Sorenson Squeezes Out NEW Version 8 -- The First & Only Total Seamless Video Workflow Solution

Sorenson Squeeze 8 officially launches today -- that means that it is available now -- check out www.sorensonmedia.com.

Here are the headline stories from this launch, as we continue our relentless focus on customer experience and continued innovation (the full press release can be accessed by clicking on this link):

(1) Integration of all Sorenson Media products (including our enterprise-focused products) -- previously, we uniquely and seamlessly integrated our 360 online video platform into Squeeze (including industry-first "review and approval" workflows); NOW, in Squeeze 8, we seamlessly integrate enterprise-grade Squeeze Server into the workflow so that video professionals can collaborate and offload encoding jobs to separate servers and streamline high-volume workflows. This power works both behind-the-firewall and in the Cloud, where we have led -- and are absolutely committed to continue to lead -- the way in terms of innovation. And, this power, of course, frees up work stations to focus on the highest ROI activities possible.

Don't think of Squeeze as a separate stand-alone product anymore -- Squeeze 8 is simply part of our overall completely unique video workflow ecosystem in which all of our products and solutions (Squeeze desktop, Squeeze Server, Sorenson 360, Sorenson Spark) all work together. That's our statement. That's our mission. That's the big story. The macro story.

(2) Continued relentless focus on enabling the highest quality video -- we always do more here than anyone else (hence the awards -- to see our latest click this linke) -- including our new support for industry leading video codec X.264; we are honored that our brand stands for highest quality video -- and has for years; this relentless focus on quality will always be job 1;

(3) Full adaptive bitrate encoding -- speaking of quality, all three major "flavors" are now supported (Apple HTTP Adaptive Streaming, Microsoft Smooth Streaming, and Adobe Dynamic Streaming) -- which is absolutely necessary to optimize quality across varying network conditions;

(4) Enhanced GPU acceleration -- speed, speed, speed! Enough said; your time matters; we get that (and offloading tedious encoding jobs to Squeeze Server anyone? See (1) above;

(5) Enhanced Ease-of-Use -- let's face it, Squeeze packs a powerful punch. That is the good. But, candidly, it can also be a challenge for some users. So, we listened. We provided significant enhancements to walk the user through every feature every step of the way. You can read more about these enhancements by clicking on the official press release link here;

(6) Lower Priced -- yes, again, we listened. New Squeeze "classic" is now $200 cheaper out the gates than prior Squeeze 7 ($200 cheaper to be exact); that alone is a big deal we think -- and, Jackie Dove of Macworld agrees -- click here to see her review;

(7) New Prosumer Edition -- with high quality video increasingly mission critical for more people and more ubiquitous than ever (due to HD smartphone video capture, among other things), we again listened to the market and are introducing a new "Squeeze Lite" prosumer edition at $199; Squeeze Lite packs the full quality punch of full Squeeze -- and gives broad format support and everything else prosumers and many video professionals need. Check out the features here by clicking on this link. We are excited about expanding our consumer base to fit the ever-changing realities of our increasingly video-rich lives. Macworld agrees that Squeeze Lite is a big deal -- read here;

I want to give a special thanks to the entire Sorenson Media team for this exciting launch. It is the best team in the business. The most expertise. The most ingenuity and creativity. The most passion to do things right. The most dedication to our customers. Trust me -- every single person cares and wants to change the video world.

But, you tell us -- let us know what YOU think. Are we succeeding in your eyes?

Big News Coming Soon ... Very Soon ...

Stay tuned ....

Sorenson Media Wins TechAmerica's "Best Internet Company" in San Diego

The phenomenally talented and passionate crew at Sorenson Media (some of us are pictured here) and I just returned from TechAmerica's annual technology awards in San Diego. And, I am honored to report that we just won the "Best Internet Company" award for San Diego (we are holding the award in the pic). This is another important honor for us, and we are thrilled to win it. Lots of great talent and companies here in San Diego -- we fly under the radar sometimes, but that's okay. We get to do things our way -- including wearing flip-flops while we do it. And, TechAmerica is a great organization that holds lots of clout. Earlier this year, I was honored to serve on TechAmerica's Cloud Commission that made recommendations directly to President Obama and his Administration. We were the only video solutions company to be represented on that Commission, reflecting Sorenson Media's unique reputation in the online/mobile video world.

Speaking of flip-flops, this most recent kudo follows immediately on the heels of winning Streaming Media's coveted European "Readers' Choice" award for "Best Transcoding Service." And, we also were just named to Streaming Media's 100 companies "that matter most" in video. And, that's not all -- we are also nominated for a record 5 Streaming Media U.S. "Readers' Choice" awards. Those will be announced in two weeks.

We are honored. And we are humbled. The team here is dedicated -- we are passionate -- and we really want to change the world.

Goliaths -- bring it on. This David has legs!

Coldplay's Cold Play -- My Track-By-Track Review (2 Stars Out of 5)

Coldplay -- a band you either love or hate. I am on the "love" side. Ever since I saw the video for their first hit "Yellow" well over 10 years ago when I traveled to Europe, I have been hooked. I remember coming back to the States and looking for their first album, "Parachutes," at the Virgin Megastore in LA. They only had the import. No one had even heard of them yet. That soon changed of course.

So, their new album -- Mylo Xyloto -- just dropped on Tuesday. This was a highly anticipated event for me. (In fact, I was able to buy it on iTunes on Monday -- much to my delight; whereas, it still isn't even available as of today, Friday, on Rhapsody! Ahh, the problems with music subscription services, but I digress ....).

What do I think? My headline says it all to me -- from the album's title, to the overall impact of the collective body of work, this album leaves me, well, "cold." This is Coldplay's 5th full album -- and, for me, it ranks near the bottom of the list. Although not completely lacking in magic, the album kept me asking "Where's the beef?" as I listened through it -- over and over again to make sure that I wasn't jumping to conclusions. At times it sounded like the Coldplay we know and love; at other times, I thought I was listening to an album from the 80s band "Aha" (you know, "Take on Me"?). The album clocks in at 14 songs -- but 3 of the 14 aren't really songs; they are more like intros to other songs (each of these 3 are less than 1 minute long).

Here is my track-by-track review --

(1) "Mylo Xyloto" -- the namesake track; this is an intro that comes and goes; nothing to review here;

(2) "Hurts Like Heaven" -- this is the album's opening track; I heard one of the band members on Sirius XM radio saying that they chose this song to open the album because it was different than anything they have recorded before; well, that can be a good or bad thing -- here, it ain't good. While the upbeat song sounds pleasant enough, there is no substance. Think of it as ear candy. It comes and goes without making any lasting impact. Next ....

(3) "Paradise" -- this is the album's second single -- and the stand-out track. THIS is what Coldplay is all about. Beautiful soaring melodies. Passion. This will become a stadium sing-a-long -- but, the only one from the album. Keep this one -- and discard many of the others.

(4) "Charlie Brown" -- this one is much in the same vein as "Hurts Like Heaven" -- upbeat fluff. Do we really need synth pop again? Pleasant enough, but skip to the next ....

(5) "Us Against the World" -- from the building pointilism of the guitars, to the spare, soft and gruff vocal by Chris Martin, this U2-like track is a keeper. Coldplay is frequently compared to U2 -- and this one is the only track on this album that fits that bill. This one could be found on U2's "Joshua Tree" album -- it is beautiful. But, Bono would sing it better .... Nonetheless, this one is worth the wait.

(6) "M.M.I.X." -- this is an ambient intro track -- producer Brian Eno in full force here -- leads us to the next track.

(7) "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" -- the album's first single -- synth pop again. And, once again, tastes great, but is less filling. Will it play well in concert in a stadium? Of course it will. But, will it leave a lasting mark? No it won't. High production values. Low impact. And, the lyrics -- "I'd rather be a comma, than a full stop" -- really? C'mon Chris, is that all you got?

(8) "Major Minus" -- up-tempo again -- and the chorus sounds a bit U2-like once again (although the rest of the song doesn't). But, the U2-like chorus is U2 when it is off its game (which also happens). In other words, this one doesn't work. Once again, skip on to the next ....

(9) "U.F.O." -- every Coldplay album needs at least one song with Chris Martin singing alone -- and simply -- over an acoustic guitar for the most part. This is that one on this album. But, while the melodies usually are beautiful for this formula, this one is forgettable ... sadly. Again, a big disappointment.

(10) "Up in Flames" -- this down-tempo spare track is just that -- a downer. Cold. Dull. A throw-away. Is this really one of the top 14 tracks (11 really) that Chris Martin and the boyz could pen in the period of 3 years? I certainly hope not. But, somehow it did find its way onto the album. Skip it.

(11) "A Hopeful Transmission" -- this is the third and final less-than-one-minute intro tracks. Nothing to review -- but the next one is.

(12) "Don't Let It Break Your Heart" -- finally, something to stand up and be inspired by! A stand-out track on the album. Soaring! Inspired! Big! This one will fill the arena. This one stirs the soul. Coldplay can do that when they are "on." This one is. Most of the others on this album aren't. Keep this one. Everyone will be on their feet for this one.

(13) "Up With the Birds" -- this one almost closes the album -- and it begins in typical "album closing mode" with Chris Martin, once again, singing sparely. It then builds. And the "build" is stronger than the spare intro. A middling track. Not memorable. Not a throw-away either. At least it belongs on a Coldplay album ... but by a thread.

(14) "Princess of China" -- well lookie lookie here -- Rihanna joins the band for this one. But who doesn't Rihanna join at this point? Exciting possibilities, right? Wrong. She is largely wasted. As is the band itself. As a closing track on the album, it leaves me cold. No passion yet again. Much like the first real track, it is ear candy. It tastes alright. But then it's gone. No lasting impact.

And, voila -- there it is. If I were a writer for Rolling Stone -- I would give "Mylo Xyloto" 2 starts out of 5.

A big disappointment.

Too bad -- two of my favorite bands, Death Cab for Cutie -- and now Coldplay -- seem to be losing their way (here is the link to my track-by-track review of Death Cab's latest album, "Codes & Keys", which improved on their previous album "Narrow Stairs"). I understand they both want to break-away from their original "sound" and try new things. I really do understand that. It worked for Coldplay on their last album -- "Viva la Vida (or Death and All Its Friends)" -- but it doesn't work here.

Coldplay -- it's time to "Fix You." As the soup nazi would say, "NEXT!"

Apple's "REAL" Apple TV IS Coming ... Sooner Than You Think

Apple's TV "hobby" business will soon be a hobby no more. I have always believed that Apple will absolutely tackle the living room -- with an easy-to-use and beautiful "all-in-one" flat panel TV with seamlessly integrated services and experiences. Here is one of my earliest posts on the subject. Here is a further prediction -- when it is announced, it will be called "iTV" -- and not "Apple TV" -- in order to distance itself from today's current hobby.

Well, here's an article I just found today on CNN about the inevitable reality of iTV -- and real nuggets pointing to that direction. Enjoy. You should. Because you soon will enjoying an Apple flat panel TV in your living room ....

(CNN) -- A fully integrated Apple television, one of Steve Jobs' final visions, might be on the way soon, according to multiple reports.

In "Steve Jobs," a biography of the late Apple co-founder released Monday, author Walter Isaacson writes that Jobs told him he'd finally figured out a way to make a TV practical. He said it would wirelessly synch with other Apple devices.

"It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine," he told Isaacson. "I finally cracked it."

On the same day, analyst Brian White of Ticonderoga Securities issued a report titled "A Full-Blown Apple TV Is On The Way."

In it, he says the book confirms what his multiple trips to China have suggested. He said Ticonderoga has seen evidence that early stage prototypes of an "Apple Smart TV" are already making their way through Chinese factories.

"We believe a product could hit the market in the coming quarters, opening up a new growth category for Apple and driving sales of existing products that play into the Apple digital ecosystem," White wrote.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg cited three unnamed sources saying that Jeff Robbin, the software engineer who built iTunes, is in charge of developing the television set.

The news service quoted another analyst, Gene Munster, of Piper Jaffray Cos., saying that the iPhone 4S's Siri voice-command app could be integrated into a TV system.

Since 2007, the company has made a product called Apple TV, a set-top Web-streaming box that competes with rival Google TV and independent offerings like Roku and Boxee. But compared to hits like the iPhone and iPad, it has largely underperformed, leading Jobs last year to acknowledge that Apple TV has "never been a huge hit."

In September, Apple slashed its price from $299 to $99, but even that hasn't made the service a household name.

In his report, White notes that a refresh of Apple TV set for later this year has been scrapped, potentially signaling the television system's pending arrival.

Guest Post -- Dan Rayburn On How Amazon's Kindle Will Fire Streaming Video

Here is a "must read" from streaming media guru Dan Rayburn -- how Amazon's Kindle Fire may transform the online video streaming business -- here is the link to Dan's actual post on his own personal blog

"I Think He (Jobs) Would've Loved to Have Conquered Television" -- Says Biographer

Steve Jobs' authorized biography is now on digital bookshelves everywhere. Who isn't going to buy it? Am watching the 60 Minutes piece tonight.

One choice intriguing cut -- Jobs' biographer, Walter Isaacson, writes the following about Jobs after becoming stricken with cancer:

"He knew the couple of things he wanted to do, which was the iPhone and then the iPad. He had a few other vision. I think he would've loved to have conquered television."

And, conquer television Apple will! The Apple faithful will absolutely fulfill Jobs' dream by releasing an all-in-one REAL flat-screen Apple TV (most likely called iTV) that will attempt to revolutionize the television viewing experience in much the same way that Apple first revolutionized the music experience (with the iPod and iTunes) and, second, the communications experience (with the iPhone). I have written about this several times -- and it isn't a question of "if." It is absolutely a question of "when."

Sorenson Media -- Readers' Choice Europe Best Transcoding Solution Winner

I am pleased to announce that Sorenson Media, once again, won "Best Transcoding Solution" in the Streaming Media Europe "Readers' Choice" awards! Here is the full press release we just issued -- click here. And, we are nominated for a record 5 more in the US version of this coveted award.

This is a big one for us -- these mean a lot, because it is the users themselves who vote.

Spotify -- Losses Mount & Facebook Won't Help ... Or Will It?

I have written several times about Spotify. It is the critics' darling online music service. It is Facebook's darling (Zuckerberg's featured music service). It is the biggest thing in the music business to come across the pond since, well, the Beatles.

But, despite all of this hype, Spotify continues to hemorrhage money -- with losses mounting significantly from 2009 to 2010 (growing ominously from $26 million to $42 million during that period of time). That's a lot of digital music! And, the service's revenues are significantly skewed (70%+) to subscription revenues over ad revenues -- significantly more so than Gigaom's Editor and leading pundit Om Malik had expected.

That doesn't bode well for Spotify's recent poster child status with Facebook. Yes, that kind of distribution will be massive. At first blush, that seems great, right? But, here's the rub -- I doubt many Facebookers will use anything more than the free service. And, that means massive COGS from massive free music streaming -- music licensing, bandwidth -- that likely won't be effectively recouped. And, if that is the case, that means ever-growing losses -- with no end in sight.

That ain't a great business model.

Or, is it? Massive mounting losses didn't hurt YouTube ultimately. That was because YouTube was picked up by a juggernaut that didn't really care, because YouTube meant so much more strategically to Google than the service itself.

And, the same thing may be happening with Spotify and Facebook. As a stand-alone independent business, Spotify is difficult to justify. But, in the strategic hands of Facebook the world starts looking altogether different ....

Sorenson Squeeze -- Best Transcoding Solution Finalist -- Streaming Media Europe

Hot off the presses -- Sorenson Squeeze is a top 3 finalist for the coveted Streaming Media Europe "Readers' Choice" award for Best Transcoding Solution. Click on this link to see the full scoop.

Last year we won it -- next week we find out at this year's Streaming Media Europe show in London. Mark Lawson, our head of EMEA, is leading the charge for us over there -- and is speaking on a panel. Check it out. And then join him at the pub.

And Who Says Content Isn't King? Netflix Shells Out Another $1B

Online distribution companies continue to shell out the big -- massive -- bucks to stream motion picture and television content. And, the studios are the big beneficiaries, as I always expected they would be as multiple distribution outlets battle to deepen their content of offerings.

Case in point -- Netflix. According to the Wall Street Journal, the beleaguered company just agreed to pay nearly $1 Billion (yes "B"!) for streaming rights to shows from the CW Network -- you know, that network you never watch (but your kids likely do) that offer quality entertainment like "Gossip Girl." Although Netflix's rights are severely limited -- as one example, those shows cannot be streamed until after the relevant season ends -- Netflix will have the right to stream for perhaps more than a decade. Of course, Netflix's rights are not exclusive.

And, that's the beauty of content. Everyone needs it to have a service that matters. The deeper the pool, the more valuable the service is.

Who says "Content Isn't King"? It always will be ... always.

IBM's SmartCloud Announced Today -- Sorenson Media Is An Inaugural Partner

Today, IBM -- the global technology giant that quietly has been hitting it out of the park quarter-after-quarter -- launches their long-anticipated "SmartCloud" initiative. SmartCloud is IBM's enterprise-focused, highly secure and agile cloud computing infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS). IBM kicks things off this morning in New York City with a major enterprise customer and partner event -- and I am pleased to announce that Sorenson Media is an inaugural strategic partner and independent software vendor.

Our enterprise-first Cloud video transcoding solutions -- already trusted by multi-billion dollar companies like Technicolor and Shutterfly -- will now work seamlessly within IBM's SmartCloud environment and will be available to IBM customers worldwide as value-added services.

More to follow ... stay tuned ....

Sorenson Media Named to Streaming Media's "100 Companies that Matter Most in Online Video"

I am pleased to report that Sorenson Media has just been named to Streaming Media's "100 Companies that Matter Most in Online Video." We are honored to be recognized for our contributions to online video.

Streaming Media called on 10 online video experts to compile this list -- including its editors and respected writers.

This kudo follows fast on the heels of Sorenson Media being nominated for a record five (5) Streaming Media Readers' Choice awards (click here to learn more about that and vote for us). In other words, both respected experts who report -- and video experts who use video solutions in their everyday lives and workflows -- have recognized Sorenson Media for its innovation and unique breadth of video solutions.

We are honored -- and are committed to continuing to earn your trust.

Netflux -- When Change (Net Fixes) Go Wrong ...

Netflix -- Netflux. A case study from the "change ain't always good" department.

The past 3 months have not been kind. The past 3 months will go down as one of the largest marketing gaffes in the history of the tech world. A "new Coke" kind of thing (remember when Coke changed its secret recipe to please a new generation of users ... but without checking with its core market?). Same deal here -- the Reed Hastings juggernaut has become the Reed Hastings juggerNOT. Pricing changes. Content changes (Starz, a core licensor of motion picture content, announced it will not renew). Service changes (Qwikster, really?). Core strategic changes -- flip-flopping. Continuing Mea Culpas.

And it shows -- shows where it hurts -- (1) customer defections (600,000 subscribers lost in Q3); and (2) market value (its stock has plummeted nearly 2/3 in the past 3 months -- from a per share price of $305 to yesterday's close of $111)!

Listen, I am still a subscriber. And, this "noise" does not change the way I feel about the service. Price experimentation (as I have written previously) is a must in this brave new world of digital distribution. And, companies make mistakes (we all have).

My biggest beef? CONTENT! Without significantly expanding its A-grade motion picture and television programming, even I will become disaffected. I mean, how many episodes of Scooby Doo can I watch? (Although, don't get me wrong -- I love Scooby Doo ....)

Sorenson Media Nominated for Record 5 Streaming Media "Readers' Choice" Awards

I am pleased to announce that my company, Sorenson Media, has been nominated for a record five (5) coveted Streaming Media "Readers' Choice" awards; this unprecedented number reflects the unique breadth of our overall award-winning video solutions:

(1) Best Online Video Transcoding Company -- Squeeze Server (enterprise transcoding), Sorenson Squeeze (desktop encoding software), Sorenson 360 (our online video platform -- OVP);

(2) Best Cloud Encoding/Transcoding Service -- Squeeze Cloud;

(3) Best Encoding Software (over $1,000) -- Squeeze Server;

(4) Best Encoding Software (under $1,000) -- Sorenson Squeeze; and

(5) Best Online Video Platform -- Sorenson 360.

We owe this, of course, all to our loyal long-time customers. We have aimed to please you -- and innovate for you -- for the past decade plus. That is our mission. And, we are absolutely committed to better meeting your needs going forward.

Click here to vote by getting to the Streaming Media site, registering, and casting your vote in each of the five above categories.

Jobs Taught Us All So Much -- Including Focus Means the Discipline to Say "No"

All of us, of course, feel like we have just lost THE tech/digital media visionary of our time. Time stopped. Reflection started. We have our own small video tribute to Steve Jobs -- click here to watch it -- it is found at the bottom of our website -- "We miss you, Steve :( "

What did Jobs teach all of us? Where do you begin? But, one key thing is focus -- the need to focus to succeed (on what really matters in a product, on what really matters in your business, and on what really matters in your life). And, focus means the discipline to say "No!" You can't do it all. So, whatever you do, do it well ... really well.

Here is a great video from about 15 years ago when Jobs made this fundamental point. Enjoy it. Internalize it.

My 900th Post -- Ruminations -- And the "Next Big Thing"

Today marks a major milestone for me -- my 900th post.

I kicked off my blogging career on October 11, 2006, nearly 5 years to the day. My inaugural topic was the power of video-centric social networking (click here to see it). And, along the way, yes -- I have featured my two companies -- SightSpeed (consumer-focused video chat, that expanded into the enterprise market) and Sorenson Media (enterprise-focused video transcoding solutions, that expanded into the consumer market via partners like Shutterfly). But, my primary focus has been to give my perspective -- hopefully unique and brash at times -- about specific timely developments and topics in the world of digital media (i.e., where technology meets content).

As the CEO of SightSpeed, I always believed -- while most did not at the time -- that IP-based video chat would become a core form of communication for both consumers and businesses (Skype video and Apple Face Time anyone?). We were early at SightSpeed ... but we were right. Skeptics always told us -- "video chat was predicted to be big all the way back at the 1964 World's Fair, yet it never took off; people simply are too self-conscious and the experience is too hard!" Well, we got the last laugh, as global giant Logitech acquired our company for a significant investor return in November 2008 -- during the world economic collapse since the Depression. Video chat is now ubiquitous. It is easy to use -- and people are comfortable using it. It truly "connects," like nothing else can.

As CEO of Sorenson Media, our mission is enable the best multi-screen video experiences. We serve enterprises, but some of these enterprises also serve consumers. And, while no one doubts the power of video anymore, a key missing ingredient right now is high quality personal video "store and share" -- i.e., a easy way for consumers to take their smartphone-capture HD video, get it off their phones, share them with close family and friends (to any platform or device, including in the living room), manage them, and archive them. I am not talking sharing videos you want to be public on YouTube or via email where HD video quality is less important and where quality is lost. I am talking about your personal family life memories -- baby's first walk, etc. Whoever gets this right will lead the way in a massively monetizing opportunity that will transform lives. If anyone doubts that this is one key place where video is going and is worth a big bet, I ask you only to look at yesterday's Apple iPhone 4S announcement -- 1080p video capture was front and center. Hmmm, I wonder why (especially with iCloud on the way).

Finally, I have shared some personal tidbits -- some personal passions -- like music. I have shared reviews of some of my favorite concerts and bands along the way -- Arcade Fire, Muse, Death Cab for Cutie, the Decemberists, U2 (although, sadly, my passion for the latter has wained a bit over that period of time). And, I have bemoaned the continued hopelessness of my currently 0-4 Minnesota Vikings (although, yes, I will always still be a passionate fan and believer that one day our day will come).

But, I have always tried to entertain with my somewhat folksy immigrant/Midwestern style. And, if nothing else, I am passionate about what I do -- most of all, spending time with my family -- and watching my little girl, Hunter, grow from 7 to 12 years old and my little man, Luca, grow from 4 to 9. They are both tall, tall, tall -- too tall. Life moves fast. Live in the moment.

And, capture those moments along the way ....

Christopher Allen Scores a "Twofer" As GM of Napster

Congratulations to my long-time friend and colleague Christopher Allen, General Manager of no-longer-Best Buy's storied online music service Napster! As you undoubtedly have read by now, Rhapsody just acquired Napster in an all-stock transaction.

This marks Christopher's third consecutive "win" in the online music/media world. He first hit the big time when we worked closely together "back in the day" at digital music pioneer Musicmatch, which was acquired by Yahoo! in 2004 for $160 million cash. After his stint at Yahoo!, he became my old friend Chris Gorog's right-hand man at Napster (Gorog and I had worked previously together at Universal Studios). Napster, of course, was acquired by Best Buy for $121 million in 2008, and Allen later became General Manager of Napster at Best Buy.

And, now, the third time is the charm for Christopher, including his "twofer" with Napster.

I have used Rhapsody as my primary on-demand streaming service for years now. Things now will only get better with the expanded music catalog and other "goodies." And, Rhapsody will immediately expand its subscriber footprint by 50% -- to 1.2 million paid users.