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You just bought maybe a game, a movie, or a book. And you find that most of them are unavailable when your network is disconnected. You can't just copy & paste the file to store somewhere on your device either. Actually, you can't even see accurately the downloaded files.
All weird things above are caused by DRM protection. Wait, what is DRM protection? What is DRM content? Slow down and line up, we'll break down the answers to all your questions in this article. Discover starts now!
1. What is DRM Protection?
Digital rights management (DRM) is a technology that protects the intellectual property rights of content creators and distributors. DRM prevents unauthorized copying, sharing, or modifying of digital content, such as e-books, music, movies, games, and software. DRM can also control how and when the content can be accessed, played, or transferred.
2. What is DRM-Protected Content?
DRM protected content is any digital content that has been encrypted or locked by a DRM system. A DRM system consists of three components: a content provider, a DRM server, and a user device.
- Content Provider: the entity that creates or distributes digital content, such as an author, publisher, or streaming service.
- DRM Server: the entity that manages the encryption keys and licenses for the content.
- User Device: the devices that access or play the content, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or e-reader.
3. Common Forms of DRM Protection
There are different types of DRM systems that use different methods to protect digital content. Some of the most common ones are:
| DRM Method | How It Works | Example Platforms |
|---|---|---|
|
Encryption |
Locks content with a decryption key |
Netflix, Apple |
|
Watermarking |
Embeds hidden user/device IDs |
Disney+, HBO Max |
|
Fingerprinting |
Detects unauthorized copies |
Spotify, Audible |
|
Obfuscation |
Hacks content structure to deter extraction |
Some gaming DRMs |
4. How Does DRM Protection Work?
When a user wants to access or play a DRM protected content, they need to obtain a license from the DRM server, which contains information about the user's rights and permissions for the content, such as how long they can access it, how many times they can play it, or whether they can copy or share it.
The license also contains a decryption key that allows the user device to unlock the content. The user device then communicates with the DRM server to verify the license and decrypt the content.
5. Benefits and Drawbacks of DRM Protection
DRM protection has both advantages and disadvantages for different stakeholders involved in the digital content industry. Some of the benefits and drawbacks are:
For content providers:
- Help them protect their intellectual property rights and revenue streams from piracy and unauthorized use.
- Enable them to offer different pricing models and distribution channels for their content, such as subscriptions, rentals, or pay-per-view.
- Increase their costs and complexity of managing and delivering their content.
- Limit their reach and compatibility with different platforms and devices.
For users:
- Help them access high-quality and legal digital content from various sources and services.
- Ensure that they receive fair compensation for their purchases and support their favorite content creators.
- Restrict their freedom and flexibility in using and enjoying their digital content.
- Causes technical issues and compatibility problems with different platforms and devices.
6. How to Deal with DRM-Protected Content?
Option 1: Access or play a DRM protected content
Check the requirements
Before you purchase or download a DRM protected content, you need to check if your device meets the minimum requirements for accessing or playing it. You also need to check if you need any additional software or hardware to support the DRM system.
Obtain a license key
After you purchase or download a DRM protected content, you need to obtain a license from the DRM server. The license may be automatically granted when you access or play the content for the first time, or you may need to activate it manually by entering a code or logging into an account.
Enjoy your content
Once you have obtained a license, you can enjoy your DRM protected content according to your rights and permissions. You may need to connect to the internet periodically to renew your license or update your software.
Option 2: Download DRM protected content
StreamFab Video Downloader is a popular all-in-one streaming video downloader that can remove DRM protections and convert restricted videos, so that you can unlock DRM-protected media and enjoy it freely on your devices without limitations.
- Support 50+ OTT services and 1000+ video websites and always updating
- Save videos in ultimate 720p-8k UHD lossless quality in DRM-free MP4/MKV
- Output premium EAC3/AC3 5.1 audio to provide an immersive experience
- Remove all ads from downloads that are not affected by the kind of subscription
- Download streaming videos at a superfast 10x faster speed to save time
- Built-in browser for a simpler download experience and safeguarded information safety
Here's how to use StreamFab to download streaming videos, and of course, for backup and personal uses only:
Browse, select, and play your favorite content
Once you’re at your streaming website, such as Netflix, Prime Video, etc., locate and play the DRM protected content you want to download, and wait for the software to analyze the video URL, which might take a couple of seconds.
Customize your preferences for the download
Once the video analysis finishes, you will be prompted with a download window, where you can select your preferred resolution, codec, audio, subtitles, etc., and more importantly, how many titles you want to download if it is a TV show you are streaming.
Start the download process
After you’re done with all the customization, just press the Download Now button to trigger the downloading process, and then fingers crossed. You’re just a few minutes away from getting the DRM protected videos to your computer's hard drive.
- As a streaming video downloader, StreamFab allows you to download DRM protected content that you've purchased, and only for backup purposes and personal offline playback. Any behavior related to commercial use is strictly prohibited.
FAQ
DRM is common on commercial ebooks, digital video/music, apps, audiobooks and other media. It’s used to uphold licensing models and copyright ownership of digital assets. However, some user-generated or independent media may be unprotected.
Yes, DRM can impose time limits on usage alongside other restrictions. This may be duration limits that cause media to expire after a certain period. Some content may have a fixed usage window written into its digital permissions.
Circumventing DRM protections is often illegal due to copyright laws. Some content allows you to remove DRM with the correct tools, approvals and conversions into other formats. But there are usage and sharing limitations thereafter.
Final Wrap-up
DRM protected restriction on digital content has protected the heavy effort made by the content creators, but also frustrates consumers wanting a more open and free internet environment. It aims to balance copyright protections against digital media piracy. Understanding what DRM systems do gives you insight into how to correctly use protected media within the bounds of its electronic permissions.
If you want to download the DRM protected content you’ve purchased on streaming services for backup purposes or personal use, then you can use StreamFab Video Downloader to download it for unlimited offline playback on your devices.