"...Music City Records is betting that the technology protecting "A Tribute to Jim Reeves," to be released Tuesday, will keep the songs from appearing on Napster and alternative free file-swapping services.

On Pride's new album, encryption technology by Phoenix-based SunnComm prevents people from copying the CD's music on a burner or downloading it onto Napster in a digital form, according to Music City Records. The recordings can be downloaded into MP3 or other music file formats, but only after an individual purchases the CD, which has a list price of $16.98, and registers that copy.

Bob Heatherly, chief executive of Music City Records is confident that the CD will prevent people from breaking the encryption code. The label, which was founded in January, decided to release copy-protected CDs in response to Napster's controversial service, which does not compensate artists. Heatherly added that when he negotiated with Pride to sign him on his label, the singer wanted to ensure that his music was protected..."