News

Muzak partnering with digital signage company

June 18, 2007

Digital Signage Today has learned that Muzak, a pioneer in the field of in-store audio and a true household name, is entering the digital signage business.

The company is set to announce a partnership with Microspace, a provider of point-to-multipoint satellite services. According to a source with Muzak, the goal of the partnership is "to provide retailers with the best of digital audio and digital signage in one solution."

"Muzak has determined that their customer base has been asking for digital signage capabilities, but has elected not to internally move into that space," the source said. "However, in working with Microspace to digitally deliver some of their audio solutions, Muzak has chosen to offer digital signage solutions through Microspace's services. I think it's a great start into a trend of using audio combined with digital signage."

Founded in 1922, Muzak is largely credited with introducing the concept of in-store audio, and at one point its name was synonymous with the use of instrumental versions of popular hits. Recent years have seen the company reinvent its brand image to move away from the stigma of "elevator music." Today the company has more than 1,200 employees worldwide and reported 2005 sales of $246 million.

In April 2007, Muzak and rival DMX announced a planned transaction under which they would be merged and purchased by an unnamed third party. That plan is currently under review by the Department of Justice.