Zune Pass

Is the licence with the Zune pass so if you cancel the Zune Pass you will not be able to play the songs on your computer or Zune?

Yes, if you cancel the Zune pass you will not be able to play songs obtained from the subscription on your computer or the Zune.

You must renew your license in order to continue playing songs from the subscription. Subscription songs have an expiration date of sorts that is built into the DRM. This is also the way Rhapsody and Napster subscriptions work as well. Renewing the license is continuing the subscription and also connecting to Zune Marketplace's servers at least once a month. You would also need to sync your Zune at least once a month as well.

Are there other sources to download music where I will be able to play it on my computer and portable player? I sure don't want to be tied in to a Zune Card membership for the rest of my life. Seems like once you build up a library of songs you like, the music services like Zune own you. I guess that's what you call genius marketing.

This original thread was about Zune Pass, which is a subscription. The great thing about a subscription is that you have complete access to nearly the entire service's catalog. Millions of songs that you could potentially stream, download, and put on your player for a rather small monthly fee. I use Rhapsody To Go for my non-iPods. Of course, the limitation of a Zune Pass is that you have to play them on a Zune. Rhapsody To Go and Napster To Go work on many other players. And the limitation of a subscription is that once you stop paying, the music stops playing. Well, try buying thousands of songs on your own. How much will that cost? How long will you like them? I've collected thousands of cds over 20+ years and I'm only listening to a fraction of them now. So, take that into consideration before you completely rule out subscriptions.

But if you don't want to be shackled to anything, the best thing to do is to collect cds. Then the next best thing is to buy your songs as downloads, either individually or as albums. Try to buy them in mp3 format if possible. Amazon has an mp3 downloads store. You don't even need to download any additional software unless you want to buy entire album downloads. Napster reportedly has its entire catalog available as mp3s, while maintaining their subscription service. I've heard it's not the most intuitive service, but I'm sure they will work out the kinks.

If you like independent music, eMusic and Audio Lunchbox offer a different type of subscription service. They are not all you can download services. They offer mp3s and you have a set number of monthly downloads according to which subscription plan you go for. But once you they are downloaded, they are yours to keep and you can put them on any player and computer - as many devices as you want. There are no restrictions on cd burning. I believe both services offer a free trial.

If you purchase your songs or to the eMusic/Audio Lunchbox route, make sure you back your music up! If you lose them through a system crash, pc/laptop/mp3 player theft, or whatever, you often won't be able to download them again without repurchasing.

I need step-by-step instructions on how to renew my license with Rhapsody. I need it as soon as possible.
Thank You,
Janet