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January 6, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Report: U.S. Consumers Spent Record $21.2 Billion on DVDs in 2004
o Microsoft Touts New Deals With MTV, TiVo for Portable Entertainment
o Digital Rights Management Firms Pool Patents for Cell Phone Standard
o TiVo to Launch Video Recorder That Eliminates Need for Cable TV Box
o Samsung Makes Investment in Video Compression Developer DivXNetworks
o Mobile Entertainment Publisher Jamdat Acquires Downtown Wireless
o DirecTV to Offer Home Media Center, Satellite TV Package for Cars

 > DMW Announcements:
--Digital Music Forum - March 2, 2005  

 > Featured Advertisement:
--MIDEMNET
 

o Briefly Noted: Europe - 2004 banner ad sales, MSN Direct - Smart Watch designs, Sirius Satellite Radio, XM Satellite Radio, Audiovox, Creative, iriver, GoDot, RIVERadio, RealNetworks - Sonos, MSN Video Downloads, Samsung - Time Warner Cable, MSN TV - CinemaNow, Scientific-Atlanta, Sega - AtGames Holdings, ThumbPlay - "strip poker" wireless game
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Product Marketing Manager- Sorrent (Mobile Games)
--Strategic Account Manager - Ebusiness and Games - NY
--Account Executive - Inside Sales
--Senior Marketing Manger, Segment Marketing - Reston, VA
--Sales Executive - Bethesda, MD
--Channel Manager
--Senior Technical Project Manager
--Sr. Java Software Engineer
--Market Research Professional
--VP eBusiness Consulting
--Contract Training Coordinator
--eNaugural.com - The Presidential Hi-Tech Inaugural Ball Jan 20, 2005
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Report: U.S. Consumers Spent Record $21.2 Billion on DVDs in 2004

Las Vegas -- U.S. consumers spent a record $21.2 billion buying and renting DVDs, and purchased over 37 million DVD players over in 2004, according to data from the Digital Entertainment Group, a trade group of electronics firms and home video distributors. DVD retail sales grew 33% over 2003 totals to $15.5 billion, and 2004 DVD rental revenue topped $5.7 billion. In the fourth quarter alone, nearly 530 million DVDs shipped to retailers, a 39% increase over 2003; a total of 1.5 billion units shipped during 2004. Sales of DVD players increased 10% over 2003, with more than 17 million sold in the fourth quarter. The devices are now present in approximately 70 million U.S. households, with 45% of owners reporting having more than one player. When accounting for computers with DVD-ROM drives and DVD-enabled video game consoles, an estimated 79 million households currently have the capability to play DVDs, approaching three-fourths of all U.S. TV households. The Digital Entertainment Group estimates that 80% of U.S. households will have at least one DVD player by the end of 2005.
http://www.digitalentertainmentinfo.com 
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o Microsoft Touts New Deals With MTV, TiVo for Portable Entertainment

Las Vegas -- Microsoft chairman Bill Gates delivered a keynote address for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Thursday that focused on the company's enabling of "the digital lifestyle" and touted new agreements with MTV and TiVo. "We are at the forefront in making broad technology investments and delivering breakthroughs that bring the digital lifestyle into the mainstream," Gates said. Microsoft said that MTV will develop programming and entertainment that will be made available through Windows-based Portable Media Center devices, and create a version of its online music store that is compatible with Windows-based "PlaysForSure" secure portable devices. MTV will also standardize all of its online audio and video content on Windows Media Audio and Video. The download of video to Portable Media Centers and smartphones will also be enabled through a new agreement between Microsoft and TiVo, the maker of digital video recorders. Gates also announced the launch of MSN Video Downloads, which will offer a library of content that may be downloaded to Portable Media Center devices. The service includes content from providers including CNBC, MSNBC, Fox Sports, Cookie Jar Entertainment, Home and Garden Television, DIY Network, Food Network and IFilm. Owners of Portable Media Centers, currently priced around $500, can purchase a one-year membership to the MSN Video Downloads service for $19.95. Gates disappointed some attendees of the convention by failing to announce details about the next Xbox video game console, but remarked that sales of its "Halo 2" game have now surpassed 6.3 million units.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/sfw137_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/sfw113_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/sfw117_1.html
http://video.msn.com/downloads 
http://tinyurl.com/5vqc7 
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o Digital Rights Management Firms Pool Patents for Cell Phone Standard

Denver, Colo. -- MPEG LA, a group of technology firms holding patents on digital video technologies, announced on Thursday that it has pooled patents from five companies in an effort to create a standard for protecting music, video and other content transmitted to cell phones. Patents held by digital rights management firms InterTrust and ContentGuard, as well as electronics giants Sony, Matsushita and Philips will create a blanket digital rights management scheme set by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), a consortium of handset makers and wireless network operators. The patent holders will charge cell phone makers $1 per handset to include the anti-piracy technology on their phones. The agreement will mean that all cell phones will use the same anti-piracy technology, in the hopes that content providers will now feel safe distributing their content on wireless services.
http://www.mpegla.com/news/n_05-01-06_drm.pdf 
http://tinyurl.com/4xcan 
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o TiVo to Launch Video Recorder That Eliminates Need for Cable TV Box

Las Vegas -- TiVo, a provider of digital video recorder services, on Thursday announced plans to release a high-definition digital video recorder that will download Internet content and feature a specialized cable TV tuner card that will eliminate the need for a cable set-top box. The cable-ready digital video recorder will support CableCARD technology that enables cable TV to be delivered without a set-top box. The device is expected to ship in early 2006. This week, TiVo also announced an initiative called TiVoToGo, which enables users to transfer recorded TV programs to a desktop or laptop PC, or record them onto DVD.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/sfth013_1.html 
http://tinyurl.com/5bewj 
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o Samsung Makes Investment in Video Compression Developer DivXNetworks

San Diego -- DivXNetworks, a developer of video compression and video-on-demand delivery technologies, announced on Thursday that it has received a capital investment from Samsung Ventures America, a $300 million fund operated by the Korean consumer electronics firm. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed. San Diego-based DivXNetworks claims 160 million global users of its video compression technology, and says over 20 million consumer electronics devices that support the DivX format were shipped in 2004. Samsung Electronics itself has released several DVD players that include support for video encoded in the DivX format. "We're very pleased to receive the strong support of Samsung Ventures, and we look forward to bringing the power and performance of DivX compression and advanced multimedia technologies to a wide range of high-quality Samsung products," said DivXNetworks president Shahi Ghanem.
http://www.divxnetworks.com/press/press_detail.php?pr_id=122
http://www.samsung.com 
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o Mobile Entertainment Publisher Jamdat Acquires Downtown Wireless

Los Angeles -- Mobile entertainment publisher Jamdat Mobile announced on Thursday that it has acquired Los Angeles-based mobile game developer Downtown Wireless. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2003, Downtown Wireless has developed a number of casino titles, including "Downtown Texas Hold 'Em," "Downtown Video Slots" and "Downtown Roulette." "The acquisition of Downtown Wireless is consistent with Jamdat's strategy to build value from a slate of owned intellectual properties," said Jamdat chairman and CEO Mitch Lasky. Los Angeles-based Jamdat went public in September 2004 in an IPO that raised $61 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050106/65470_1.html 
http://www.jamdat.com 
http://www.downtownwireless.com 
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o DirecTV to Offer Home Media Center, Satellite TV Package for Cars

Las Vegas -- Satellite TV provider DirecTV on Thursday introduced a Home Media Center that includes support for high-definition video, digital video recording, and transfer of photos and music to televisions in the home. Available by the end of 2005, the system will be powered with software from Ucentric Systems and will consist of a main server unit, with smaller receiver units attached to televisions throughout the home. The Home Media Center will let consumers schedule TV recordings from any room, as well as online, and view and move any content from room to room. El Segundo, Calif.-based DirecTV also separately announced new features for DirecTV customers, including the ability to view up to six live channels all on one screen, and a new interactive channel that will offer weather, financial and other interactive services. Finally, the company launched a new mobile programming package designed for owners of satellite TV-equipped cars. The programming, which includes a movie package from Starz Encore Group, will be available for $4.99 for existing residential DirecTV customers, or $39.99 as a standalone auto package.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050106/65721_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050106/65732_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050106/65385_1.html 
http://www.directv.com 

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>DMW Events:

 



5th Annual Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

Digital Music Forum is the premier event for music industry decision-makers focused on business models and legal issues impacting music. The annual event brings together decision-makers from records labels, music publishers, producers and distributors, technology companies, wireless companies, rights organizations, industry bodies, radio, advertising, attorneys, artists investors and venture capitalists to examine the role of digital technologies in the future of music.

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • THE STATE OF THE DIGITAL UNION: The Outlook for Online & Mobile Music Markets
  • LAWYERS, GEEKS & MONEY: The Clash Between Technology & Copyright Law
  • THE ONLINE MUSIC MARKET: Competition, Business Models & Courting Consumers in a Crowded Market
  • THE MOBILE MUSIC MARKET: What Does the Future Hold for this Booming Market?

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Pre-registration rate: $295 (until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)

Register online at http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1092

Phone registration: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:


 

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o Briefly Noted:

(London) According to recent figures released by Nielsen/NetRatings, the number of banner advertisements run on European websites increased by 24% last year. The report tallied 94,939 banner ads in November 2004, compared to 76,375 in November 2003. The number of European online advertisers increased by 11% from 15,716 to more than 17,441 over the same period, with Sweden, France and the Netherlands reporting the strongest growth. The number of European online advertising campaigns increased by 10% year-on-year from 33,472 to 36,824.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?M3CE15C2A

(Las Vegas) Microsoft on Thursday said that new Smart Watch designs and new devices for its MSN Direct service, which utilizes unused portions of the broadcast spectrum to deliver wireless data to wristwatches. Manufacturers Oregon Scientific and MZ Berger will release a weather station alarm clock and high-tech alarm and wall clocks that can receive content including news, stock quotes, sports scores and movie listings from the MSN Direct service. Microsoft said wristwatch maker Suunto will release a new $399 Smart Watch, while Fossil, Swatch and Tissot will also in coming months introduce new Smart Watch designs.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/sfw133_1.html 
http://www.msndirect.com

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, on Thursday introduced Starbase, a digital control unit that allows any car stereo to receive Sirius programming. The $170 device, when combined with another new Sirius product, the SiriusConnect trunk-mounted satellite receiver, allows subscribers to access Sirius programming through an FM modulator connected to their existing car stereo. When used on its own, the SiriusConnect receiver can connect to Sirius-ready satellite radios, and also allow other devices such as an Apple iPod or CD changer to be connected simultaneously with the Sirius receiver.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/nyth111_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/nyth040_1.html 
http://www.siriusradio.com

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio announced on Thursday that Japanese electronics firm Panasonic will release 13 car stereo head units with XM functionality and branding in 2005. Separately, D.C.-based XM projected that it will reach 5.5 million subscribers in 2005, after ending last year with a total of 3.2 million subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/dcw013_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/dcw004_1.html
http://www.xmradio.com

(Las Vegas) Automotive electronics maker Audiovox on Thursday announced the release of four new satellite radio devices for each of the two service providers, XM and Sirius. They include a $99 receiver with FM transmitter, two $49 docking stations -- one for the car and one for the home, and a $99 portable BoomBox receiver. New York-based Audiovox also said that retailers will offer a $149 Combo Kit that combines the receiver with one of the two docking stations.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/nyth005_1.html "
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/nyth004_1.html 
http://www.audiovox.com

(Milpitas, Calif.) Digital audio device maker Creative on Thursday introduced a number of new MP3 players under its Zen Micro product line. They include a $199, 1GB player that will be available in the first quarter; a $229, 4GB model available this month; a $249, 5GB model available now and a $299, 6GB model that will ship later this month. All of the players will support the download of tracks from secure online music services including MSN Music, Napster, Musicmatch and Wal-Mart. Separately, the company said it will demonstrate a new wireless headphone technology for MP3 players at the Consumer Electronics Show this week. The device will utilize magnetic induction instead of a Bluetooth wireless connection to deliver audio signals up to six feet from the player.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/sfth083_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/sfth082_1.html 
http://www.creative.com

(Las Vegas) Consumer electronics firm iriver on Thursday launched a new MP3 player, the $279 H10, which comes in four colors and features a 5GB hard drive and color screen for photo viewing. Available this month, the H10 also supports the download of tracks from secure music stores including MSN Music, Musicmatch, MusicNow, Napster and Wal-Mart.
http://www.iriveramerica.com

(Milpitas, Calif.) Taiwan-based GoDot Technology on Thursday introduced its first U.S. product line of digital entertainment devices. They include 40GB and 4GB hard drive-based MP3 players, two Flash-based MP3 players, an FM transmitter for MP3 players and two 100GB portable digital photo albums.
http://www.godotdigital.com

(Las Vegas) Consumer electronics firm RIVERadio said on Thursday that it plans to develop a low-cost tabletop receiver for iBiquity Digital's HD Radio broadcast technology, which is being implemented by radio stations to deliver digital radio broadcasts. South Dakota-based RIVERadio did not provide pricing details for the receiver, which is expected to ship before the summer of 2005.
http://www.riveradio.com

(Seattle) RealNetworks said on Thursday that it has partnered with Santa Barbara, Calif.-based digital audio developer Sonos to make its Rhapsody online music service available on the Sonos Digital Music System. The home networking system allows users to control and playback their digitally-stored music collections anywhere in the home using a wireless, color-screen handheld controller. The ZonePlayer receivers sell for $499 while the controller retails for $399.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/law077_1.html 
http://www.sonos.com

(Las Vegas) Microsoft said on Thursday that telco BellSouth will test its Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software, used to deliver TV over high-speed Internet connections. The company recently announced a similar $400 million agreement to deploy its IPTV software with SBC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050105/sfw137_1.html 
http://www.bellsouth.com 
http://www.microsoft.com/tv

(Las Vegas) Korean consumer electronics firm Samsung on Thursday announced a partnership with Time Warner Cable to jointly develop a cable-ready television set that supports two-way connectivity. The device will enable interactive applications including video-on-demand without the need for a separate cable TV set-top box.
http://www.samsung.com 
http://www.timewarnercable.com

(Mountain View, Calif.) Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will offer broadband customers of its MSN TV Internet service the ability to stream movies directly to a television set from Internet-based video-on-demand service CinemaNow. CinemaNow movies, which cost between $2.99 and $4.99, will be made available to owners of an MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player beginning in the spring of 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/sfth014_1.html 
http://www.msntv.com/pc 
http://www.cinemanow.com

(Las Vegas) Set-top box maker Scientific-Atlanta announced on Thursday the release of its Explorer 8300 multi-room digital video recorder. The 80GB device uses existing home wiring to deliver recorded programs to other set-tops in the home. The company said deployment of the multi-room recorders has begun with Time Warner Cable customers in Minneapolis.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050106/clth003_1.html
http://www.scientificatlanta.com

(Tokyo) Japanese video game developer Sega announced on Thursday that it has partnered with AtGames Holdings to exclusively distribute its video games in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The deal includes Sega games for newer consoles as well as for legacy consoles such as the Sega Dreamcast, Game Gear, Genesis and Saturn.
http://sega.jp 
http://www.atgames.net

(New York) ThumbPlay, a provider of wireless content delivery services, on Thursday launched a mobile "strip poker" game for Cingular Wireless customers in the U.S. The $4 downloadable game features virtual female opponents who shed their clothes when they lose a hand, and a "cheat" feature that lets players pay an added $0.99 to buy garments off the women. While the virtual women take it all off in the European version of the game, the title has been "toned down" for the U.S. version, where female opponents eventually strip down no further than their lingerie.
http://tinyurl.com/3pdy7 
http://www.thumbplay.com 
 
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Product Marketing Manager- Sorrent (Mobile Games)

Leading wireless gaming company that's fast-growing and ventured backed. Creates and publishes mobile content all over the world. Candidates will manage product marketing needs for multiple entertainment products. Oversee brand management to build value in mobile. Work with carriers and sales to tailor product scope to meet market needs. 3-5 years experience in consumer marketing or advertising. Entertainment or wireless marketing a plus. Must be active mobile user. Email resumes to jobs@sorrent.com.
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> Strategic Account Manager - Ebusiness and Games - NY

Boonty is an international company which develops and sells a premium service video game downloading platform to major Internet Access Providers and Portals. Your primary target: increase sales on our partner's websites. In coordination with the Sales director, you will work closely with our US partners (ISP, portals, .) More info on www.boonty.com
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> Account Executive - Inside Sales

The SAVVIS Account Executive is accountable for selling all SAVVIS managed products to new and existing customers. Responsibilities include generating new opportunities via cold calling and leveraging customer relationships, working with existing customers to find new opportunities, and growing existing services. Required: 2+ yrs of successful business sales experience, cold calling/prospecting experience, and consultative sales experience. Send resume to dloehr@savvis.net
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> Senior Marketing Manger, Segment Marketing - Reston, VA

Develop strategic and tactical marketing programs in the National Accounts space to increase sales/revenue. Programs will be cross industry and will include product launches, executive briefings, events, advisory councils, etc. 10 plus yrs. exp. in launching 4P marketing initiatives and programs a must. Fortune 500 account experience preferred. Send resumes to jean.osterman@nextel.com
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> Sales Executive - Bethesda, MD

Real Magnet (http://www.realmagnet.com), a fast growing, profitable e- mail marketing firm seeks "can-do" salesperson to sell and market its innovative products. Qualifications include: Entrepreneurial, self-starting, 2 or more years experience selling technology products and services and a successful track record. Emphasis on direct calls. Compensation: base (30K to $65K based on experience) plus commission, healthcare provided. Its a white hot market. Send resumes to tpines@realmagnet.com
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> Channel Manager

Netezza is looking a for high energy individual to recruit, manage and expand relationships with System Integrators, Independent Software Vendors and Complementary Technology partners. The ideal candidate has a technical background with experience in channel management, business development, and/or consulting for technology companies focused on the Business Intelligence, Database and/or Storage markets. Send resumes to rrobinson@netezza.com
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> Senior Technical Project Manager

The individual working in this exciting position will provide admin. support to member firms in the new areas of industry technology standards, electronic commerce security, process automation, and innovative systems. He/she will assist in the project mgmt. of tech advances, and products and services which benefit members and their customers, while providing staff support for various Committees. The incumbent must work well with people. Bachelor's degree in engineering and a min of 5 years of exp. reqd. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire235.asp
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> Sr. Java Software Engineer

A commercial product firm seeks a senior software engineer with 7 plus years of exp. The firm strongly prefers a candidate that has experience on both Unix/Linux and Windows platforms and solid experience with at least 2 programming languages and agile programming. This position requires direct contribution in all phases of the life-cycle, including specification, design, coding, unit test, integration and system test, and documentation. Strong skills in developing and executing on business requirements are needed. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire237.asp
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> Market Research Professional

SmithGeiger is a fast-growing market research and strategy firm serving all facets of the media industry, w/clients in TV, film, web, gaming, tech. Seeking media research pro with min 3 yrs market research exp. to design and implement research and consulting services. Develop custom phone and online surveys and focus group research, design data analysis plans, convert results into findings and recommendations, write reports, deliver presentations to clients. Excellent writing and analytical skills. Working knowledge of statistics, SPSS. MA, MS, MBA, PhD.  Contact brian@smithgeiger.com
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> VP eBusiness Consulting

Want to manage multiple eCommerce, Portal, and web content management projects for the Fortune 500? Or play a key role in the growth and strategy of an energetic small company? Or is your preference getting involved in solution architecture, eBusiness strategy, and exploring leading edge technologies? Or large-scale IT implementations for the government? Do it all as VP of eBusiness Consulting at McFadyen Consulting in Vienna , VA. Learn more at http://www.McFadyen.com Send resumes to tmcfadyen@mcfadyen.com
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> Contract Training Coordinator

The Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) seeks an energetic professional to serve as the Contract Training Program Coordinator at our Herndon Training Center site. OCPE offers a positive team-based environment in a fast paced customer oriented department. Salary $27- $32K, excellent state benefits. Apply for position no. 01504z at http://jobs.gmu.edu by January 7, 2005. AA/EOE
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> eNaugural.com - The Presidential Hi-Tech Inaugural Ball Jan 20, 2005

The eNaugural.com Ball is the Presidential Inaugural Ball for the Hi-tech community. This spectacular celebration brings together key industry leaders, elected officials and the media to honor and celebrate the overwhelming, positive impact of the new digital age on virtually every aspect of American life. This exciting gala is webcast live to the world, and archived for later viewing on the web. Go to http://www.enaugural.com for more info.
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> New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


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