Sony Connect Music Store Closing (Sony Players to Add PlaysforSure)

If you were, um, let’s call it “innovative” enough to have purchased music from Sony Connect, despite the fact that the proprietary, DRM-protected ATRAC3 format only plays on Sony digital audio players, you may already have received notice from Sony that the company is closing the online store in North America and Europe. As for […]
Image may contain Word Logo Symbol Trademark Label and Text

Connect
If you were, um, let's call it "innovative" enough to have purchased music from Sony Connect, despite the fact that the proprietary, DRM-protected ATRAC3 format only plays on Sony digital audio players, you may already have received notice from Sony that the company is closing the online store in North America and Europe. As for the timing of this, the announcement explained, "Specific timing will vary by region depending on market demand, but will not be before March 2008."

Sony's portable audio players, which have generally offered excellent design, sound quality, and battery life, have been hampered by being tied to Sony Connect. The company will apparently offer firmware upgrades that will allow existing models to play DRM-ed WMA files purchased from Microsoft's PlaysforSure partners. As for songs that have already been purchased, Sony will eventually provide Connect customers with instructions on how to convert them into WMA or (woah!) MP3 files.

Not many people bought Sony Connect songs, which is, of course, the whole reason they're shutting down the music store (Connect will continue selling eBooks). But Sony's decision, however symbolic, represents yet another move away from digital music only being playable by certain devices.

–

Update: Sony instructs users to burn Sony Connect files to CD and then rip them into MP3 in order to circumvent its own copyright protection:

From Sony's support site:

When is the store closing?

Specifictiming will vary by region depending on market demand, but it will notbe before March 2008. Connect customers will be informed of relevantdetails in advance.

Why is the store closing?

Weare moving to the open Windows Media® platform in North America. Inline with that, Sony will phase out the CONNECT™ Music Service in theU.S. and Canada. Specific timing will depend on market demand, but willnot be before March 2008. To be clear, the CONNECT eBook service forthe Sony Reader will not be affected.

What will happen to my music library (content I own)?

Customers’
existing SonicStage® music libraries are not at risk, but we recommendthat customers archive their music libraries to audio CDs.

What about all the music I ripped from my CD collection?

Evenafter the store closes you will continue to be able to play, manage,
and transfer the music in your SonicStage library and on your existingATRAC devices. We will also provide a tool to allow you to convert anynon-DRM music you imported (ripped) into SonicStage into MP3 format.
This tool will be available soon via CONNECT Support. The MP3 Conversion Tool is available now for download from www.sony.com/walkmansupport.

What can I do with ATRAC content that has DRM (Digital Rights Management)?

Foryour purchased music from CONNECT, you can burn it to audio CD andre-rip it into MP3 format to continue enjoying it for personal use.

What if I have problems after the store closes?

Youwill be able to download the latest version of SonicStage software andhave contact with CONNECT Support through at least March 2008. CONNECT
customers will be informed of relevant details, including futuresupport options. Go to www.sony.com/connectsupport and click "Email Customer Support".

What will happen to any devices (music players) I currently own?

Evenafter the store closes you will continue to be able to play, manage,
and transfer the music in your SonicStage library and on your existingATRAC® devices. Customers’ existing music libraries are not at risk,
but we recommend that customers archive their music libraries to audioCDs.

What about any promotional credits I currently have?

Werecommend that you redeem any unused codes before March 2008 so they donot go to waste. Promotional codes have no monetary value as per our Terms and Conditions. Click here to find out how to check and see if you have any credits in your account.

Will I be able to download music I paid for if I get a new computer?

Youwill be able to download any music you purchased from CONNECT via yourAccount section until at least March 2008. We recommend that customersarchive their music libraries to audio CDs.

Will I still be able to transfer content to my device(s)?

Evenafter the store closes you will continue to be able to play, manage,
and transfer the music in your SonicStage library and on your existingATRAC devices. You may also transfer new music you may have boughtonline from an increasing number of DRM-free music retailers offeringcompatible formats, such as MP3.

Will CONNECT continue to add new songs to the store?

At some point we will stop adding new music to the store, but the timing is still to be determined.

How will customers be informed of relevant details regarding the status of the music store?

Registered users will receive the information via the email address they have provided. Information will also be posted on the CONNECT music store and on the Sony Electronics Customer Support site.

(via engadget)