Sub Pop Records Opens Corner MP3 Store

Matt Buchanan — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:20:57 EST

The venerable Sub Pop label, which has put out records for everyone from Nirvana to The Shins, is trying their hand at the online music store game—and they're doing it mostly right. They have over 200 full-length albums up for sale in 192kbps MP3 for $9.90 a pop—stuff from the aforementioned bands, Hot Hot Heat, and Sunny Day Real Estate, just to name a few. And they're already looking at ways to improve the store.

True, they're not offering single tracks yet, some of the albums can be had for cheaper on iTunes and they're 49 percent owned by Warner, one of the Big Four. But! They plan on upgrading the bitrate soon and adding album art to the packages in PDF or a similar format—right now, they have cover art embedded in the MP3s. And when they do, anyone who bought a previous version will get the updated version for free. Better still, they're actually open to feedback from customers.

Overall it sounds like a solid effort from a solid label—it sort of feels like the online version of the corner record store stacked next to Best BuyTunes. [Sub Pop via Crave]

Samsung BD-UP5000 Combo Player Reviewed (Verdict: Excellent)

Mark Wilson — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 18:30:42 EDT

HDGuru scored the first review with the new Samsung BD-UP5000 Combo HD DVD/Blu-Ray Player. And in short, they loved it.

With the format war continuing with no end in sight, the Samsung BD-UP5000 it is the logical choice for HDTV viewers that want the best performance no matter which DVD, Blu-ray or HD DVD discs they choose to view.

HDGuru cites value, non-gimped player implementation and near perfect visual reproduction as reasons for top score designation. [hdguru]

Gizmodo: Sweet

Sub Pop Records Opens Corner MP3 Store

Samsung BD-UP5000 Combo Player Reviewed (Verdict: Excellent)