The Sony CONNECT music store is closing soon. I am pasting the e-mail I received. SA might have quite a few folks with CONNECT accounts. DeKuyper gave away a lot of music in one of their promotions (back in 2006, I believe); I was lucky enough to win 15 songs.
Bottom line: Use any existing credits. Back up your music. Burn it to CDs. Put the music on your iPods, etc.
Regards,
Chuck
E-mail message follows:
January 31, 2008
Subject: CONNECT North America Music Store
To Our Valued CONNECT Customers:
We are following up to provide an update on the CONNECT Music Store closure.
On August 30, 2007, Sony announced its intent to phase out the CONNECT Music Store based on Sony's ATRAC audio format in North America.
Music Store closure date
We can now confirm that the CONNECT Music Store will close on March 31, 2008, at 11:59 p.m. EST. You will no longer be able to purchase any new content from CONNECT after that date.
Enjoying your existing music library
After the store closes you will continue to be able to play, manage, and transfer the music in your SonicStage® library and on your ATRAC devices. For music purchased via our store this means you may continue to enjoy it as usual in your current PC configuration in accordance with our terms of use.
Use your outstanding credits or gift certificates
We highly recommend that you use any outstanding promotional codes, account credits or gift certificates available in your music account prior to March 2008. Click here to learn how to view your account balance.
Important archiving information
We always strongly recommend that you use the functionality provided through SonicStage® to archive your library of downloads purchased on CONNECT by backing up your library or burning it to audio CDs for your further, strictly private use. (Learn more)
Please note that as you will no longer be able to access your Purchase History, or request re-issuing of purchased content after March 31, 2008. Backing up your library or archiving your purchases to audio CD is the only way you can completely ensure continued access to your purchased content after March 31, 2008.
This is of particular importance if you anticipate changing your current PC configuration at any stage, such as buying a new PC or replacing your operating system.
SonicStage® offers functionality to convert the non-DRM protected part of your library into formats other than ATRAC. Please respect applicable copyright laws whenever converting. (Learn more)
Customer Service information
If you have any questions concerning the store closure you can contact CONNECT Customer Support at connect.custhelp.com until March 31, 2008.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued support as we work to complete this process with as little disruption to you as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Sony Connect Music Team
Bottom line: Use any existing credits. Back up your music. Burn it to CDs. Put the music on your iPods, etc.
Regards,
Chuck
E-mail message follows:
January 31, 2008
Subject: CONNECT North America Music Store
To Our Valued CONNECT Customers:
We are following up to provide an update on the CONNECT Music Store closure.
On August 30, 2007, Sony announced its intent to phase out the CONNECT Music Store based on Sony's ATRAC audio format in North America.
Music Store closure date
We can now confirm that the CONNECT Music Store will close on March 31, 2008, at 11:59 p.m. EST. You will no longer be able to purchase any new content from CONNECT after that date.
Enjoying your existing music library
After the store closes you will continue to be able to play, manage, and transfer the music in your SonicStage® library and on your ATRAC devices. For music purchased via our store this means you may continue to enjoy it as usual in your current PC configuration in accordance with our terms of use.
Use your outstanding credits or gift certificates
We highly recommend that you use any outstanding promotional codes, account credits or gift certificates available in your music account prior to March 2008. Click here to learn how to view your account balance.
Important archiving information
We always strongly recommend that you use the functionality provided through SonicStage® to archive your library of downloads purchased on CONNECT by backing up your library or burning it to audio CDs for your further, strictly private use. (Learn more)
Please note that as you will no longer be able to access your Purchase History, or request re-issuing of purchased content after March 31, 2008. Backing up your library or archiving your purchases to audio CD is the only way you can completely ensure continued access to your purchased content after March 31, 2008.
This is of particular importance if you anticipate changing your current PC configuration at any stage, such as buying a new PC or replacing your operating system.
SonicStage® offers functionality to convert the non-DRM protected part of your library into formats other than ATRAC. Please respect applicable copyright laws whenever converting. (Learn more)
Customer Service information
If you have any questions concerning the store closure you can contact CONNECT Customer Support at connect.custhelp.com until March 31, 2008.
Thank you for your patience and for your continued support as we work to complete this process with as little disruption to you as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Sony Connect Music Team