Cable-based Net access provider @Home Network launched a round-the-clock audio service Friday allowing subscribers to download tunes from leading music sites on the Web. The addition of high-quality sounds is intended to illustrate that there's more to being online than just email and games.
It also raises the prospect of rampant piracy, and music-industry execs have said they're going to watch the expansion of Web-based music channels very closely.
The new service, dubbed "TuneIn," links @Home with NetRadio Network and TheDJ Network to deliver audio streams to users' desktops at 80 kbps - much faster than the usual 28.8 kbps feeds.
"TuneIn is a great example of an interactive application that exploits the unique capabilities of a broadband environment," @Home media-development manager Rajil Kapoor said in a statement. "Our intelligent broadband network architecture, combined with the 'always on' feature of @Home, provides users with an unparalleled Internet audio experience."
The beta version of the service features eight different music channels, including alternative rock, jazz, and classical. @Home said TuneIn will soon feature live concerts, talk shows, and news, produced in conjunction with N2K's Music Boulevard, CNET Radio, and CBS SportsLine.
TuneIn represents @Home's first major initiative since going public about two weeks ago. The company's shares closed down almost 63 cents Thursday at US$20 - almost twice the initial offering price of $10.50. @Home's major shareholders include cable giant Tele-Communications Inc.
