Let the online media wars begin? Despite having a year that could be described as bumpy at best, Sony is mulling over launching their own download site to compete with iTunes.

“Music and video downloading has been available through networks, and we are looking into the area as a possible business,” said Sony spokesman Shigenori Yoshida.

The Japanese pioneer of personal music players fell behind Apple Inc.’s and its market-leading iPod. It also got a late start on flat-panel TVs, forcing Sony Corp. to cut jobs, shut plants and shed underperforming divisions under the guidance of Chief Executive Howard Stringer, who took over in 2005.

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