mp3

In Britain, seven of the largest retailers of MP3 downloads have produced a logo which promotes the MP3 format for DRM-free downloads.

The Entertainment Retailers Association devised the logo to emphasize the fact that MP3 files can be played on any digital player.

While MP3 is still encumbered by patents, and sites supporting Ogg Vorbis would really be something amazing, this is a good move for consumers who know about the DRM issue.

Ben Drury from 7Digital, one of the first online retailers in the UK to offer MP3 downloads said that online sales "have been booming" because users "love the freedom of MP3".

HMV seems like the latest big name to join the DRM Free MP3 sales market. Looks like they plan to undercut iTMS in an attempt to increase sales.

HMV and other bricks and mortar music stores haven't been doing so well of late as sales of physical CDs have been dropping.