HMV Launches Digital Store In Canada

11/04/09 4:59pm

by Siobhan Ozege (CHARTattack)

Watch out iTunes, Amazon and 7Digital, HMV Canada has announced its expansion into the realm of digital music. As a means of reinventing their brand, they launched their hmvdigital.ca Canadian digital store on Wednesday (Nov. 4).

Although it won't carry anything by The Beatles, the website will have a number of unique features to make enjoying digital music user-friendly.

HMV Canada has launched a beta version of the website, and are encouraging people to provide feedback regarding usability.

HMV Digital promises:

• Millions of tracks all available in MP3 format, free of DRM (digital rights management).
  
• A My Downloads section that centrally stores music purchased from the website, allowing you to keep a catalogue of what you have purchased should you lose your music library.
  
• A user-friendly music search.
  
• An online music preview player that plays 30+ second clips of all songs selected while browsing the website.
  
• Songs that are compatible with all digital music players.
  
• French and English service.
• Acceptance of all major credit cards and Paypal.

As part of HMV Digital's launch, for every song you purchase (up to 10) you'll get a second one for free.