Stopping people from downloading music.

Hi,

Wonder if anyone can help, i need some mp3/wma files on this site, for streaming, have used m3u files that play the mp3/wma but all you need to do is download the m3u and open it to see the location of the music files then download them, or you can see in winamp the location Anyone know how to do this so people cant find out where the files are? Or any other way of having music on the site for people to listen to but not download.

Any help at all would be very much appreciated.

David

Use Flash.

Flash is definately a popular option.

You could also license a proper streaming server to stream your files.
I know Real offers it, I believe Apple has something, I'm sure Microsoft does.
I just can't tell anything based on experience.

I like the flash option, but it all depends on the cost you're willing to accept.

There is no cost involved. You can download free flash players
from places like flashkit.com...

Right. I was referring to the cost of a streaming server.
Or potential cost of having a custom flash player developed for you.

Another good solution is to just lower the quality of the streaming recording...
Who would want to steal a bad quality recording, however it should be good enough for your listeners to get an idea of what you have to offer.

Kind of depends on the whole purpose of the site... if it's your band's site, or if it's a streaming online radio station.

This is true, but I think the OP is just mis-using the word
'streaming'. If it's just for playing mp3's and the like, a true
streaming server is way overkill, and a simple flash player is
the prime solution, IMO...

most likely so, but he did specify that there were multiple audio files involved. If he has a large enough number of them, using flash would result in insane download times....