Apple Computer has denied statements made by music-giant EMI Group that Apple is nearly finished working on copy-protected CD support for the company’s popular iPod music player. EMI made the claims in a statement outlining its position on copy protection.
“Apple is nearly finished with the technical work necessary to enable consumers to transfer music from content protected discs to their iPods,” said the EMI statement. “We’ve been working with Apple and Macrovision, our technology vendor, to make this a reality for nearly one year, and it’s almost ready. This is an important step for EMI and Apple, but even more so for music consumers who will soon be able to legitimately port music from protected discs they own to the iPod.”
Apple has denied any involved with EMI on getting protected content to work on the iPod.
“The information EMI provided regarding iTunes and iPod compatibility with Macrovision’s technology is not true and we have no idea why EMI made this statement,” Apple said in a statement provided to MacCentral.
EMI declined to give more specifics on the supposed Apple-EMI-Macrovision plans.
“We have read Apple’s statement and we have no comment,” an EMI representative, told MacCentral.
Copy-protected CDs have been a contentious issue between consumers and music labels since they were first introduced. While consumers feel they have a right to purchase a CD and use the music as they see fit, music labels see a need to protect musicians and the company’s bottom line.
The latest copy-protection fiasco came last week when Sony BMG pulled their copy-protected CDs from store shelves because it installed software invisible to the user, but could be exploited by hackers.