I wonder if the text of their copy-protection rules is itself copy-protected:
Cold Play
THIS CD IS A COPY PROTECTED CD
Thank you very much for purchasing this CD and helping the cause of "Anti-Piracy". The recordings in this CD have an anti-copying function. They cannot be copied into a PC. In order for you to enjoy high quality music, we have added this special technology.
Before using, please read the following:
USAGE GUIDELINES:
This CD cannot be burnt onto a CD-R or hard disk, nor can it be converted into MP3 for file sharing.
This CD has been manufactured for usage in regular CD players but might not play in the following players:
* Some CD players that have the capability of burning into an MP3 (such as portable players or car stereos)
* Some CD players that possess CD-R/RW functions (such as portable players or car stereos)
* Some car steros with satellite "Guidance" systems
* Some CD players or car stereos with hard disk recording capability
* Some CD-R/RW Recorders used for music
* Some portable CD players
* Some DVD players
* Some CD/LD Convertible Players
* Some Game Players
Although you can use your PC's Windows program to listen to certain tracks, this does not mean that the CD can be played in all PC's.
The first time that this program is used (in Windows automatic starter software) it gets registered in Windows File. Thus, programs already registered do not affect Windows operation.
Windows OS also uses the latest files.
This CD does not support MacIntosh PC software.
Except for manufacturing problems, we do not accept exchange, return or refund.
"You may be able to play this CD, You may not. Are you feeling lucky?"
Well, that's a bummer. I like the idea of copying a CD that I have in my player at home, for use in my car. I got this idea from a friend who lost a bunch of CDs in an automobile accident. Her insurance would not cover the value of the CDs, so she doesn't take her originals in her car anymore.
Yeah, but...
The album is for sale at iTunes... $11.99 (or by song at $.99 per) for 13 songs, plus a video interview.
I fail to see what would stop me from, if I had the SLIGHTEST desire to listen to Coldplay, downloading the songs and burning a disk, which I could then rip into MP3's.
I'm afraid I just don't get it. Maybe, as someone else on the thread suggested, this is all a bad joke?
I can soon see ONE MORE thing added to that "agreement" for their software. That purcahse of this music CD software license does not constitute ownership and does not include any resale priviledges.
Moreso than "hometaping" killing the industry, USED CD sales impact the charts. Garth Brooks or Clint Black tried to keep his CDs out of any store that sold used product.
Only a matter of time. What do you think that "video" on a CD is? Or that "script" pdf on a DVD-ROM?
Doesn't matter if the added content is anything you WANT, all they need is to start calling it software instead of an album.