Is it possible to record an internet audio/video stream with DRM encoding?

Originally Posted by Kevin

I am considering producing an audio book and the publisher wants me to find out if it is possible to record an internet stream with DRM encoding even if the service is offering both purchase rights and non purchase rights stream options?

Is it possible to DOWNLOAD / RIP / CAPTURE an internet audio/video stream with DRM encoding
If your streamed audio/video files will have a one-time play license, then after downloading/ripping/capturing such an audio/video file with a streaming audio/video ripper or audio stream rippers, one won't be able to play it. And without playing the audio/video file, it is impossible to remove DRM protection.

Is it possible to RECORD an internet audio/video stream with DRM encoding
One can use

• direct sound recording software to record any audio from his/her sound card
• screen video capture software to record any video from the screen with the audio from the sound card

When one records from the sound card or from screen, there is usually some loss in quality. But in most cases it is not that significant.


If you use a "Protected audio path" in Windows Vista, then Vista users won't be able to record anything from their sound cards (at least I don't know how to do it). The problem is that DRM protected Windows Media files are not supported on computers with Mac OS and Linux.

Another good thing is that most web-sites (including this one) only suggest how to remove DRM protection from legally purchased files only. It means that it will be harder to get any advice on removing the DRM protection from a file with a rental license.


At the moment I consider DRM as a pure evil. It is more a measure that bounds legal customers than a way to stop piracy.