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International music heavyweights to launch ground-breaking jukebox initiative at ACOS

The forthcoming Autumn Coin-Op Show (ACOS), will serve as the backdrop for a major new partnership designed to reinvigorate the UK jukebox sector. The initiative will see Sound Leisure, Soundnet and TouchTunes, the world leader in digital jukebox technology, join forces to market the TouchTunes Playdium jukebox in the UK. The partnership will be officially launched at ACOS by TouchTunes Chairman and CEO, Charles Goldstuck who is flying into London from the United States.

In a joint statement, Simon Davis of Soundnet and Sound Leisure’s Chris Black, said: “It’s fair to say the UK jukebox sector finds itself at a cross roads. Whilst UK consumers are consuming more music than ever, jukebox use is sadly declining. The jukebox consumer experience has failed to keep pace with digital music services such as Spotify, iTunes and Apple Music.

“Under the terms of this partnership, Sound Leisure will bring to market the TouchTunes Playdium jukebox and will continue to provide after sales and servicing for existing Sound Leisure jukeboxes. Soundnet will apply its expertise in providing music programming for the Playdium. A new and progressive business model will see operators benefit from a lower monthly fixed content fee with TouchTunes receiving a percentage of the cash box income.”

The joint statement continued:

“We have been testing the Playdium in the UK over a six month period and the data confirms that it makes more money than competitive products as well as having a lower list price. We will be delivering a 21st century experience that will engage with consumers in a compelling, relevant way and in the process, enhance the prospects and profitability of in-venue, pay-to-play music entertainment.”

TouchTunes European Managing Director, Alan Newham, added: “Sound Leisure has a fantastic history in the UK jukebox market and I am delighted to be working alongside Chris and the Sound Leisure team to write the next chapter in that story. Working together to bring Playdium to the UK, I’m confident we have an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate the jukebox market here. Combining TouchTunes’ commitment to product innovation with Sound Leisure’s knowledge of the local market, creates the ideal combination to pursue that goal.”

Playdium has gained a reputation amongst US operators as representing the next generation entertainment platform which allows venues to select from a variety of music profiles to tailor the experience to suit their location and customer base. The smart jukebox learns from the music selected and adapts over time to intuitively highlight songs, artists and search results that are most relevant. Created by TouchTunes to be an entertainment centrepiece, Playdium also boasts online diagnostics for enhanced reliability and a two piece modular design to simplify servicing. The TouchTunes App has been operating successfully in North America for more than five years and is currently generating more than 3 million plays a week.

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