Ascent Media Services scoops contract from Universal Music Group International

Ascent Media Services has announced that it has won a contract from Universal Music Group International to encode, supply and manage downloadable music videos for sites such as iTunes and Yahoo!
The project involves digitisation and delivery of a vast back catalogue as well as the label’s new releases, enabling Universal to fulfil an increasing demand for fast and cost-effective file-based distribution.
The project will see Universal’s catalogue of over 10,000 music promos digitised by Ascent’s Media Services division into a suitable format for download via partners such as Apple, Yahoo! and Vodafone as well as for video-on-demand (VoD) applications.
“With increased broadband penetration, accessing video on the net is becoming routine, and almost half of all internet users are viewing music videos online. This figure is rising sharply amongst younger demographics,” said David Redshaw, Chief Information Officer Ascent Media Europe. “Universal is leading the market by repurposing its most exciting music content for the all-digital future. Ascent’s investment in the Atlas project and world-class technical expertise ensures that Universal’s new business-focused service reacts quickly and comprehensively to new requirements, providing the company with a clear competitive advantage in an extremely challenging industry.”
The Universal Music Group International project uses Ascent Media’s Atlas Media Asset Management system, the foundation of the company’s Digital Solutions suite, enabling reliable storage, repurposing, and distribution of content. Atlas acts as a bridge between the analogue and digital environments, easing the transition from physical media to file-based media. (CD/CL)