BitTorrent was founded in 2004 as an alternative to the peer-to-peer networks like Napster, Kazaa and others. I quickly made the switch to download and, when given the option, still prefer it to current alternatives.
While BitTorrent is still a P2P distribution network, it works differently from the others. For most P2P, a file (mp3, video, pdf, etc) sits on a server in cyberspace. You connect to that computer, request the file, and download it from that computer.
BitTorrent changes the model. Instead of one server holding the file and handling all the bandwidth transfer, it allows you to connect to a bunch of people and download the file from them – even as they are still downloading the file from someone else. You still need at least one computer to hold the completed file (called a “seed”) but as long as a bunch of other computers are also trying to download that file, you share resources and bandwidth among all connected computers. (see Wikipedia for a more in depth explanation.)
Admittedly, I first started using BitTorrent to download various Asian tv programming like anime and kung fu that hadn’t been launched yet in the US. Many others used it to download the latest tv shows, movies, and music – and because you can find virtually anything through BitTorrent, it’s not surprising that it soon had a reputation for piracy.
So, it’s somewhat interesting that in December, BitTorrent raised $20 million and decided to go “legitimate”. I suppose it was either that or be dogged by the MPAA, RIAA, and other Digital Rights Management (DRM) supporters.
Two weeks ago, BitTorrent launched its BitTorrent Entertainment Network. Now, you can use BitTorrent to access over 5000 movies, tv shows, and songs at a price between $1.99-$3.99 per download. Unfortunately, like iTunes, they’ve implemented DRM on their files, which limits their usage – and there have been all sorts of complaints by customers trying to download their content and not being able to because of the DRM.
I haven’t tried it – and don’t plan to, honestly. While I like the idea of digital content, I can’t stand DRM. I once bought an eBook on Amazon.com because it was out of print and impossible to find. It took me 2 hours to configure my computer to work with Microsoft and Adobe Acrobat’s DRM before I could even open the book. It was an absolute nightmare – made worse because Microsoft’s registration servers were down for about an hour and kept telling me to come back later to re-register.
I love iTunes for its free content – and subscribe to numerous podcasts – but would never buy music from it. I’d prefer to buy the audio cd, which I can do virtually anything with, than worry about what mp3 players I can and can’t play my music with.
I anxiously await the day when companies realize that DRM doesn’t work and stop trying to restrict my media consumption, but I doubt that day will come any time soon. Until then, check out Gizmodo’s Anti-RIAA manifesto.
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