Why I'm keeping the rockbox from my box [H320].

[zone22]

First of all, I just want to say you guys are doing a great job here. I like everything about the project. However, there is one exception. Currently, Rockbox will destroy my H320 capability to play/use DRM files. To me this is a serious shortcoming. I have a lot of the music/Ebooks that use DRM. Is this something that will be fixed soon and is it a high priority? I'm really looking forward to when that day comes.

[GodEater]

In short, No.

Supporting DRM is something we're not legally placed to be *able* to do, and also we're mostly morally opposed to it.

So not only is it not high priority, it's not even on the list of things to do.

[zone22]

Don't get me wrong, I don't like DRM.... period. I believe it's an infringement on our rights. Mainly what I was hoping some way to keep it from destroying its capability. That way I could boot with original firmware and still upload and listen to DRM protected files.

If there is no way to do that, can I still upload DRM files on to it?  Of course it won't be able to play them.  But is it still possible to upload?

[PaulJam]

Well, i think it would be possible to make the Bootloader compatible with the US firmware (preserving its DRM capabilities), so the OF could be used to play the DRM files.
But here the problem is propably a lack of interest among the people who have the skills and the hardware for this task.

[zone22]

can I still transfer protected files to it?

[GodEater]

Nothing stops you moving the files around at all - it's just that Rockbox won't be able to play them, and, as I understand it - you'd lose the ability to play them in the original firmware too.

[zone22]

I can't reflash it? I guess when you flash it doesn't replace the whole firmware just a part.
Is there any particular place I can download the full firmware?

[PaulJam]

Once you flash the H300 with a non US firmware you will loose its DRM capabilities permanently even if you go back to an US firmware.

[zone22]

 USB 2.0 / host 1.1
what's the host part mean?

[PaulJam]

Now i'm confused.
If your device says "host" and "device" on the bottom it is an international model and never had the ability to play DRM files.

The host port is used for "USB on the go" (Rockbox doesn't support that yet).

[zone22]

LOL sorry

http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/DeviceChart#FootNotes
is where I got that information from.  I have the US version.

[zone22]

As long as I can still transfer protected files to it, I'm going to put the rock in to the box.  I can simply download the books/music onto it, take it home[have dial-up connection], strip out the DRM, and be happy.

[PaulJam]

Be aware, that once you install an international firmware the player will be recognized only as an external mass storage device (like when you are using the DATA port with the US firmware) and Windows Media Player will not recognize it to transfer DRM files.

[GodEater]

Be aware, that once you install an international firmware the player will be recognized only as an external mass storage device (like when you are using the DATA port with the US firmware) and Windows Media Player will not recognize it to transfer DRM files.

But he will still be able to transfer them as physical files.

[PaulJam]

Yes, but the physical files alone are useless (afaik).

@zone22:
If you really need DRM i would suggest to think it through twice and do some research before you go on and install another firmware.