HMV Digital Announce Online Jukebox

Music retail giant, HMV has unveiled its plans to launch a new online jukebox. The jukebox, along with the site’s social network, scheduled for launch in December is an effort to cash in on online media sales.

The company has seen its online sales double since last year and they now account for 10% of the retailer’s sales. With the Jukebox, users can log onto the website and for a subscription fee of £5.99 a month, will have free access to the 3.5 million songs in the HMV archives.

Users are unable to download the songs onto and iPod or their computer, however they are free to create playlists and listen to the songs as many times as they like.

The software needed to run the Jukebox will be distributed on CD-Rom for free through the 200+ HMV shops throughout the UK and Ireland or alternatively, customers can download the software for free online at www.hmv.co.uk.

The Jukebox will also focus on local British and Irish music with a new artists section and music from smaller independent indie labels.