EMI tries peer-to-peer model to boost sales

EMI's Qtrax will offer music files in the proprietary .mpq file format

EMI Music is making its catalogue of recordings available using what it describes as the world's first advertising-supported, legal peer-to-peer music distribution service.

The move mirrors Warner Bros' announcement that it plans to use the BitTorrent peer-to-peer software to sell movie downloads. 

EMI said that users on the Qtrax service will be able to download high-quality, high-fidelity digital music files in the proprietary .mpq file format. 

Those using the free service will be served ads and have a limited number of times they can play each file, while a premium ad-free version will charge a monthly fee with unlimited plays.

"The two-tiered business model is intended to attract a broad base of consumers to try out the service, and then graduate those consumers to purchase music permanently or subscribe," said EMI in a statement.

Those on the free service will be offered the chance to purchase tracks, while subscribers will be able to play the content on Windows Media-compatible portable devices. 

The Qtrax service is expected to enter a beta phase later this year in the US.

"Qtrax will ensure that artists are getting paid when their songs are accessed in a P2P environment," said Allan Klepfisz, president of BTC, parent company of Qtrax maker LTDnetwork. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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