM technology, they aren't going to call Apple. Devices like the Dell Jukebox and iPod will dissappear.

* ITMS will be the next in a long line of Apple psuedo-innovations that turn into Apple failures.

* All music you listen to in 5-10 years will be delivered digitally and protected by Microsoft DRM. In otherwords, music will come with a Microsoft tax.

Anyone who spend many long nights charging up their credit card on iTunes will get screwed.


Here is the current selection now:

iPod + iTunes

or

Any number of non-iPod players (Dell/Creative/iRiver/Rio) and a couple of music services (Yahoo Music/Napster/Rhapsody).

Already the Apple alternative sells mp3 players that are more powerful, more functional and and cheaper than iPods. The non-Apple models come in a much wider variety than the iPod.

Already the Apple alternative has music services that are cheaper. Yahoo charges $5/month for unlimited downloads and $.79 for permanent ownership of a song.

Already cell phones, PDAs and portable game machines are beginning to be used as music players. If the PSP takes off, no kid is going to carry around a PSP and an iPod. The iPod will stay at home, unused.

What happens when satellite radio gets the bright idea of adding DRM protected recording and playback to satellite services? Will MS be involved? Of course. Would you want to bet on Apple being in on it? Remeber, they don't license out technology. Ultimately, if satellite radio makes it big, it will hurt Apple and iTunes. It will not hurt anyone using MS DRM technology.

 

[Horn_Spanker]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[hullabelew]

Former betamax owner here.

dustin knows his ****, be it digital camera or other technology. Always learn something from his posts.

 

[AlwaysTexas]

Thanks for all the tips. We actually have an iPod that he won at a conference. It's been collecting dust since January, so we're finally going to put it to use. And, keep our fingers crossed that iPods last a while.