Does importing my own MP3s to the iTunes library result in DRM protection being added to the files?

NO.

The DRM only comes from tracks purchased from the iTunes Music Store - which does have a DRM FREE section.

The default codec for iTunes is .aac which stands for Advanced Audio Codec. It DOES NOT contain DRM.

Alternatively you can change the import codec selection in iTunes preferences >import>custom to MP3 and set the bitrate to 256kbps or higher.

iTunes supports

aac

wmv

apple lossless

aiff

mp3

Mac switcher tips

http://www.apple.com/findouthow/macosx/

If you import MP3's to the Itunes libruary, Itunes automatically converterts them to a different file type(AAA) but it DOES NOT put DRM coding on them. So you can still copy,edit the files after they have been imported to the itunes libruary. The only files that have protection (DRM ENCODING) are the song's downloaded directly from the itunes store.

good luck.

No DRM encoding is not added,

you should use amazon if your wanting to get out of the DRM game. Most major labels are switching off of it.

Unfortunately theirs rumors spreading about a new encoding system by Microsoft which is nearly impossible to get off, cause its a wave inside the song it self. Ahhhh