Dixons in Napster music deal

DIXONS, the 1,100-strong electrical stores chain which also includes PC World, The Link and Currys, is to be the first UK retail partner for Napster, the newly legitimised music download service.

Dixons will install Napster 2.0 software on all the own-brand computers it sells under the Advent, Ei System and Patriot labels. The stores will carry Napster promotional material and Napster-branded CDRs, CD wallets and labelling kits.

Unlike download rivals i-Tune or Sony, Napster does not produce its own hardware, preferring the burnable CD route, which allows consumers to play downloaded music on their music systems. Tracks can also be downloaded on to more than 60 devices which support Microsoft Windows Media Audio.

No pricing details have been revealed with Dixons launching its own publicity blitz in two weeks' time.

i-Tune and Sony both sell tracks at 99 cents each in the US.

Napster was closed down by the US courts at the behest of the major music publishers in 2000. Its re-emergence as a legal business will start in the UK because that is where it is most advanced in negotiating deals with record companies.

John Clare, Dixons' chief executive, said: 'The market for online music in the UK has huge potential and we will deliver this new development by demystifying the subscription options for consumers.

'The combination of Napster's services and communities and Dixons' retailing skills will create an unrivalled digital music experience for our customers.'