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[JimH]

Press Release

MusicGiants and JRiver Connect Their Networks to Deliver High Definition Media
High quality digital media distribution meets state-of-the-art media player, extending the strategic reach of two well known digital media companies

Minneapolis, MN (June 10, 2008): MusicGiants, the leading distributor of HD entertainment, and JRiver, the leading independent provider of media player software, have partnered to deliver their products to a worldwide network of independent digital service providers.  The two companies are combining technology to provide compelling solutions for the next stage of digital media delivery.

Jim Hillegass, CEO of JRiver, said, "We believe that a strong, open, and independent network of digital media companies will be a welcome alternative to proprietary solutions from Apple and Microsoft."

The first implementation of this new approach is a new player and service, using the MediaNet music subscription service to provide non-stop, unlimited playback of WMA content streams, with a built-in option to purchase a hi-def download from the MusicGiants' store or a CD.

"By including our HD Media Store inside the JRiver player, millions of digital media customers will have the opportunity to purchase music that sounds exactly the way the artists intended it to be heard - in full resolution," says Scott Bahneman, CEO of MusicGiants.

About JRiver
JRiver builds digital delivery solutions for corporate partners. This includes streaming, downloading, subscriptions of audio and video content, handheld device support and DRM. For more information about JRiver's media products, visit www.jrmediacenter.com.

Contact e-mail music a t jriver.com, or call 612.677.8200x248

About MusicGiants
MusicGiants delivers high definition entertainment from all of the giants of the industry. Our HD Media Store is integrated into several of the top media servers for convenient delivery of premium HD content. MusicGiants is the perfect companion for home audio systems and anywhere else that sound quality matters. For more information on MusicGiants, visit www.MusicGiants.com
 
Press Contact:  Katherine Ryan 775.832.5692 x112     KRyan a t MusicGiants.com

 

[fitbrit]

Congratulations, Jim et al.

[darichman]

Interesting (and well done)

1. Is it US only?
2. Is it the MusicGiants service only, or will it include VideoGiants as well?

Edit: Just looked at the site... they mention hard drives pre-packaged with content. I'm guessing they're also looking at online distribution now?

[glynor]

It is a bit confusing from the release, but if this deal includes HD video downloads without DRM (particularly TV shows or indie movies) I will:

1. Fall down.
2. Get back up.
3. ???
4. Buy things a bunch off of it and help JRiver to PROFIT!!!

Either way... I look forward to this new service.  In a very short period of time I've become a huge fan of the Amazon MP3 store.  If I can get my digital download purchases even easier and more integrated (and still in nice LAME-encoded high-quality MP3s), I will be an even happier customer.

My main problem with the Amazon store in MC right now is that it is very hard to use from my couch on my TV, because the integrated IE is crappy and doesn't have full page zoom or any other cool features.  Something that worked well from within the MC UI (and especially if it works in Theater View) will be SLICK!!!

[JimH]

A couple of screenshots:
http://pix01.com/VQ@5XO11

[JimH]

skeeter,
I split your post here.

[Frobozz]

I wasn't familiar with MusicGiants.  I had a look at their site and their store.  I'm not clear on how they define "HD Stereo".  How many bits?  What is the sampling rate?  I've managed to gather that they use WMA Lossless, some DRM, some no DRM.  But they aren't forthcoming about bit depth and sampling rate for each album.

A good source for 24-bit high sampling rate music would be a good thing for me.  I like 24-bitness with good music.

[Mastiff]

Congratulations, guys! Keep stickin' it to the man! (Steve Jobs, that is...)

[ThoBar]

ooooohh... SACD & 5.1 Audio .... *droool*

Looks like I might need to save for that decent surround system after all....

[glynor]

So... One question.  Is this only going to be available in Performer MC, or will it be integrated into "regular" MC at some point in the future?

[JimH]

Yes.  It will probably migrate into all our players (18 and counting).

[KingSparta]

That Cleared That Up.

[PDP8User]

I note that their current T&C state that "The Service is currently available only in the United States, and is not available in any other location."
Is this likely to change?

Brian Marriott, Australia

[Bulkhead]

Hey Jim,

This is fantastic news!! I have subscribed to Rhapsody, but have been disappointed by spotty connectivity issues with their authentication servers and the transition between songs is atrocious! When songs transition, I get dead air followed by a momentary replay of the first song followed then by the next song. Why the system doesn't pre-fetch the next song and queue it for playback is beyond me.

These issues combined with the nuisance of having two media players (Rhapsody and MC) make it a less than ideal setup.

I will drop Rhapsody and subscribe with your partnership service as soon as it is integrated with MC, particularly if it priced at the level you mentioned in prior posts on this topic.

Congratulations J River!