In the past few weeks a few digital music stores have been released which operate on Windows. In this post, I will briefly analyze, compare features, and give my initial impressions of MusicMatch’s Downloads, which is now part of their Jukebox digital audio software, and the new Apple iTunes for Windows (it was originally a Macintosh product).

Basic Product Overview

MusicMatch Jukebox

Song Price: $0.99
Album Price: Varies, but usually $9.99
Tracks Available: 200,000 songs (and rising)

Apple iTunes

Song Price: $0.99
Album Price: Varies, but usually $9.99
Tracks Available: 400,000 songs, 5,000 audiobooks (and rising)

Song Availability Analysis

Most popular artists have their works available on both download services. Clearly iTunes has a greater selection starting out with 400,000 tracks compared to MusicMatch’s 200,000. I have difficulty on both searching for many of the artists I enjoy including common names such as Relient K, Lifehouse, Nickel Creek, and the list goes on for many more bands and artists.

Some artists such as Linkin Park have signed exclusive deals with one download service so they aren’t available on others. In the case of Linkin Park, they’re available exclusively on MusicMatch.

Purchasing Songs

1. Open an Account

Give them personal information including name, address, email, etc. You must give them credit card information to open the account. This is how they charge you for the music. It is automatically billed when you purchase songs.

2. Find the Song

To find the song, you can search for a specific artist, album, or track using a search bar that’s part of the application. You can also view recommendations based on favorite artists, genre, or featured music.

3. Buy the Song

Once you find the song you want, you’re able to click “buy song” and then you will be asked for confirmation. iTunes has an option that allows you to use a Shopping Cart - this allows you to browse, select songs, and purchase them all at once. I think this feature is also somewhat affective in tempering impulse buys as you have to think about it for a second time. Once you’ve purchased the songs, they’ll be downloaded for you and stored in the default download location and added to the current playlist (unless you change these options in the application preferences).

Listening to Music

Both applications have typical media player features such as playlists, media libraries (to keep track of all songs on your computer). They can each play lots of different types of media.

Each application uses a different *audio format* for the music downloaded. MusicMatch uses Microsoft’s Windows Media Audio format at 160kbps, whereas iTunes uses a format called AAC(Advanced Audio Encording) (based on the MPEG-4 standard) at 128kbps and stores the file with a .m4p extension. Each format uses DRM(Digital Rights Management) to ensure the file cannot be easily pirated over the internet.

There are technical differences in the formats used to encode the audio, but on a simple listen by an average user (I don’t think I qualify as an audiophile, though I like music a lot), the music is CD-quality.

Burning/Other Listening Devices

This is one of the most limiting features of MusicMatch Jukebox Basic. You’re only allowed to burn five playlists to CD for free. After that, you have to buy an upgraded version of the software which comes with a circa $30 price tag.

iTunes allows CD burning of any tracks purchased without limit.

Portable digital music devices are usable with each service. iTunes is entirely compatible with Apple’s iPod. Devices that support WMA are also available, but there’s no clear leader in the race for domination of that market so I don’t know who to point you towards.

Other Considerations

• If you burn the song to CD, you can rip it in any audio format using the appropriate audio-ripping applications
• Songs purchased in one application may not be able to play in others. Neither of these audio formats were able to play in Winamp, a popular player for Windows. AAC files can be played in iTunes and QuickTime. Windows Media Audio can be played in MusicMatch, the Windows Media Player, and other applications that support the format.
• Each media player includes many other features which you can find out about by using the application yourself or reading the product documentation on the official websites.

Songs I Tested

On MusicMatch: Project 86 - Hollow Again
On iTunes: MxPx - Well Adjusted

Categories: Music
Tags: iTunes