Mumbai: Under an agreement with Sony BMG Music Entertainment, customers of Winn-Dixie can purchase the newest form of pre-recorded music that is downloaded to iPods and other digital music players. The Platinum MusicPass is a credit card-size digital album card that allows consumers to download full-length albums in the form of high-quality MP3 files. Many of the Platinum MusicPass offerings include special bonus content.

"MusicPass is an important part of Sony BMG’s ongoing campaign to bring its artists’ music to fans in new and innovative ways and to develop compelling new business models," said Sony BMG Music Entertainment president global digital business & U.S. Sales Thomas Hesse.

"Winn-Dixie was one of the first retailers in the U.S. to partner with Sony BMG on this initiative," said Winn-Dixie manager prepaid card sales Rich Romano.

"Teaming with Sony BMG provides our customers the opportunity to purchase new release albums in an innovative way while they do their grocery shopping."

The cards themselves are high-quality collectibles featuring artist images and album information. The MP3 files are delivered through MusicPass and can play on computers, as well as on all MP3 players, including iPods. "This makes them a simple, easy-to-use solution that appeals to fans who already access their music on the Internet, as well as to those consumers who are just getting into the digital realm," said Hesse. "They are also a great choice whether you’re buying for yourself or as a gift for birthdays or other occasions."

Sony BMG believes its Platinum MusicPass product will have a strong appeal for a broad range of consumers, leading to an expansion of both the digital and physical markets for music.