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MusicNet to Power Music Download Store for U.K. Retailer HMV

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on April 11, 2005 - 10:36am.
New York -- MusicNet, a joint venture between several major record labels and technology firm RealNetworks, announced on Monday that it has signed a long-term agreement with U.K. music retailer HMV. Under the terms, New York-based MusicNet will provide its library of licensed tracks, as well as delivery technology to support HMV's new digital music download store. HMV said it plans to invest about $19 million to launch the service in the second half of 2005. The U.K. retailer, which operates 200 locations, also contracted with Microsoft late last year to develop customized jukebox player software, which users will be required to download in order to access the online store. HMV will offer the player software both online and from its retail stores.
tags: MusicNet | Power | HMV | Music Download Store | U.K. Retailer |

Microsoft to Power Online Music Service for U.K. Retailer HMV

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on January 3, 2005 - 3:54am.
London -- U.K. music retail store chain HMV announced that it partnered with Microsoft to launch a digital music service in the second half of the year. The company said it will spend about $19 million to develop and market the service. HMV already offers an online subscription service that is powered by Loudeye subsidiary OD2, and is partnered with Amazon.com to operate its online CD and DVD stores outside the U.K. The new HMV digital music service will not support Apple's iPod player, and the company said it will cease selling the iPod in its retail locations once the Microsoft-powered service launches.
tags: Microsoft | Online Music | HMV | U.K. Retailer |