Remove DRM From WMA

If you’ve got some WMA files and you want to remove DRM protection from them, it is possible to do so, but be careful; it may be illegal.

Before the digital age, customers freely downloaded and pirated software, music, etc., that should have had copyright protection, such that the makers of that software should have had material compensation from its use. However, so-called “free” downloads simply left these software, music, etc., producers out in the cold, so that they didn’t get any monetary compensation for their works, and consumers simply basically stole from these folks.

Enter DRM, which stands for Digital Rights Management. DRM meant that at the very least, producers of this content had some basic authorship-compensation rights.

Nonetheless, there are times when you’re going to want to make a copy of software you have already previously purchased and should have a full right to do so. For example, maybe you downloaded a movie from a website (which you have already paid for) and want to burn a DVD of it. In that case, DRM may get in the way, such that you’ll need to remove it.

Manufacturer-provided rights to make copies

In some cases, manufacturers do indeed make note of this right and therefore build the capability to make copies from your software for personal use into their software programs. However, copies cannot be made from the copies you produce. This should be enough to produce much of what you need, where you would normally need to get around DRM.

Nonetheless, if you need to “get around” the DRM protection, you should be aware that in fact, this is illegal. That said, here are some suggestions on how to do it if you simply must — at your peril.

There are several programs that remove DRM from encoded media files; you can use one of these, but you should be aware that many of them only remove DRM from audio files, not video files. (Again, be aware that this is absolutely illegal, according to federal law.)

Recording playback from your DRM protected media files

Another, and possibly more legal, way to remove DRM is to simply record the playback of your DRM protected media files. There are programs available that can do this for you, and they will record your DRM-protected media files inside your computer, so that you don’t get feedback, background noise, etc. Supporters of fully protected rights are, by the way, also fighting to close this particular loophole.

Tunebite

Finally, a program called Tunebite can convert digital media files from one format to the other, using your Windows media or iTunes player. It’s not technically removing DRM, so it may not be illegal. Nonetheless, you as a consumer are still required to make sure that the copies you make are for your personal use and only that.

Copyright protection is one of the most controversial subjects in the music and movie industry. The debate often stems from varied opinions on the extent of ownership (and thus liberty of use), that a buyer of digital music for instance, should enjoy. It is for this reason that DRM (or Digital Rights Management) has been caught in the cross hairs of this storm. Whereas music composers and producers largely take the position that buying the music only gives the buyer the right to listen to the music, proponents of less control argue that the buyer should not be penalized for wanting to listen to the legally purchased music on different platforms and devices, something that DRM effectively does.

This is one of the reasons why a number of groups and individuals have come up with different techniques and software applications through which one can circumvent or remove DRM protection from music files such as DRM-protected WMA files. DRM protection in itself is not homogenous and the technique used to remove protection must be in conformance to the method used to enforce DRM. If you have a WMA file and would like to remove DRM, there are a number of ways you can do so.

One of the earliest techniques used to remove DRM was to burn the downloaded files onto a CD or DVD and then use the standard ‘ripping’ software to convert them from the CD into the desired format. This however does not work all the time because for starters, not all DRM protected WMA files can be burned to CD. In addition, the DRM protection can be so ingrained that the DRM is not removed even with this burning and ripping routine.

Then there is software that works by simply recording the music file. Using this method is often considered as a means of taking advantage of the ‘Analog Hole’. You can often identify such converters by the fact that they will sometimes require you to mute your computer’s speaker during the ‘conversion’.  One of the main drawbacks with this type of conversion is that the quality of the eventual file is usually much lower than that of the original.

Another set of software tools that one can use are those that go down to a much deeper level than the ‘Analog Hole’ converters. They are developed on the premise that DRM is for all practical purposes, the encryption of a digital music file. As you play the music file, there is a decryption that takes place in the background. These software tools intercept the audio stream immediately it is converted at this low level and recreate the music file in the format you would prefer such as MP3. However, this technique is heavily dependent on the type of encryption and encryption key used

It’s a pain in the head when you buy digital downloads with DRM protection and you’re device can’t play the files. Some just toss out the files or throw their device out in a fit of rage. However, the solution is just as simple as getting music and movies in the first place: converting the files. If you’re smacking yourself over this issue, stop it and pay attention. You have to grab specific programs that can remove DRM encryption protocols without corrupting the files. Translation: you have to crack the DRM shell to get your hard-boiled egg of MP3s.

Programs like Tunebite, do this by converting the files (wma, mp3, mpeg4, divx) with DRM into unprotected formats. This helps you take your movies and music over to any media device without hassle. You can get some of these programs for free, but others with cost up to $40. The user interfaces will vary, since there are so many making them. If you look around, you should be able to find a program that you feel comfortable using.

Each program operates differently, so make sure to try it out before spend any money at all. Some have to use other media programs to properly convert files over. You also get extra feature like ringtone makers, CD burning built-in, YouTube ripping, among others. The more features that are offered, the more likely you’ll have to pay for the full version.

These DRM removal programs help if you have multiple devices and they don’t play the same stuff. Once the files become unprotected, it makes it easier for people using your network to access content from other devices. This is almost mandatory if you have a media box or an external hard drive that’s being shared.

Keep in mind that some of these programs may not do what you want them to. Some do require that you use only store bought CDs or DRM files. Check the specs of each program before you install the one of your choice. If you use a Mac, your options a severely limited, but there are some great programs available. For PC users, you have a grand buffet to select through. Just make sure to look around first before purchasing or downloading for free.

DRM removal software helps to keep all of your entertainment free from restrictions and barriers. Whether you need to catch up on the news from your smartphone, watch a movie on your game console, or exchange music between netbooks, you’re covered.

So, if you have trouble doing any of the above, your salvation is here. Also, if you’re lucky, you won’t even have to spend a penny. DRM removal software is only available online and from specific companies. About half are made by amateur developers, but they’re usually the ones that provide their programs for free. Some keep prices low to attract a wide customer base. The rest will try to suck as much as they can out of your wallets.