How to Remove DRM from Zune Marketplace Protected WMA WMV

DRM restriction of the Zune Marketplace

1. Music from Zune Marketplace is offered in DRM-restricted WMA format (2-pass CBR @ 192kbit/s) or non-DRM MP3 format (up to 320kbit/s) for a per-song or per-album fee, or via Zune Pass monthly/quarterly subscriptions; videos are also DRM-wrapped WMV can't be downloaded via Zune Pass.

2. Songs downloaded from the Marketplace are restricted by DRM similar to yet slightly different from Windows Media center's PlaysForSure DRM, meaning that songs purchased from PlaysForSure partners could not be playable in Zune Software or on the Zune device, although the reverse is true.

3. Zune Pass downloads cannot be burned to audio CD unless purchased, and become unplayable if the subscription lapses, or if in the future Microsoft should decide to discontinue the service. The Zune pass allows for 3 Zunes to share the downloaded DRM content as well as the content to be downloaded on up to 3 computers.

4. If you want to enjoy your Zune Marketplace purchased content on a new computer, you can download songs that you purchased five times for WMA files, and just once for MP3 files (including your initial purchase download). WMV videos can only be downloaded once.

Apple iTunes the same situation

Like the M4V TV shows and movie, as well as the M4P music from iTunes are copyright protected the same by Apple's incompatible 'Fair Play' DRM system, which prohibits other device but iPods playing iTunes content. Furthermore, the iTunes rented movies have dead limitation to watch within 30days and 24hrs (once you began to watch it).

So unless Zune folks has a third party DRM Removal Software - DRM Media Converter to strip the license protection and convert media formats to Zune compatible .wmv, .mp4, .m4v, or H.264, they can't enjoy those digital content, as what the big brands said, "On The Go"!

How to remove DRM from Zune music and video

1. Free download DRM Media Converter, install and launch it, the default settings work well with your PC, you don't need to make anymore configuration.

2. When come to the main interface, you can directly drag-drop the DRM-protected source media files (like .m4p .wma music amd .m4v .wmv video movie) to the conversion window, or hit the top-left 'Add' button to import the target files.

Since Zune plays WMV / M4V / MP4 / H.264 video files with peak 720 x 480 pixels and 30 fps, if you're picky on the output quality, the function module 'settings' can help you with it by offering adjustable parameters covering Bit Rate, Resolution, Aspect Ratio, and Frame Rate as well.

3. When finish the preceding 2 steps, hit "Start" button lower-right on the main window, then everything done, you can freely transfer iTunes to Zune and convert iPod to Zune.

(1) Port your Zune with computer, open the Zune software, select "Settings".
(2) Under Monitored folders, add a folder under Music that corresponds to the location of your iTunes music files, and another one under Video that corresponds to the location of your iTunes video files. Zune software will automatically add them to your collection.

Tips: If you're looking for a program which can complish all the job of removing DRM, ripping DVD, converting audio & video formats, burning DVD, creating cellphone ringtone, and syncing media files to iPod player in one-stand way, check this 7-in-1 Video Converter Ultimate.