Time to have a rant and raise awareness of a problem with any Prince stuff you downloaded from NPGMC. OK, old news, the NPGMC license (US spelling) acquisition server is no more. So, rip the audio files to CD and you have a copy and you have a workaround. And make sure you create an Audio CD, not just a data cd with the MP3 tracks - that won't work.

BUT you could never do that with the purchased videos like the live performance of Question of U. DVD encoders like Nero would not be able to add that content.

And, if you're using WiMP 11 - that no longer allows you to backup or restore licences.

So, when you change computer, or have a system crash, you will lose your Prince videos that you bought. No getting round it. And if you have not created audio CDs of the music you'll lose them too.

I really need to upgrade my PC, but I know when I do I'll lose the videos I legally purchased!!!


MODS: I did not put this in the 3121 forum as it's broader than just a site discussion and wanted to raise as much awareness as possible.
[Edited 7/24/07 5:39am]

That's awful! I'm going to burn a disc tomorrow.

Yeah..awful
Thank god mine still work

i wonder if theres a hack to get them to work..

Don't hold your breath - they have anticipated such questions in the FAQ at 3121.com

Q: Is this the new NPG Music Club?
A: No, there is no more NPG Music Club. It was closed over a year ago and has not returned. Much like any business that closes it's doors, all activities and agreements have ended.

I don't know how legal it is to sell someone a download with a 99 year license and then take the server offline within a year, meaning it is impossible for people to legally back up their purchased music.

mplsmike said:

I guess there must be but I've searched and could not find one. Though it should not have to come to that.

I've already lost the Much Music Performances - I had not played them after updating to WMP11 before the site shut down Can't even burn those to audio because Nero tries to acquire and it can't.

machinegun said:

I doubt can find any thing either..
But just for the hell of im gonna search around ...see what i can find

gsh said:

I think legally they are on very shaky ground. When purchasing the actual songs and videos like Te Amo Corazon, being able to back them up and move the rights to another PC formed part of the agreement at that time. It's a bit like buying furniture for your home and then not being allowed to take them to your new home when you move just becuase the store you bought them closed down.
The original terms of the licenses state (and you can see this within the properties of the files) the following:

- This file can be played an unlimited number of times
- Collaborative play for this file is not allowed
- This file can be burned an unlimited number of times
- This file can be synchronized an unlimited number fo times
- The media usage rights for this file can be backed up

The last point being critical. Also, the 3rd point, while OK for audio files, you can't actually do for the video files. I plan to connect my PC to the DVD recorder sometime soon and record them that way so as not to lose them when I upgrade my PC and wipe the drive.

I've found this out the hard way, luckily I backed up the music to CD anyway so I could get it onto my MP3 player but I've lost my videos.

Strange that he gives music away in one form but takes it away (from the hardcore too!) in another.

Still, now WB are cashing in with the old 12" re-releases, I'm building up my collection somehow.

Staying primitive has it's advantage.