Responding to customer feedback, the Best Buy Digital Music Store is participating in a test with Universal Music Group that will let customers purchase music without digital rights management protection for the same price they would pay for protected music. DRM restrictions aimed at protection against piracy are too restrictive, Best Buy says.
“Our customers have shared their frustration around interoperability, multiple formats and DRM issues and we have listened,” says Jennifer Schaidler, vice president of music for Best Buy, No. 11 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide. “One of the most appealing aspects of digital music is the freedom it can provide to enjoy music wherever and whenever you want. Taking away DRM protection will help digital music live up to this promise.”
Based on customer comments and its own research, Best Buy believes “DRM-free music is what the consumer wants,” Schaidler says. “We’re happy to be part of Universal’s test. We believe customers will respond positively to the idea of getting unprotected music without having to pay more for that freedom.”
Universal Music Group develops, markets, sells and distributes recorded music through a network of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and licensees in 77 countries.
The Best Buy Digital Music Store, located at BestBuy.com, offers millions of recordings that can be accessed either by purchasing individual songs for 99 cents or by subscribing to the service for $14.99 per month for unlimited music listening. The music can be played on a computer or loaded on any compatible MP3 player, and can be listened to without limits as long as the subscription is active. Subscribers also can purchase music at a discounted rate of 89 cents per track.
Last month, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., No. 13 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide, launched DRM-free MP3 music downloads, available on Walmart.com. Pricing is 94 cents per track and $9.22 per album.
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