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Fuzzy Logic BigPond challenges iTunes with MP3 downloads!
Fuzzy Logic BigPond challenges iTunes with MP3 downloads! | BigPond challenges iTunes with MP3 downloads! |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Wednesday, 13 August 2008 | |
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Page 1 of 3   
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Encoded at 256Kbps and, according to BigPond, mostly at 320Kbps, the announcement means the biggest number of highest quality mp3 tracks available anywhere, although raw CD quality tracks will still give higher quality still. But mp3 was born from a need to squeeze file sizes smaller to cope with the pre-broadband era, so if we’re seeing 320Kbps tracks available, the future likely holds full CD quality downloads and even multi-channel music files as seen on DVD-Audio and Super Audio CD, although 320Kbps files are an excellent development. I’ve had a look at the BigPond Music website and mp3 tracks are priced at the same rate as the previous WMA-DRM encoded files – AUD $1.69 per track, while albums vary in price but most are at AUD $16.50 – BigPond is promising there is no premium to be charged. BigPond members get an additional discount of 12% on track sales and 9% on album sales, and downloads don’t count towards download caps. The MP3 tracks can be loaded into virtually any modern music playing device, be it a phone, iPod, iPhone or any number of other music players, burned to CD or DVD and also transferred via iTunes, Real Player, Windows Media Player or other music management software. BigPond MD Justin Milne said: ““BigPond now gives iPod users an alternative place to purchase their favourite music in a format that will work on their player. And if they are BigPond customers they will save money on the tracks and download them free of data charges. BigPond is changing the online music game by creating a truly open world that puts consumers in the driving seat. "Until now many people found it complex to download music legally, and ended up frustrated when they discovered their music was locked onto a single device or was impossible to transfer to the player of their choice. But from today BigPond's new service means consumers can transfer tracks from their computer to almost any device they care to use. “We are confident the popularity of the MP3 format, our Australian-first agreement with all the top music labels and the power of the BigPond brand will mean customers will be clicking and downloading from us because we are the only place in Australia to offer legal downloads in MP3 format from all the major labels. "BigPond's MP3 catalogue makes it simpler for people to purchase their music online whether it is on their BigPond bill, credit card or using one of our BigPond Music Pre-Paid cards," concluded Milne. So, which labels are offering at least part of their catalogues in mp3 format, and what are the findings of a BigPond music survey? Please read on to page 2. |
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