FairPlay

FairPlay is Apple Computer's name for its digital rights management (DRM, alternately: "Digital Restrictions Management") built in to the QuickTime multimedia technology and used by the iPod, iTunes, and the iTunes Music Store. Every file bought from the iTunes Music Store with iTunes is encoded with FairPlay. It digitally encrypts AAC audio files and prevents users from playing these files on unauthorized computers.

Related Topics:
Apple Computer - Digital rights management - QuickTime - IPod - ITunes - ITunes Music Store - Encrypts - AAC

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While the iTunes jukebox remains the most popular method to buy and play FairPlay-protected files, the actual decoding is performed by Apple's QuickTime. In fact, every QuickTime-based player is capable of using these files, including RealPlayer and Media Player Classic.

Related Topics:
QuickTime - RealPlayer - Media Player Classic

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FairPlay is rumored to have been based on technology created by the company Veridisc. Neither Apple nor Veridisc has confirmed this.

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