New broadband service will distribute
music directly to audio equipment.
On February 1, 2004 the 8 companies (Kenwood
Corp., Sharp Corp., Sony Corp., Pioneer Corp., Onkyo Corp., D&M
Holdings Inc., Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC), and Yamaha
Corp.) agreed on a joint investment to establish Any Music Inc.
The new company will establish a broadband music service
platform that will distribute music directly to compatible audio
equipment. Any Music service is due to start on May 20, 2004.
Any Music will partner with LabelGate Inc. a
music distribution company formed by the joint investment of
Japan’s leading record labels for system integration and content
provision. Music library of approximately 38,000 songs will be
available for the Any Music service start and will be priced
from ¥158 per single to ¥1050 per album.
In addition to the music distribution service,
Any Music has struck deals with FM broadcasters and CD retailers
to offer more services to customers. Any Music customers will be
able to access information on songs being played on FM stations
and make online purchases of CD and download music contents. The
first CD retailer to partner with Any Music for online purchases
is HMV Japan.
Initially, the Any Music service will be
available on Any Music compatible home audio equipment. Any
Music is also considering tie-ups that will allow the service to
be accessed on car audio equipment and mobile devices.
Any Music will continue to work with all parties
in the music industry to create a new music lifestyle where
content can be downloaded directly to devices.
