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Hi everyone,

You might want to read this article on CNET:

http://news.com.com/2100-1023-852540.html?legacy=cnet&tag=lthd

Apparently Avex is the first label in Japan to introduce "copy protected" CDs,
which (sometimes) do not play on computers, and at minimum can't be copied
with your CD burner.

The best-known artist in the Avex group of "protected" CDs is Do As Infinity.
Their new greatest hits CD "Do The Best" will be copy protected.

I have an import copy of Natalie Imbruglia's "White Lillies Island," which is
protected with the same system ("Cactus Data Shield" from Midbar Technology).
When you put the disc in your computer a small Winamp-style player comes up on
the screen. You can play the tracks but if you open up your burner software
(like MusicMatch Jukebox) it does not recognize the tracks on the CD and
cannot play them.

The worst part of the CNET article: Universal wants to do the same before 
mid-year. Even if Seiko is returning to Sony, if Avex and Universal do this,
the other major labels will undoubtedly follow. There has been a major protest
from music consumers worldwide over this technology, and some people have even
returned CDs that wouldn't play on ANY CD PLAYER...and, as you might have 
guessed, the record labels DON'T CARE...they're going to move forward with this
anyway.

As you know, I don't support Napster-type trading of MP3 files. Even though
CDs are ridiculously overpriced, I do feel that the artist has a right to 
profit. HOWEVER...if you buy a CD, the owner SHOULD have the right to make a 
personal-use mix tape / CD / mini-disc / whatever. The record labels disagree.

If you are shopping for CDs in the future, read your labels carefully. If you
see "Cactus Data Shield" or "Midbar Tech Ltd" anywhere in the credits, you are
buying a copy protected CD.

Best regards,

Mike