When did the store close?

In North America, the CONNECT™ Music Store closed on March 31, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Registered CONNECT users were sent several notices of the closure, to the email address on their account, well in advance of this date.

Why did the store close?

We have moved to an open Windows Media platform in North America. In line with that, Sony phased out the CONNECT Music Service in the U.S. and Canada.

What will happen to my music library (content I own)?

You will continue to be able to play, manage, and transfer the music in your SonicStage® library and on your ATRAC® player. For music purchased via CONNECT, this means you may continue to enjoy it as usual in your current computer configuration.

To ensure continued access to your content, we strongly recommend that customers archive their library to audio CDs and/or make a backup.

What about all the music I ripped from my CD collection?

You will continue to be able to play, manage, and transfer the music in your SonicStage library and on your existing ATRAC devices in your current configuration. We have also provided a tool to allow you to convert any non-DRM music you imported (ripped) into SonicStage into MP3 format. This tool is available now at Sony Walkman® Support.
Note: Please read entire page of instructions before downloading.

What if I have problems with my device or content?

You will be able to register new devices through the end of this year, December 31, 2008, and use existing content in your library but you will not be able to purchase or download any content. Limited support is available by visiting CONNECT Customer Support.

What will happen to any devices (music players) I currently own?

You will continue to be able to play, manage, and transfer the music in your SonicStage library and on your existing ATRAC devices, in your current configuration, but we recommend that customers backup and/or archive their music libraries to audio CDs.

In addition, most players support the MP3 format available from many online music sources. Click here for info on how to import this content into SonicStage to combine it with your existing library.

Will I be able to download music I paid for if I get a new computer?

No, you can no longer download any content now that the store is closed. However, you can move your library to a new PC by using the backup and restore features in SonicStage. We also recommend that customers archive their music libraries to audio CDs to ensure long term use.