I hate to bring up a copyright issue again but... There was recently a discussion if it is acceptable for a distributor to grant Lifetime streaming rights. There was a faction that argued it is acceptable as long as you limit the rights to a single digital format and do not allow the buyer to transcode the file to a new format. They could use the original file as long as it plays on their streaming service just like they could use a DVD as long as it works. The analogy was made to a download in the consumer market not having a time restriction.
I was recently discussing this with an institution that wants to stream in perpetuity in any format. I said Apple does not permit that and she asked if that was through a technical limitation/DRM or the Terms and Conditions agreement. I had to admit I did not know. So I reviewed the terms (http://www.apple.com/legal/itunes/us/terms.html#SERVICE) and can see no restriction about copying files to a new format. They only limit playback to 5 iTunes approved devices and do not allow iTunes video to be burned, which I think means to disc. Then I transcoded a m4a file to an ACC file and played it back no problem. So it looks like Apple is selling the right to play back in any digital format in perpetuity. Am I missing something? Bob Robert A. Norris Managing Director Film Ideas, Inc. Phone: (847) 419-0255 Email: [email protected] Web: www.filmideas.com
VIDEOLIB is intended to encourage the broad and lively discussion of issues relating to the selection, evaluation, acquisition,bibliographic control, preservation, and use of current and evolving video formats in libraries and related institutions. It is hoped that the list will serve as an effective working tool for video librarians, as well as a channel of communication between libraries,educational institutions, and video producers and distributors.
