URGE (digital music service)
The URGE digital music store was an online music distribution service run by MTV Networks. URGE was integrated into Windows Media Player 11.
URGE was opened on May 17, 2006. Downloaded files came with restrictions on their use, enforced by Windows Media DRM, Microsoft's digital rights management. URGE featured the music programming of MTV, CMT, and VH1 and provided editorial content for the online music service. URGE charged 99¢ a track, or $9.95/month for a subscription. An optional $14.95/month to-go subscription was available for those with PlaysForSure devices. As of May 2008, URGE was not compatible with Microsoft's Zune or Apple's iPod, although the first-generation Zune Marketplace was based on URGE, and had many similarities.
In the spring of 2007, MTV Networks launched the digital audio radio service URGE Radio, available through cable operators.
URGE Radio offered cable systems digital audio channels with continuous music commercial-free, 24 hours a day. Similar to Music Choice, song and artist info is displayed on screen.