Creative sound card drivers -- DRM--any w/o?

[db]

Was just installing new driver for daughter's computer and noticed that Creative has DRM which may cause her problems when she plays back her legally owned (CD) music put on the computer for convenience.
Is this really a problem, and if so are there workarounds or "lowfat" drivers available?

Thanks

 

[AndyHui]

There is nothing to worry about. The drivers have nothing to do with CD playback in any form.

If you have DRM protected material, the drivers simply shut-down the digital output (but doesn't affect the regular analog outputs).

I have yet to see or hear of anyone with DRM protected files.

 

[stevewm]

Currently the ONLY program that is aware of the Creative's DRM is Windows Media Player. If you play protected Windows Media files (.WMA) it will disable the digital out on the card. And in fact this is not even a function of the drivers. If WMP detects a digital out on any card it will disable when protected files are played!

 

[db]

Thanks!