Convert iTunes protected m4p files to unprotected m4a

I've finally got around to downloading the latest bit of kit from the Hymn Project. This project is all about cracking the stupid DRM (Digital Rights Management) on content purchased from iTunes Store - please note I'm using DRM very loosely just so people get the idea.

DRM is a form of copy protection and in this case basically stops you from playing music you bought from iTunes Store on anything but an Apple device or software. As you may or may not know Apple insist they must have this DRM in place because the music publisher want there material to be protected. So how do other legal electronic music stores sell the same music without this? I'm sure there are many clauses and technicalities to explain this, but do we as consumers give a doggy doo doo. I don't think so. We want to be able to play the music we just downloaded legally on the device(s) of our choice, anytime, anyplace. I hear some of you say "well don't use iTunes to buy your music then, use some other service" or "buy an iPod". Most of you who are saying this probably haven't used iTunes or probably commute to work - I don't. In my opinion iTunes is a half decent service these days and boasts one of the largest music libraries.

So as I started off saying before my mini rant, Hymn are all about some software that lets you convert you music downloaded from iTunes Store from a protected m4p format to a unprotected m4a format. As far as I understand and Hymn Project say there is nothing dodgy or illegal about this (providing you have paid for the downloads ofcourse). You are simply making it possible to play your music on Windows Media Player or your mobile phone.

Early version of the software was based on a cracked DRM as I understand. So effectively decrypted the files. But then Apple caught on to this and changed the DRM. The most reason version QTFairUse6 uses an architecture where it plays the tune in iTunes then effectively programmatically hooks in somewhere after iTunes has decrypted the file and before your soundcard converts it to analouge to play out of your speakers. It is done at an accelerated rate so converting a tune takes between 10 - 15sec.

Just tell me how to get this working!

1) download load QTFairUse6. Check the forums for the latest updates.
2) extract into a folder on your pc such as 'c:\program files\QTFairUse6'
3) I also downloaded the QTFairUse6 file and copied it over the one included in the main download.
4) simply double click 'QTFairUse6.exe' will lauch the GUI.
5) your ready to free your iTunes music.

I've just tried QTFairUse6 2.5 with iTunes 7.1.1.5 and a tune I downloaded on an older version.