Music distributer EMI stated that Apple is adding compatibility for its copy protected CDs to the iPod, a claim that Apple flatly denies, according to TMC. EMI will be releasing albums in the upcoming months that use digital rights management (DRM) software from Macrovision.

EMI stated "Apple is nearly finished with the technical work necessary to enable consumers to transfer music from content-protected discs to their iPods."

In a rare move, Apple replied with "The information EMI provided regarding iTunes and iPod compatibility with Macrovision's technology is not true and we have no idea why EMI made this statement."

The DRM scheme that EMI plans on using will let consumers rip a copy protected version of an album to their computer. The copied music can be transfered to an MP3 player, three full copies of the CD can be burned, and each individual track can be burned to CD up to seven times.

This marks the second time this week that EMI has made public statements regarding Apple's music policies. On November 16, EMI claimed that Apple will initiate a multi-level pricing scheme at the iTunes Music Store (iTMS) in the near future.

Apple has been historically tight-lipped about upcoming product changes, but has always been firm on its US$0.99 per track price at the iTMS. Changing its policies now would be a major shift, and one that Apple has previously claimed would help promote music piracy.

EMI's statements this week, if nothing else, are interesting, because they mean that either the company is privy to information that Apple isn't sharing with anyone else, or there is potentially an ulterior motive behind its statements.