Sainsbury’s has become the latest High Street chain to launch its own digital music service. The supermarket has licensed Rovi to power the new service that will launch later this year.
Sainsbury’s Entertainment will offer video on demand and digital copies of major studio film and television titles. It already offers customers digital music and ebooks.
Luke Jensen, group development director, Sainsbury’s said: “Rovi was a natural choice to collaborate with for the launch of Sainsbury’s Entertainment’s digital video service given the company’s market expertise, long-standing industry relationships, and proven technology. On demand streaming video is an exciting addition to our existing online offerings, and supports our customers as they progress from consuming content on physical disc to accessing their favourite entertainment on a range of devices, where and when they choose.”
Sainsbury’s will use a white label version of the Rovi Entertainment Store with plans to initially offer the service online before expanding to internet connected devices including smart TVs, Blu-ray disc players, smartphones, and game consoles.
“Our agreement with Sainsbury’s is an important win for Rovi as we continue our efforts to expand our presence and influence in international markets,” said David Cook, senior vice president, sales and marketing and general manager of Rovi Entertainment Store. “Sainsbury’s is an ideal company to collaborate with as they have the marketing acumen, as well as the consumer reach and loyalty needed to be successful and help introduce new consumers to the convenience, quality, and flexibility of online video entertainment.”
Already supermarket rival Tesco runs its own service following the acquisition of Blinkbox, while Currys-PC World uses the Knowhow brand.
