[DSanborn3]

Hello All,

I've been using iTunes 5, and I've been considering an upgrade to iTunes 7. However, I'm concerned about sneaky digital rights management features that may have been slipped in. Some of my mp3's were ripped years and years ago, from CD's that I no longer have. I don't want to be limited as to what programs or devices (ones that I own now, or possibly in the future) can be used to play the files, as I can't record some of these again. My questions are:

1. Will files recorded with the new iTunes 7.0 have restrictions that will affect there playback on other devices in the future (especially non-Apple products)?
2. Does iTunes 7.0 modify existing files?

Any advice would be welcome. iTunes 5 seems to work fine, and I'm hesistant to upgrade...

Regards,

Daniel

[Eriamjh]

1. No non-iPod device can play AAC files, that I am aware of. So rip your CDs as MP3s.
2. No.

iTunes does not care about the files you have ripped from other sources. iTunes only cares about the music purchased from the iTunes store.

Basic Rule: Back up your music files no matter what. Go ahead and upgrade.

[imitchellg5]

Many devices can play AAC files. Heck my camera can. Just none can play iTunes Store AAC files.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by imitchellg5 

Many devices can play AAC files. Heck my camera can. Just none can play iTunes Store AAC files.

This is an important distinction. Similarly, while many devices can play WMA files, only a few can (effectively) play PROTECTED WMA files.

If it comes down to it, it's pretty easy to "convert" files from a protected format to a non-protected format. Burn 'em to a CD then rip the CD. Problem solved. I suggest using the highest bitrate available for ripping (I use 320kbps for MP3s) to avoid noticeable loss and audio artifacts; you get bigger files, but they sound good.

[Eriamjh]

Originally Posted by imitchellg5 

Many devices can play AAC files. Heck my camera can. Just none can play iTunes Store AAC files.

I stand corrected.