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Semi DRM in Sony SonicStage
I just found out there is weak-ass semi DRM in the SonicStage software for my Sony Net MD Walkman.
Well it is not encryption but when you import an MP3 or WMA files you get four notes next to all imported songs. You can then only burn that song to four Minidiscs at a time or "Check Out". Then instead of just deleting them you should check it in and it will restore your permission right. But if you loose all your copies of the disk then you are screwed and you can not make any more Minidiscs of the song using the software.
But here is the catch. You can re-import the song into the software application if it is in a different location. So it is not real DRM it is weak ass pseudo DRM that was probably designed so the RIAA bastards would not want to sue Sony Music one of their most powerful members.
I actually did not realize that this was the case and I never ran into it because I don't make that many copies of a song on multiple disks. It is rather stupid that I can just wipe the software move the directory and re-import all my songs to get around it. I guess the real reason is that they do not want you doing professional level audio piracy on your Net Minidisc but that does not screw over the consumer too bad.
It is stuff like this that has me worried that Microsoft is building an OS with DRM and file permissions built into all of the Operating System. Then again there is DRM in Apple's iTunes. I guess we have to get used to some level DRM. The problem is how much digital freedoms will we be asked to give?
I still recommend the Sony Net MD Walkman I am just slightly disappointed in the software.
Jake at September 26, 2003 
Nerd
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Comments
I'm about as pro-Microsoft as they come, since my whole income depends on writing software with their tools. But I swear to God, the day they release an OS with DRM built into it is the day I install Red Hat.
Posted by: Jeff at September 26, 2003 7:43 AM
A DRM enabled OS is such a radical departure from what we are used to that it is a cause for alarm but not to panic. I think that it is to far out for me to swear that I will never use it. But there is no way in hell that I am going to be an early adopter. I am not going to touch it until the Privicy and digital rights of the EFF use it for a year or so and can give it a thumbs up or thumbs down. It they they aleinate their customer base with a DRM OS than I would have no problems buying a Mac again. Some of the fear around DRM is because most people have not really used a DRM system.
Posted by: Jake at September 26, 2003 9:03 AM
See, now this makes me not want to buy one of these things. Damnit...I do not like going through BS when using software.
Posted by: pete at September 27, 2003 8:01 PM
It really is not that bad Peter. You never actually realize it is there.
Posted by: Jake at September 27, 2003 9:27 PM
Is there an alternative to SonicStage or has someone managed to crack it and remove the Check in/ out system?
Posted by: Huey at November 21, 2003 3:31 AM
Well you can import a song multiple times into the software if you need more notes.
Posted by: Jake at November 21, 2003 9:22 AM
Can you tell me where I can buy or download software for SonicStage?
Thanks,
Marty
Posted by: Martin Joffe at December 7, 2003 9:23 PM
Try Sony
Posted by: Jake at December 8, 2003 12:29 AM
Note From Jake. I removed this link because I do not want to link to pirated software that Sony can sue me over
Posted by: Poly at December 8, 2003 5:00 PM
I just a ran a sytem recovery on drive c of my vaio laptop, i kept all my audio files on drive d, soundstage is unable to play ther songs because it does not recognize copyright info any more. How can i get around this , i have overv 700 songs saved.
Thanks
chris
Posted by: chris at December 9, 2003 2:07 PM
I just a ran a sytem recovery on drive c of my vaio laptop, i kept all my audio files on drive d, soundstage is unable to play ther songs because it does not recognize copyright info any more. How can i get around this , i have overv 700 songs saved.
Thanks
chris
Posted by: chris at December 9, 2003 2:07 PM
I can't help you. That is a question you need to ask Sony Tech support.
Posted by: Jake at December 9, 2003 2:10 PM
I have a Sony VAIO notebook, model No PCG 9L2E, not apparently recognised by Sony's download area. My problem is, SonicStage will not load as it "can't find the data file, or it is corrupt". Version is 1.1.03.03110. Can you help, please?
Roger
Posted by: Roger Milburn at December 27, 2003 7:09 AM
No I can not help. You will have to contact Sony tech support.
Posted by: Jake at December 27, 2003 11:28 AM
