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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.
In this article, we will explain what DRM protected content means, how DRM protection works, what are the benefits and drawbacks of DRM protection, and how to deal with DRM protected content. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about DRM protection. Read on to explore more.
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.
There are different types of DRM systems that use different methods to protect digital content. Some of the most common ones are:
When a user wants to access or play a DRM protected content, they need to obtain a license from the DRM server.
The license 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.
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:
For users:
If you want to access or play a DRM protected content, you need to follow these steps:
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.
StreamFab is a popular all-in-one streaming video downloader that can remove DRM protections and convert restricted content, so that you can unlock restricted media and enjoy it freely on your devices without limitations.
Here's how to use StreamFab to download streaming videos for backup and personal uses only:
Install StreamFab on your Windows or Mac computer
Launch the program, choose the website where the DRM protected content is hosted from the Homepage, VIP Services, Live Streaming, or simple enter the website URL into the address bar at the top to open the website with the inbuilt web browser.
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 TV show you are streaming.
Start the download process
After you’re done with all the customization, just press on 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 hard drives.
Note: As a streaming video downloader, StreamFab allows you to download DRM protect contents that you've purchased, and only for backup purpose and personal offline playback. Any behavior related to commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Here are some common questions and answers about DRM protection:
What content tends to have DRM protections?
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.
ADoes DRM protected content expire?
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.
ACan you remove DRM protection?
Circumventing DRM protections is often illegal due to copyright laws. Some content allows you to remove DRM with correct tools, approvals and conversions into other formats. But there are usage and sharing limitations thereafter.
AIs DRM protected content safe?
DRM aims to implement secure distribution models for media creators. If their protection systems are robust, it can aid anti-piracy efforts and make media safer from unauthorized access. But no DRM is 100% foolproof if hacked aggressively.
AWhy do I need special apps for DRM ebooks and audio?
DRM systems often require use of approved apps that implement their access controls correctly.
Otherwise protected content wouldn’t work cross-platform. Reading apps must integrate compatibilities to unlock DRM ebooks, for example.
What does DRM protected mean on Netflix?
Netflix videos are protected by various DRM systems depending on the platform and device you use to watch them.
Some of the DRM systems that Netflix uses are Microsoft PlayReady, Google Widevine, Apple FairPlay, and Adobe Primetime.
These DRM systems encrypt Netflix videos with a unique key that is delivered by a secure server. You can only watch Netflix videos on devices that support the DRM system and have a valid Netflix subscription.
You cannot copy, share, or convert Netflix videos to other formats without removing the DRM protection.
DRM protected restriction on digital content has upsides but also frustrates consumers wanting open access. 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 bounds of its electronic permissions.
However, if you want to download the DRM protected contents you’ve purchased on streaming services for backup purpose or personal uses, then you can use StreamFab to download them for unlimited offline playback on your devices.
Your ultimate choice to download videos from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube and other sites.
Your ultimate choice to download videos from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, YouTube and other sites.