EMI tries peer-to-peer model to boost sales

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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