Tesco is taking on iTunes with the launch of a digital download service.

The retail giant is aiming to take a bite out of Apple with Tesco Digital, which will launch in May with a range of music and video for download to media players.

"The new Tesco Digital site is more than a music download portal," said Graham Harris, commercial director at Tesco.

"We are starting out with a comprehensive music offering, but customers can expect downloadable TV and films as well as games to buy very soon."

Tesco Digital will kick off with access to over 3.3 million music tracks and over 100 free playable Flash games.

Initially just under half of the tracks will be in the MP3 format, but the retailer plans to have all music on the site as MP3s by the end of the year.

"We are delighted to be offering MP3 downloads for the very first time, and our customers can expect to hear more news in the coming weeks and months as we develop our digital store," added Harris.

Tesco could not confirm pricing at this stage, but a spokeswoman told vnunet.com that tracks will be "competitively priced and within the range that people would expect from Tesco".

Albums and single tracks will be offered under variable pricing plans, and Tesco has promised special bundles of music and music videos. Clubcard points will be given on all purchases.