News

Hollywood Records, part of Walt Disney Co., announced that it will offer a new CD format it calls CDVU+ (CD view plus). In addition to traditional CD content, CDVU+ will offer lyrics, digital magazine articles, band photos, guitar lessons, and other features that will "build loyalty." Hollywood Records senior vice-president Ken Bunt said the company chose an enhanced CD format rather than a file-based format because "we really believe if you're going to give consumers what they want, we should do it in a way they're used to."

"While the CD is still the primary means by which people consume music, it is also true that music fans are increasingly turning to the Internet to connect, research, and consume music," said Abbey Konowitch, general manager at Hollywood Records. "To address the changing consumer expectations, we've created a recognizable physical product that also serves as a key to unlock content that is exclusive, interactive, tailored to the band's fans, and updatable."

Hollywood's artists include Hilary Duff, Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus), The Cheetah Girls, Atreyu, Jonas Brothers, Rascal Flatts, Indigo Girls, and Los Lobos. Last year's two best selling CDs in the US were High School Musical and Rascal Flatts' Me and My Gang, both on Hollywood. The first CDVU+ release will be Jonas Brothers' August 7 Jonas Brothers.

The label says CDVU+ content "can be downloaded and accessed online and off," which doesn't exactly answer the question of whether or not the format will have DRM. The extra content will be new and exclusive, the label says, not outtakes or existing music videos. This, the label hopes, will induce fans to buy the discs and feel closer to the bands.

CDVU+ will eschew jewel-box packaging for 100% recycled material (35% post-consumer).