destra announces web, TV and mobile MP3 music download service...

destra announces web, TV and mobile MP3 music download service
By Stan Beer
Thursday, 16 March 2006
MP3 music network, a newly created division of destra Corporation Limited (ASX:DES), has announced a multi-channel global expansion program during the Australian launch of Intel Viivtechnology, Intel’s new digital entertainment platform.

destra Media has expanded and renamed its MP3.com.au business, now known as destra Media’s MP3 music network division, by launching into eight new markets as a provider of multi-channel MP3 music download services.

“Today we launch both the world’s first MP3 music download service onto the television via the Intel Viiv technology digital entertainment platform in Australia and expand our service globally into eight of the top ten music markets worldwide,” said Clive Mayhew, general manager of destra Media.

Mayhew said that the company is launching MP3 music network services in eight countries initially with artist provided music destination web sites in New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, Italy, Spain, France and Germany.

destra Media has introduced a new global brand as part of the launch. “Our new global brand, MP3 Powered, (www.mp3powered.com) represents the world’s first multi-channel MP3 music download service – the web, the television and over the mobile phone. The powered brand says it all, connecting the artist to the fan digitally regardless of device - it works on iPods, PCs, mobile phones and now TVs,” said Mayhew.

The MP3 music network of services connects emerging artists to multi-channel audiences worldwide. The multi-channel services are already available in Australia via the web and the country’s largest 3G operator 3 mobile through a $3 per month subscription service. The Intel-verified music service is now also accessible via the television with Intel Viiv technology-based PCs.

Initially, the global expansion will be via eight new country specific web sites designed to provide a greater regional music destination experience and increase online traffic. This is being closely followed by future mobile operator partnerships and the expansion of television access via the Intel Viiv global content program.

The newly created division of destra Media, MP3 music network, intends to derive its revenues from the combination of online advertising (web) and new subscription based revenues (mobile and television) from its global web, mobile and television based services. The destra board sees the MP3 music network division as a very significant revenue growth opportunity for destra Media going forward.