Sony has today announced changes they are making to their Sony Video Unlimited DRM or Video Unlimited digital rights management policy on PlayStation gaming consoles.
The news of the changes to the Sony Video Unlimited DRM was discovered by the Shacknews website revealing that Sony has added support for a cloud library and re-downloads across multiple devices.
Enhanced Flexibility for Users
The original Sony Video Unlimited DRM policy prevented users of the Video Unlimited service from ever re-downloading purchased content. This restriction was a significant limitation for users who wanted the flexibility to access their purchased content across different devices or after a device failure. Now, Sony explains on the Video Unlimited website that:
“Movie rentals are available for viewing up to 30 days after purchase and can be viewed multiple times within 24 hours on the same device,”-“If you purchase a copy, the video or TV show download will be available infinitely and can be transferred to other enabled devices.”
This change marks a significant shift in Sony’s approach to digital rights management, aligning more closely with consumer expectations in the digital age. The ability to re-download purchased content and access it across multiple devices provides users with greater control and convenience.
Implications for the Digital Media Landscape
Sony’s decision to relax its DRM policies could have broader implications for the digital media landscape. As consumers increasingly demand more flexibility and control over their digital purchases, other companies may feel pressured to follow suit. This move by Sony could set a precedent, encouraging other digital content providers to adopt more user-friendly DRM policies.
For instance, services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple iTunes have already implemented similar features, allowing users to re-download purchased content and access it on multiple devices. Sony’s new policy brings Video Unlimited in line with these industry standards, making it a more competitive option for consumers.
Moreover, the addition of cloud library support means that users can now store their purchased content in the cloud, freeing up valuable storage space on their devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with limited storage capacity, such as those using older PlayStation models or other devices with smaller hard drives.
Sony has now released an announcement confirming the changes that were first spotted by the Shacknews website.
In conclusion, Sony’s updated Video Unlimited DRM policy represents a significant improvement in user experience. By allowing re-downloads and multi-device access, Sony is addressing a long-standing pain point for its customers. This change not only enhances the value of the Video Unlimited service but also positions Sony as a more consumer-friendly player in the digital media market.
Source: Eurogamer
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