I was surprised to read on Engadget that the latest FairUse4WM may strip video (WMV) DRM too (citing the new BBC iPlayer), so I conducted an experiment (before rolling back Vista). We’d previously purchased three episodes of the second season of Weeds (while waiting for the DVD to be released) via Amazon Unbox for TiVo. Using Amazon’s PC player, I downloaded one episode and ran it through FairUse4WM. I took the resultant file over to my Macbook Pro via a USB key… Lo and behold, after a slow load (it’s a big file), it played back. Very nicely, I might add.
While I’m sure many will appreciate this updated utility, I worry that apps like these make content owners skittish – potentially slowing the delivery and adoption of digital media. Though, maybe more favorable terms for honest consumers would send fewer people down this path.