Legal P2P downloading a reality

AntiRip · 25-04-2007 5:20am #1

Was just reading about this here

Qtrax, an online peer-to-peer music network, has reached an agreement with Sony BMG that will allow them to launch the first legal ad-supported P2P system. Users of Qtrax will be able to access songs from the giant label’s catalog for a predefined number of times, now with a click-to-buy purchase option. Qtrax is owned by Brilliant Technologies Corporation, a technology holding company that works with Universal Music Publishing, Warner Music Group, and The Orchard, among others. Their deal with Sony BMG is looked at as a start to finding a middle ground between P2P music networks and anti-piracy laws.

“Some see it as trailblazing the ad-supported model and allowing the possibility that in future music downloading will be paid for, in part or in whole, by advertisers,” Allan Klepfisz, president and CEO of Brilliant Technologies said, via press release. “Others see it as an effective means of encouraging consumers to sample and subsequently purchase music. Still others see it as the ultimate tool against piracy.”

Qtrax can be downloaded for free and besides its music networking software, it also provides users with a player that can play MPQs (Qtrax’s format) as well as MP3 and WMA tracks. It seems that the music industry is slowly but surely learning their lesson. Why fight a losing battle when you can adjust? Qtrax looks promising especially since Sony BMG is on board. The future of legal p2p is around the corner. Companies such as Adscapemedia and Massive are doing something similar with their in game ads. Games still have to be paid for but I have a feeling that this will change. Now, we are waiting for the movies industry to take a step into the future.

Mutant_Fruit · 25-04-2007 10:47am

AntiRip wrote:

Qtrax, an online peer-to-peer music network, has reached an agreement with Sony BMG that will allow them to launch the first legal ad-supported P2P system.

I know this may be a bit pedantic, but could you point out a single illegal P2P system? You have to remember, P2P isn't inherently illegal. Secondly, they aren't really that special. Legal P2P has been done already, www.bittorrent.com. I belive napsters offering is somewhat similar to this too.

aidan_walsh · 25-04-2007 1:40pm

Pro:
Legal.

Con:
Sony.
Proprietary format.
Sony.
Adverts.
Sony.

Anti · 25-04-2007 1:53pm

aidan_walsh wrote:

Pro:
Legal.

Con:
Sony.
Proprietary format.
Sony.
Adverts.
Sony.

Seconded..

Ill stick to the normal methods.

papu · 25-04-2007 4:24pm

dont game demos? open office and lots of linux distros come over torrents? its a great way to share giant freeware apps

aidan_walsh · 25-04-2007 4:26pm

Of course it is. What we're talking about here is big label music.

papu · 25-04-2007 4:35pm

oh okay sorry i taught it was abt the legality of p2p

AntiRip · 26-04-2007 1:44am

Mutant_Fruit wrote:

I know this may be a bit pedantic, but could you point out a single illegal P2P system? You have to remember, P2P isn't inherently illegal. Secondly, they aren't really that special. Legal P2P has been done already, www.bittorrent.com. I belive napsters offering is somewhat similar to this too.

I know P2P is legal aswell as bittorrent but downloading copyright mp3 isn't. This allows you to access mp3's legally. Although, tbh, the fact you can only listen to the music 5 times you still have to pay for it to download it. Alot of sites already allow you to listen to songs online so granted theres nothing special about this. Bittorrent.com i don't think is going to be successful either as long as theres many sites besides that offer it to ppl for free with no restrictions. Just thought I'd post the topic anyways

SeanW · 26-04-2007 4:17am

aidan_walsh wrote:

Pro:
Legal.

Con:
Sony.
Proprietary format.
Sony.
Adverts.
Sony.

Thirded :rolleyes:

Anything that has to do with Sony "Rootkits" BMG should be avoided like the plague. Which is exactly what I'll be doing with this horrible proposal.

I don't object to paying for music, but I do object to these low-quality DRM'ed offerings. My music €uros will be going to EMI (who'll be selling DRM free AACs on iTunes) and indie efforts only.

Big Chief · 26-04-2007 5:16am

ill still continue to get it in the methods ive always used if im honest..

philstar · 26-04-2007 11:23pm

is it true that they're beginning to clamp down on p2p downloading??

and do they only target people with a large amount of illegal downloads??

SouperComputer · 27-04-2007 9:12am

philstar wrote:

is it true that they're beginning to clamp down on p2p downloading??

and do they only target people with a large amount of illegal downloads??

Not, its not true. They started about 5 years ago

jor el · 27-04-2007 9:35am

philstar wrote:

and do they only target people with a large amount of illegal downloads??

No. Even if you've downloaded or shared one song then they know who you are, where you live and what you had for breakfast. Big Brother is watching you, and so is his little brother, and they're both being watched by IRMA.

If you share/download any amount of copyright material then you leave yourself open to prosecution.

greglo23 · 30-04-2007 8:13pm

http://www.we7.com/index.html. This is a new free music download service. Peter Gabriel is one of the backers. Read more here http://tinyurl.com/yq47u8

MargeS · 28-01-2008 9:17am

I heard about this on the radio this morning, so I took a visit to the site:
www.qtrax.com. The Download software doesn't appear to be available just yet!

mathias · 28-01-2008 10:36am

The Download software doesn't appear to be available just yet!

Given the Sony BMG rootkit fiasco of not so long ago I wouldnt be in any hurry to get it , at least not till there are some good sources to show that its not another rootkit or something just as sinister.