Legal Zune Music Downloads 101
Many people all over the world are asking about “legal Zune music downloads”. Zune is unlike other popular media devices. It frees owners from DRM download requirements. DRM or digital rights management is copyright information embedded on mp3s. Most mp3s are encoded with DRM, which prohibits downloaders from distributing songs. Because of DRM restriction, it is now possible to legally download Zune music. But where can you find them?
Zune Marketplace
This place is the source of all media downloads for Zune. But it is different from iTunes to iPod. iTune MP3s are not Zune-compatible. In other words, because of the DRM embedded in iTunes files, you cannot play it on a Zune. Since Zune has partnered with 4 major record labels like Sony BMG, Warner Music Group, EMI and Universal Music Group, the selection of songs at the Marketplace is huge and comparable to iTunes.
Zune Marketplace is a subscription based service, which means you need to sign up and pay for the songs you are going to download. Like iTunes store, however, you can also find free legal Zune music downloads. These free songs are recorded by independent artists.
Premium MP3 websites
These websites are neither connected with any media device manufacturers nor with recording labels. Premium mp3 websites are online retailers that offer mp3 downloads on either a subscription free or a per download basis. Most of these websites offer a free 30-day trial with limited number of downloads. You can try out the service for one month, and on the first day after the 30th, you will then be charged for every download you make.
All songs in these websites are legal and they also come with a download manager, a piece of software that works pretty much like the Zune Software. It allows you to manage your downloads, and even synchronize the download manager with your device. Just make sure though that the website offers compatible Zune formats.
Online Radio Stations
Streaming stations are also likely places to find legal Zune music downloads. Their pop-up players typically scroll details of the currently playing song. Below the details, you will find a link to their online store. Downloads from online radio stations are reliable since they have good connections with the major recording companies.
Free MP3 download sites are the worst places to get Zune music downloads. There are several problems associated with them. If you are not hounded by the adware, spyware and viruses that come with most of their downloads, then expect poor quality or corrupted non-working files. Use the paid services and do not freely distribute your legal Zune music downloads.