Get a free DRM-removal utility (today only)
Drm-Removal strips that eee-vil copy protection from most kinds of video and audio files.
My good buddy (and self-described Cheapskate fan) James is looking over my shoulder today, so I need an outta-the-park deal. And here it is: a Tiffen 52mm UV Protection Glass Filter for $4.99 shipped!
No, no, I'm kidding. Today's deal is literally a today-only deal: Freebie-software site Giveaway of the Day is offering Drm-Removal, which promises to strip the DRM from audio and video files alike.
Specifically, the utility claims to remove all copy protection from AAC, WMA, WMV, iTunes AVI, and other commonly DRM-infested files. And based on some quick tests I ran, it works.
Of course, now that DRM is largely a thing of the past, at least for music, this may not be something you need. On the other hand, if you have some old, protected content cluttering up your hard drive, here's the perfect chance to liberate it.
Similarly, if you've purchased videos from, say, Amazon or iTunes and want to watch them on the device of your choice, Drm-Removal will convert them to an unprotected format.
That being said, I don't condone the use of this or any other utility for piracy. I do, however, believe that if I purchase a song, movie, or whatever, I should be allowed to watch it where and how I please. This program makes that possible.
As with all Giveaway of the Day deals, this one must be downloaded and installed before midnight tonight (July 22). Make sure to follow the registration/activation instructions in the readme file, which are simple and straightforward.
One final note: This is one seriously ugly-looking app, and it will automatically start converting any selected media unless you first venture into the settings and disable "Start conversion automatically." But it does seem to work, and you can't beat the price.
Rick Broida, a technology writer for nearly 20 years, is the author of more than a dozen books. In addition to writing CNET's The Cheapskate blog, he oversees BNET's Business Hacks. Rick is a member of the CNET Blog Network and is not an employee of CBS Interactive. Disclosure. Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers. Follow Rick on Twitter at cheapskateblog. 
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~Ibrahim~
Thanks,
What a waste of time. Please only put valid offers up.
Thanks
Giveawayof the day does a good job overall. Every now and then something doesn't work right. Most times it does. Today wan't your day. Tomorrow might be. The site is well worth a bookmark or better still an RSS feed.
Also their forum may (or may not) have a fix for you. It's too late now no doubt as normally you have to isntall that day but next time maybe you will get the help you need in their forums.
- by mlipshaw July 22, 2009 11:02 PM PDT
- same activation problem. has happened more than once with Giveaway of the Day offers. while I love this column and frequently buy products you recommend, you really should reconsider this particular source - if you read the feedback from many of the offers from this site, it is a frequent disappointer for your readers!
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- by rickbroida July 23, 2009 6:58 AM PDT
- FWIW, I installed it on my machine and everything went just fine. Are you positive you followed the instructions in the readme file? If so, my apologies.... I wouldn't post something like this without testing it first.
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- by Renegade Knight July 23, 2009 7:47 AM PDT
- See my post above.
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- by jca671 July 23, 2009 7:46 PM PDT
- I had the same problem with activation- and yeah, followed the README to a T. Eh, cest la vie- youtubedownloader gets me most of I want these days anyway DRM free. :)
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Showing 1 of 2 pages (44 Comments)Let me ad. The world of free has some risk. So does the world of paid, but with paid at least you can expect some service at some level. Free, you are on your own.