Abstract The paper argues against the phenomenon of copy protection of CD"s, focusing on the technological inconveniences experienced by the CD buyer as a result of this protection. It studies the different technological methods used in copy protection and the disadvantages and inconveniences involved in employing these methods. It then moves on to the issue of media conglomerates" disregard for consumer interests and the infringement on the rights of the consumer. It takes a close look at American copyright protection laws and the controversy behind home recording rights. It concludes with a summary of the shortcomings of copy protection.
Outline
Introduction: "Four Charley Pride Fans" Anecdote
What is Copy Protection?
History
How It Works, and Doesn"t
Spy-Protection as Symptomatic in the Industry
Symptomatic of Disregard for Customers
Future Direction of the Problem
Legal Difficulties for Private Users/hackers
What the Law Says and Doesn"t
Right of Reproduction and Fair Use
Royalties from Recording Devices
What the Industry is Thinking
Appear to Lose Sales
Copying Actually Aids Sales
Misdirected Greed
Copy-proofing Is Useless
Ways to Get Around It
New Recording Devices Avoid It
These Discs are not actually CDs Conclusion
From the Paper "Copy protection, the newest rage for sold-out record companies, causes CDs to only be playable by standard audio CD players, in order to keep them from being copied by the home music enthusiast. While this is supposed to help the companies make more money, it only does so by putting major impediments against the enjoyment of music by the people for which it is made."
This paper reviews the jazz collection of five works by Miles Davis on the CD "Kind of Blue" in which he is joined by legendary players on piano, drums, bass, alto and tenor saxophone.
910 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 32.95
Abstract This paper explains that the pieces in Miles Davis' jazz CD "Kind of Blue" are loosely composed, consisting of improvisation within a musical framework, which produces a feeling of freedom without the clutter of a larger ensemble. The author points out that, when the listener focuses on just hearing the music, he or she can discover the structure behind the melodies and appreciate each instrument and its player individually. The paper relates that the favorite piece on the CD is "Blue in Green", which is the most melodic piece in the collection; Bill Evans creates a lush and romantic mood and his playing invites the listener to put down whatever he is doing and just listen.
From the Paper "Bill Evans's piano solos gave a languid feeling with an unhurried, soft touch that was romantic and contemplative. Between the two saxophonists, I preferred the work of John Coltrane, who has a dusky sound that broadens as it gains volume. Cannonball Adderly's alto sax brought the energy level up and made me feel like getting up off the couch and moving around. I was struck by the contrast of these two players and, although alto and tenor saxes play in different registers, the difference in their sound is attributable to more than this. It is a matter of individual style and each musician's approach. This switch in mood makes the CD more interesting and eliminated any possibility of monotony or of boredom on the part of the listener."
Abstract This paper examines the ways in which the CD, "The Eminem Show", was created, packaged and released as a means of understanding the social and artistic context of the album.
From the Paper "Compact discs are so much a part of our everyday world that we rarely stop to think about the process of how they come into being. They appear to have sprung forth ready made like Athena being born in her armor from the head of Zeus. But of course CDs are made .."
Abstract The paper explains how DVD emerged in the information age as an exciting entertainment medium of versatile functionality with high quality motion picture. However, DVD has taken on new meaning with "writable" capability. The paper shows that, today, users can record television shows or home movies on DVD and even play these DVDs on home DVD players or on DVD-ROM drives. The discs used are called DVD Recordable (DVD-R) and DVD Rewritable (DVD/RW).
The paper examines the variety of usages recordable and rewritable DVDs provide businesses and organizations, such as data storage and multimedia capabilities.
From the Paper "Due to its cost-efficiency, 100-year data life, constant data stream, and broad compatibility, DVD-R offers users a beneficial solution to long-term data storage and the creation of digital media discs that can be viewed both in the office and on the couch. DVD-R discs are now mainstream and produced by large manufacturers, including Pioneer, Mitsui, Maxell, Verbatim, Memorex, and TDK."
Abstract This paper investigates the promotional messages used by Dell Computers and describes how these messages are conveyed. In addition, it analyzes how the messages work to position Dell's products to appeal to its target audience. Lastly, this paper identifies where the products are in its product life cycle and how this life cycle stage affects pricing strategies for Dell.
Paper Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Promotional Messages Used by Dell
Dell Products, Life Cycle Position and Pricing Strategies
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Computers and computer peripherals are the lifeblood of Dell Computers. For this reason, they are also the primary thrust of their marketing efforts. Dell's computers are in the maturity phase of the product life cycle. They are under intense competition from direct to consumer manufacturers, such as Gateway. For this reason, their pricing strategy is to offer comparable products at the price point or slightly lower than their competitors. At this stage, very little differentiation, in actual product, occurs, as the computers are built with similar, if not the same, components."
Abstract What is the difference between a MP3 player and a portable CD player? Music is definitely important to most people. Music lovers will love the new MP3 compared to a CD player. This paper compares and contrasts the similarities and differences between MP3 players and portable CD players and shows that MP3 players have many advantages compared to a portable CD player.
From the Paper "Would it be fun to carry popular music in a shirt pocket? Perhaps carry the music as a necklace playing rap songs? Most people enjoy music and enjoy having it with them as they work during the day or in the evening when they choose to relax. Teenagers enjoy listening to music while they do their homework or when they walk to a friend's house. Music is definitely important to most people. Music lovers will love the new MP3 compared to a CD player. Comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between MP3 players and portable CD players will show that MP3 players have many advantages compared to a portable CD player. Comparing the size of a MP3 player and a portable CD player will show how easy it is to carry a MP3 player compared to the CD player."
Abstract This paper contends that in today's hyper-competitive music industry, the pricing strategies implemented, for CDs, by music manufacturers are crucial to their success. It explains that the threats from the plethora of music labels now producing music, as well as substitutes to CD purchase, such as online downloads, are significant. The paper focuses on the implementation of a variety of tactics to ensure their success in the industry like,product bundling to segmented pricing. The author claims that a sound pricing strategy in the CD industry not only gains competitive advantage, but can also place a company in a leadership position.
From the Paper "In today's hyper-competitive music industry, the pricing strategies implemented, for CDs, by music manufacturers are crucial to their success. Threats from the plethora of music labels now producing music, as well as substitutes to CD purchase, such as online downloads, are significant. As such, organizations have implemented a variety of tactics to ensure their success. From product bundling to segmented pricing, a sound pricing strategy in the CD industry not only gains competitive advantage, but can also place a company in a leadership position. Pricing Strategies Overview: Pricing strategies occur as one facet of a product's marketing strategy. Different pricing strategies are often employed, despite the marketing of very similar products, due to the unique targeted customer demographics, for the product. These generic strategies include: skim pricing, penetration pricing, and neutral pricing. Skim pricing produces high margins and low sales volume for products ..."
Abstract This paper analyzes and describes a CD recording performed by The Tallis Scholars and directed by Peter Phillips entitled, "Christmas Carols and Motets". The paper describes the sections that the CD has been divided into and explains how the CD has furthered his understanding of early Western music.
From the Paper "In the renaissance motets section, there are four settings of Ave Maria: for four voices by Josquin des Pres, for seven voices by Philippe Verdelot, for four voices by Victoria, and for double choir by Victoria. From Grove Music Online it states that, "One of the most important forms of polyphonic music from about 1220 to 1750. No single set of characteristics serves to define it generally, except in particular historical or regional contexts. It originated as a liturgical trope but soon developed into the pre-eminent form of secular art music during the late Middle Ages."
Abstract This paper presents a report on the CD recording, "Complete Lute Works, Vol. 1". The paper describes the performer of the lute on the recording, how the tracks on the CD are setup, the degree of authenticity of the music and what the writer has learned from listening to the CD.
From the Paper "Because my previous exposure to early music before this class was non-existent and that the only early music I have heard in class is mostly chant, this recording is very refreshing and brings a new perspective on early music to me. By using the lute, this recording deepened my understanding of early music by integrating a group of familiar instruments into a genre that I was relatively unfamiliar with. Through the instrumentation and performance of the lute, I now understand that chant was not the only genre of early music."
This paper discusses the case of Napster, an Internet music sharing company, which was forced by the courts and by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to cease operations.
2,455 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
Abstract This paper explains that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) argued that Napster was infringing on copyright and illegally copying, distributing or "bootlegging", and downloading the copyrighted products of musicians. The author points out that the problem of pirating copyright material is not new; but the combination of the Napster technology, the Internet, and the ability of individuals to burn their own CDs off the Internet made pirating very easy, with digital sound quality just like the store bought merchandise. The paper relates that Napster, which is now owned by Roxio, Inc., the software inventor of many well-known CD-burning programs, is a subscription-based service that charges 99 cents per downloaded song; other peer-to-peer networks seem still to be striving.
From the Paper "Napster offered its users the opportunity to access music files held on every other users? hard drive. This, in turn, meant that users could download to their hard drive, and then burn to a Compact Disc (CD) if they so desired, literally hundreds of thousands of pieces of music. This threatened the producers of music (the musicians) and the copyright holders, the media companies, such as AOL Time Warner, Vivendi Universal, EMI and others. The revenue they generate by selling Compact Discs and tapes was threatened because Napster users could now obtain music and compile a music library without actually purchasing product from the companies themselves."
Abstract This paper describes the band Linkin Park, which started out as an edgy alternative rebel band successfully blending rap, traditional classic rock, and electronica. The writer provides a biography and an overview of their rise to fame and their albums prior to "Minutes to Midnight." The success of this latest album is due to their pursuit of a deeper level of musicality, collaboration, and mass appeal, which included using more instruments, such as acoustic guitars and banjos. The paper concludes that this new departure shows the artistic development of the band and that Linkin Park fans can look forward to a wide range of albums in the years to come.
Outline:
Linkin Park Biography
Why This CD Was So Successful
Reflection on the CD and the Group as a Whole
From the Paper "Like many LA bands, they began their rise through the positive response and crowds that they brought to their shows at the Whiskey on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Their status as local favorite did not immediately translate into a contract, because their sound was too new and different--a rock band with a DJ and a rapping lead singer. Zomba Music's Jeff Blue signed Linkin Park to Warner Bros. after the band had been turned down for contracts three times in late 1999. Their first album was called Hybrid Theory, released in fall 2000, when they found their niche by opening for fellow alternative acts such as the Deftones, the Roots, Aphex Twin, and Nine Inch Nails."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed discussion about the history of the radio and the impact radio has had on the recording industry. The writer takes the reader on an exploratory journey through the history of radio broadcasts as well as what the future of radio looks like with the advent of CD burners.
From the Paper 'Across America, people tune into their favorite radio stations and sing along with their favorite artists. While we enjoy the ability to tune in as well as the songs that are played, we seldom give thought to how the radio has impacted our favorite artists from a recording standpoint. Radio was a boon to those involved in it, and it has provided a forum for artists to have their new material heard which in turn increased record sales for many years."
An examination of the online CD firm's products, access and marketing, focusing on strategies for minimizing the negative effects of a merger with N2K.
4,050 words (approx. 16.2 pages), 11 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
Abstract An examination of the online CD firm's products, access and marketing, focusing on strategies for minimizing the negative effects of a merger with N2K. Charts.
From the Paper "Introduction
Mergers and acquisitions can take place for a variety of reasons: a company may seek to eliminate competition by purchasing a competitor; investors may want to sell the assets of the acquired company; a merger may give both companies access to technology and entry into other markets they would not otherwise gain. In the case of CDnow and N2K, the merger is an attempt to bring together two Internet competitors for the purpose of strengthening the position of both in the Internet marketplace. When mergers between similar companies take place, there are often redundancies in the resulting workforce. These redundancies can result in a workforce reduction (layoff), which can have significant ramifications for employees who are laid off, those who remain, and the company as a whole. This research examines the merger..."
Abstract This paper is on the topic of hot jobs for the millenium. Several ways to find hot jobs are using CD-ROM and the Internet. The highest paying top job will be found in technology. Writing offers a variety of jobs as well as advertising.
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the various technologies that exist to enable people to download music from the Internet, including P2P, home CD burning, and music piracy. It looks at the problems this technology brings with it, both legal and ethical, and suggests ways around these problems.
From the Paper "The music industry is undergoing a global technological revolution which has been induced by the introduction of Peer to Peer (P2P) file sharing, and the proliferation of recordable CD equipment which his now within the financial reach of the average consumer. Either of these influences alone could have been absorbed by the recording industry. The presence of a P2P service which was limited only to sharing files between computers would have been convenient and innovative fun. If consumers could only put personal music tracks on portable disks, the convenience would have expanded the reach of the individual's music collection, much the same way that personal cassette recorders did in the 1970?s. Although the music industry was worried about personal cassette recording abilities of the past, the inherent poor quality of personal recordings meant that the demand for studio recordings remained high."
