UMG TRIES ITS HAND AT BROADBAND

Universal Music Group has gone broadband, becoming the first major music company to develop programming exclusively for high-speed connections.

The initial launch features a series of original music-oriented pilots. "The Viewing Lounge" allows users to view a custom block of video programming, "I-View" consists of three-to-four minute mini-documentaries and "Music Spoof-o-mercials" parody late night infomercials while exposing new music.

The broadband programming gives a springboard for UMG to venture into content syndication, licensing and distribution relationships and sponsorships. The pilots will help build a peer-to-peer community by allowing users to purchase music from the site, and to send programs to a friend.

UMG's broadband launch can be viewed with RealNetworks, Microsoft Windows Media Format and Apple's QuickTime TV, among other formats.

Said UMG Senior Vice President, Marketing Lisa Farris: "We've created interactive programming that goes beyond just watching videos at high bit rates. We're excited to be working with such a diverse group of partners to offer consumers a new way of experiencing the artists and music they love while enabling them to customize their broadband viewing environment."