| The advent of modern technology and the internet has | | | | deciding which episode you want to watch. The |
| meant that it has become easier than ever to obtain | | | | trouble is, if the creator has exercised their right to use |
| copies of our favorite television programs, music | | | | DRM (digital rights management), you might find they |
| singles and albums and movies than it ever has been | | | | have prohibited you from printing out a copy. |
| before. Whereas copying a video taped program used | | | | This is really to prevent you from printing out copy |
| to result in substandard copy, a digital copy has little | | | | after copy and selling it yourself, but it limits the |
| difference in quality compared to the original. | | | | practicality of the product itself for the user. |
| This is where DRM (digital rights management) comes | | | | Protecting Copyright |
| in. DRM (digital rights management) is a way to protect | | | | DRM (digital rights management) is basically intended to |
| digital files from copyright theft, and it can apply in | | | | protect the copyright owners from losing sales of their |
| several different circumstances. | | | | e-books, DVD's and other items. The theory goes that |
| Images, Files And Programs | | | | the easier it is to copy and distribute digital works |
| Many big companies are now using DRM (digital rights | | | | through the internet and on compact discs, the more |
| management) to protect their goods. So for example, | | | | sales the copyright owner will lose out on, and hence |
| you might buy a DVD of your favorite television | | | | the less money they will earn from their own work. |
| program and find that you cannot make a copy of it. | | | | This is true but it also hinders the rights of consumers, |
| Of course, copying in this way is illegal, so the | | | | who now find that they are extremely limited in what |
| companies are protecting their rights quite correctly. | | | | they can do with their digital files. |
| But DRM (digital rights management) can also be a | | | | So if you want to create a memorable DVD for |
| hindrance in certain circumstances. Let's say you buy | | | | someone's birthday and set it to music, you might just |
| an e-book on the history of your favorite television | | | | find that using even a snippet of a television theme, or |
| program, complete with an episode guide for | | | | a certain song, or even a line or two from your |
| reference. | | | | favorite movie, might be out of the question because |
| You decide you'd like to print out a copy so you'll | | | | of the way DRM (digital rights management) works. |
| always have the episode guide close at hand when | | | | The big media companies have got their eye on you. |