NewCardDude
06-28-2004, 01:00 AM
Music labels introduce pocket CD
Some of the world’s largest record companies are testing a new music format in Europe known as the pocket CD to spin new life into faltering music singles. At about eight centimetres in diameter, or roughly half the size of a conventional compact disc, the pocket CD carries a selection of music tracks and mobile phone ring tones from a host of artists ranging from 50 Cent to Black Eyed Peas.
The technology made its debut in Germany last summer with Universal Music, Sony Music and later EMI and BMG, all selling a limited number of the CDs to test the public’s appetite.
A spokesman said it will ship 1,000 units of the pocket CD for 16 of its artists including 50 Cent and The Rasmus. Pricing has yet to be determined, he added.
With ringtone sales on the rise and CD single sales plummeting, record executives are hopeful the new format will reverse the fortunes of an industry beset by rampant piracy and slumping sales.
The pocket CD is viewed as a way to recapture the market for tech-savvy teenagers and 20-somethings, the same group that has abandoned record shops in favour of downloading songs off the Internet.
reuters
Some of the world’s largest record companies are testing a new music format in Europe known as the pocket CD to spin new life into faltering music singles. At about eight centimetres in diameter, or roughly half the size of a conventional compact disc, the pocket CD carries a selection of music tracks and mobile phone ring tones from a host of artists ranging from 50 Cent to Black Eyed Peas.
The technology made its debut in Germany last summer with Universal Music, Sony Music and later EMI and BMG, all selling a limited number of the CDs to test the public’s appetite.
A spokesman said it will ship 1,000 units of the pocket CD for 16 of its artists including 50 Cent and The Rasmus. Pricing has yet to be determined, he added.
With ringtone sales on the rise and CD single sales plummeting, record executives are hopeful the new format will reverse the fortunes of an industry beset by rampant piracy and slumping sales.
The pocket CD is viewed as a way to recapture the market for tech-savvy teenagers and 20-somethings, the same group that has abandoned record shops in favour of downloading songs off the Internet.
reuters