Connecting People & Knowledge - Since May 2000
   
Today's Sponsor:

 
Mitchell Silberberg is Los Angeles' premier midsize law firm. Our 125 attorneys routinely handle high-profile Internet and technology litigation, including the cases against Napster, Aimster, Grokster, Kazaa and 321 Studios.
More information


January 7, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o RealNetworks Launches Download Store, Updates Media Player Software
o Macrovision Files Patent Suit Against DVD Copy Software Firm 321 Studios
o Report: Online Spending Up 35% to $18.5 Billion During 2003 Holidays
o SEC Files Charges Against 3 Additional Former Gemstar Execs  
o Napster, Target Partner to Offer Downloads, Branded Accessories in Stores  
o XM Satellite Radio Tops 1.36 Million Subscribers, Gets Airline Distribution
o AOL, D-Link Partner on Home Media Networking Service


 > DMW Announcements
 --DMW Events - Digital Music Forum 2004
 --DMW Publications - Digital Media Law Report & Game Industry Quarterly

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --MIDEMNET
 --Sr. Sales Executive – Media, Entertainment and Aggregator
 

o Briefly Noted: Gemstar-TV Guide - LG Electronics, ATI Technologies - 3D gaming chip, Alpine - iPod, Creative - Nomad MuVo2 4GB, E.Digital - Cornice, Roku -networked music players, Digital 5 - Napster, Digeo - Adelphia, N2 Broadband - Cox, Square Enix U.S.A. - PlayOnline, THQ - "Sonic Advance," GameVault, 'Net movie pirate rings

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
 --
Video Production Services
 --
Director of Professional Services
 --
QA Engineer
 --
Senior Developer - Database Internals
 --Complete Information for Department of Homeland Security
 --Artisan Quality Handbags and Jewelry
 --Obtain Maximum Value for Your Excess Used Technology Equipment
 


o RealNetworks Launches Download Store, Updates Media Player Software

Las Vegas -- RealNetworks, a provider of streaming media delivery technology, announced on Wednesday the launch of a digital music download store, which will sell tracks for $0.99 from a library expected to offer 400,000 tracks by the end of the month. The company also launched RealPlayer 10, the latest version of its audio and video media player software. For a limited time, those who download the new software can purchase their first song download from the store for $0.10. The download store will offer songs in Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format, like Apple's iTunes store, but currently only allows transfer to portable devices including the Creative Zen Xtra as well as seven models of PalmOne devices. RealPlayer 10, however, offers support for most media formats as well as 50 devices, including Apple's iPod and models from Creative Labs, Nokia, Sonicblue/Rio, Sony and Panasonic. Seattle-based RealNetworks also said that it has signed a seven-year agreement to serve as the digital music service partner for Rolling Stone, and has taken over operations of RollingStone.com.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/sfw075_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/sfw078_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/sfw082_1.html 
http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5136275.html 
http://www.real.com
_____________________________________________

o Macrovision Files Patent Suit Against DVD Copy Software Firm 321 Studios

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Adding to the roster of companies currently suing 321 Studios, copy-protection technology provider Macrovision sued the company on Wednesday for patent infringement and for violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. 321 Studios' DVD X Copy software allows users to make back-up copies of legally purchased DVDs, but has drawn lawsuits from Hollywood movie studios. In its suit, Santa Clara, Calif.-based Macrovision says that 321's software violates both its patents and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act by allowing users to bypass the Macrovision copy-protection system on DVD movies. "321 infringes Macrovision's intellectual property by offering products that enable users to make unauthorized copies that contain our patented process and sometimes illegally bypass our copy protection system," said Macrovision CEO Bill Krepick. "It is ironic that 321 Studios itself employs a sophisticated mechanism to prevent people from making illegal copies of its software, while at the same selling products that aid in the theft of the intellectual property created by moviemakers."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040107/75192_1.html 
http://www.321studios.com 
http://www.macrovision.com
_____________________________________________

o Report: Online Spending Up 35% to $18.5 Billion During 2003 Holidays

New York, N.Y. -- A new report from Goldman Sachs, Harris Interactive and Nielsen//Netratings on online spending during the recent holiday season indicates that total spending was 35% greater than a year ago. Online holiday shoppers spent a record $18.5 billion online (excluding travel) during the 2003 holiday season, according to the report. The top-five categories in terms of total spending include apparel, toys and video games, consumer electronics, computer hardware and peripherals and video/DVD.
http://www.newsalert.com/bin/story?StoryId=Cp_JVubWbmda1CdiYmZK
____________________________________________

o SEC Files Charges Against 3 Additional Former Gemstar Execs

Washington -- The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed charges against three additional former executives at Gemstar-TV Guide, the provider of program guides for digital TV. The amended complaint adds former TV Guide CEO Peter Boylan, former TV Guide CFO Craig Waggy and former Gemstar general counsel Jonathan Orlick to the list of those the SEC believes inflated advertising revenue to mislead Gemstar investors and boost company profits. The SEC last year filed similar charges against former Gemstar CEO and founder Henry Yuen, and former Gemster CFO Elsie Leung.
http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2004-1.htm
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/040105/gemstar_lawsuit_28.html
http://www.gemstartvguide.com
____________________________________________

o Napster, Target Partner to Offer Downloads, Branded Accessories in Stores

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Napster on Wednesday announced a retail partnership with Target stores, where Napster-branded blank CDs and CD carrying cases will be sold alongside prepaid song download cards for its digital music service. The company partnered with Imation to provide the CD-R media, and Case Logic for the CD storage accessories. Target.com customers will also be able to subscribe to the Napster service from a link on the website.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/cgw009_1.html 
http://www.imation.com 
http://www.caselogic.com 
http://www.target.com/napster
____________________________________________

o XM Satellite Radio Tops 1.36 Million Subscribers, Gets Airline Distribution

Washington -- XM Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced on Wednesday that it ended 2003 with over 1.36 million subscribers, having added over 1 million of those during the year. The company now projects it will reach 2.8 million subscribers in 2004. Washington-based XM also said on Wednesday that it partnered with two airlines -- JetBlue Airways and AirTran Airways -- to offer XM programming on in-flight entertainment systems. JetBlue will add the service to its fleet of Airbus 320 aircraft beginning this fall and on its new fleet of Embraer 190 aircraft next year, while AirTran will offer XM on its existing fleet of Boeing 717s this fall, as well as its new Boeing 737s.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/dcw037_1.html 
http://www.xmradio.com 
_____________________________________________

o AOL, D-Link Partner on Home Media Networking Service

Las Vegas -- Home networking equipment developer D-Link announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with America Online to offer AOL members access to multimedia content on entertainment devices throughout the home using D-Link products. Members who purchase D-Link wireless network media players can now access Radio@AOL streaming audio channels on their home stereos; similar capabilities are being developed for AOL's digital photo service. Additionally, purchasers of D-Link players will be given a 6-month trial subscription to the Radio@AOL service.
http://www.dlink.com

Top


 > DMW Events:

4th Annual Digital Music Forum

March 1, 2004 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

 

OVERVIEW
While unauthorized file sharing and shifts in consumer spending from CDs to DVDs and video games resulted in a 2.2% decline in total U.S. music sales in 2003, the roll out of licensed online services, like iTunes and Napster, which offer a large selection of licensed content that can be purchased as digital singles, seems to be having a positive effect on the industry and is expected to generate $1.8 billion in sales by 2008.  Labels are reinventing themselves and the industry as a whole is experimenting with emerging technologies that are creating new opportunities and challenges. Digital Music Forum, now in its 4th year, brings together decision-makers from labels, record companies, music publishers, producers and distributors, technology companies, wireless companies, rights organizations, industry bodies, radio, advertising, attorneys, artists investors and venture capitalists to focus on the role of digital technologies in the future of music. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This year's forum focuses on the following questions:

- Is there a viable business model for selling music online? 
- Can licensed services compete with free downloads from file-sharing networks? 
- Who will be the winners and the losers in the world of online music sales? 
- What is the status of pending lawsuits and legislation concerning digital copyrights? Can the music industry profit from legitimate uses of P2P?
- How are consumers reacting to new formats for music delivery?
- Will new formats generate the kind of success that the industry experienced with CDs during the '80s and '90s? 
- What are the challenges and opportunities for music industry executives seeking to maximize the potential of the mobile market?
- What does the future hold for satellite and Internet radio?


SPEAKERS
Confirmed speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. For last year's speaker list, see 2003 Digital Music Forum. For speaker inquires, please contact tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird Special: $195 (until January 20)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until February 20)
Registration: $395 (after February 20)


> DMW Publications:

> Digital Media Law Report
Must-read publication on legal and policy matters related to digital media. Law Report includes case summaries, news and analysis, policy updates, court filings, and exclusive interviews with legal counsel and business leaders. Published monthly. Subscriptions - Order

Available Now - November Law Report - 32 pages - Order

> G
ame Industry Quarterly
- Subscriptions - Order
The Game Industry Quarterly features news about key business, legal and finance developments impacting the game industry. Each issue includes sections on current industry research, financings, law and policy matters, game releases, business deals and other industry events.

Available Now - Q3 Game Industry Quartertly - 105 pages - Order

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

Top


> Featured Advertisement:


>Sr. Sales Executive – Media, Entertainment and Aggregator

Peppercoin, Inc. is a micropayments company that enables online merchants to sell low-priced digital goods profitably. Peppercoin was founded by world-renowned leaders in cryptographic technology from MIT whose previous ideas led to significant enterprises worth billions of dollars. By joining the Peppercoin team, you will help us perpetuate this record of success. We are looking for an experienced sales professional to sell our service and product offerings to the Media, Entertainment and Aggregator markets. The position demands knowledge of these markets and a proven ability to sell new products from early stage start-ups.  Send resume to careers@peppercoin.com  URL: www.peppercoin.com

Top


o Briefly Noted:

(Los Angeles) Gemstar-TV Guide International, a provider of interactive program guides for digital TV systems, announced on Wednesday that LG Electronics has signed a licensing agreement to use Gemstar's guides in its LG-brand integrated digital televisions, digital video recorders and DVD recorders.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040107/75137_1.html 
http://www.gemstartvguide.com 
http://www.lge.com

(Markham, Ontario) Chipmaker ATI Technologies on Wednesday introduced its first 3D gaming chip for cell phones, the Imageon 2300. "As an industry-first, Imageon 2300 enables exceptional 3D gaming that will fully leverage and help monetize the higher bandwidth offered by 2.5G and 3G networks," said ATI's Azzedine Boubguira. Canada-based ATI said the chip will begin mass production in the first quarter of 2004.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040107/75310_1.html 
http://www.ati.com

(Torrance, Calif.) Car audio manufacturer Alpine on Wednesday introduced what it says is the first audio head unit that fully integrates with Apple's iPod digital music player. The technology will allow connection via a single cable to Alpine's Ai-NET system bus, and provide iPod playback from the Alpine receiver's buttons with display of playlists, album, artist and songs on the head unit. The Alpine iPod Ready Interface kit will become available in the summer.
http://www.alpine.com

(Milpitas, Calif.) Consumer electronics firm Creative on Wednesday introduced its Nomad MuVo2 4GB portable audio player, which can hold up to 2,100 songs. The $299 player measures 2.6 inches by 2.6 inches.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031218/sfth087_1.html 
http://www.us.creative.com

(Las Vegas) Consumer electronics firm E.Digital said on Wednesday that it is developing digital audio devices that utilize microdrive maker Cornice's 1.5GB and 2GB hard drives for consumer electronics, for release in early 2004.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040107/75136_1.html 
http://www.corniceco.com 
http://www.edigital.com

(Las Vegas) Consumer electronics firm Roku, founded by ReplayTV founder Anthony Wood, on Wednesday introduced its Roku SoundBridge network music players, which allow playback of PC or Mac digital music files from any device in the home. The $299 Roku SoundBridge M1000 and $499 Roku SoundBridge M2000 will begin shipping in February.
http://www.rokulabs.com

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Digital 5, a provider of wireless networking technology for consumer electronics, said on Wednesday that it partnered with Napster to allow subscribers to the premium Napster service to access music files through connected DVD players, audio devices and other similar consumer electronics powered by New Jersey-based Digital 5's technology.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040107/phw011_1.html 
http://www.napster.com 
http://www.digital5.com

(Kirkland, Wash.) Digeo, a provider of media center software and interactive TV services, announced on Wednesday that cable TV operator Adelphia will trial Digeo's Moxi Media Center Service -- which combines HDTV, digital video recording, video-on-demand and other features into a single set-top box -- during the first half of 2004 in Los Angeles. Following a successful trial, Adelphia plans to deploy 25,000 Moxi-powered Media Centers during 2004. Cable TV operator Charter has also ordered 100,000 Media Centers from San Diego-based Digeo.
http://www.adelphia.net 
http://www.digeo.com

(Atlanta) N2 Broadband, a provider of software for on-demand services, announced on Wednesday that cable TV operator Cox will use N2's MediaPoint asset management software for its existing video-on-demand system.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040106/cltu058_1.html 
http://www.cox.com 
http://www.n2broadband.com

(Los Angeles) Square Enix U.S.A., the U.S. publishing arm of the Japanese game developer, said on Wednesday that PlayOnline, the online community for its "Final Fantasy XI" online game, has surpassed 500,000 registered members in the U.S. and Japan. The game allows both owners of the PC version and PlayStation 2 version to interact with one another in online gameplay.
http://www.playonline.com

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game publisher THQ announced on Wednesday the release of Japanese developer Sega's "Sonic Advance" for Nintendo Game Boy Advance. The release of the single and multiplayer title for the handheld coincides with the release of "Sonic Heroes" for GameCube.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040107/75337_1.html 
http://www.sega.com 
http://www.thq.com

(Las Vegas) Web hosting provider C I Host on Wednesday launched GameVault, a hosting network created specifically for online games. The company has servers located in Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles, with London operations set to open later this year.
http://www.cihost.com 
http://www.gamevault.com

(Los Angeles) The Los Angeles Times on Wednesday reported on the growing number of renegade online movie pirate groups, which go to lengths to get pre-release copies of movies on VHS and DVD, then upload the movies to the Internet so they may be downloaded for free. Groups such as MysticVCD don't charge for their efforts, instead claiming bragging rights for being the first such group to obtain and post a particular title. The website NFOTemple.com, which documents the exploits of pirate movie groups, listed 140 such groups in 2003, up from 32 in 2002.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-topsites7jan07.story
http://www.nfotemple.com

Top


> Classifieds:

> Video Production Services

INK Productions offers full service TV, Video, Corporate and event video production. Professional Camera, Editing, Sound, Lighting, Voice & Music. Betacam SP, DVcam, DVCpro, DVD, CD-Rom, VHS and Web Formats. Personalized Services with Competitive Rates. INK Productions "Your Full Service TV & Video Production Source" Ivan N. Katz (703) 521-3090 (703) 626-2383--Visit http://www.inkproductions.net. For more info Email: INKvideo@aol.com
___________________

> Director of Professional Services

The Director of Professional Services will be responsible for profitably selling and delivering projects while assuring satisfaction among our clients. The candidate will report to the CEO and will manage an initial team of 2-3 talented individuals. Bachelor's degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred, minimum 2-4 years of professional service mgmtt experience, and direct or indirect experience with membership organizations desirable. Send cover letter and resume to: Sheeraz Haji, CEO: proserv@getactive.com . In cover letter, comment on your level of experience selling and delivering professional services, and include your salary requirements. http://www.getactive.com
___________________

> QA Engineer

Responsible for testing parallel database system software using a variety of applications and interfaces. Bachelor's degree and 2 yrs designing and developing database applications in Java using JDBC, ODBC and/or Perl. Development or testing experience with Linux, other UNIX and Microsoft Windows. Design, implementation, and execution of test plans. Experience with decision support and data mining applications desired. Principles only. Send resume to Luke Lonergan - llonergan@metapa.net
___________________

> Senior Developer - Database Internals

Senior Developer - Database Internals Responsible for development of journaling system for parallel database system software. Bachelor's degree and 7 yrs exp. in software design and development, min. 3 yrs exp. in commercial systems software. Requires C on Linux/UNIX and/or Windows. Systems oriented applications and/or internals experience with commercial relational database management systems and or/ advanced CS degree preferred. Multiple positions - Principals only. Send resume to Luke Lonergan: llonergan@metapa.net http://www.metapa.net/
___________________

> Making Your Way thru the Homeland Security Maze

Small businesses wanting to do business with the government face unique challenges when entering the federal marketplace. The 2003- 2004 Directory of Homeland Security includes a detailed list of procurement information and small business government contacts for the various federal departments and agencies. Contact names, titles, phone and fax numbers and descriptions are included in the listings. The Department of Homeland Security portion of the directory has entire section titled, "Doing Business with the Department of Homeland Security." To order the 2003-2004 edition, go to: http://www.tech-directories.com/dmw.htm
___________________

> Artisan Quality Handbags and Jewelry

Marumaru offers artisan quality handbags and jewelry for the savvy and discriminating woman. We specialize in vintage silk kimono purses and offer many elegant jewelry pieces made from bamboo and coral to semi-precious stones. All of our fine products are Asian-inspired and handcrafted in Hawaii, the gateway to Asia. We welcome you. Please visit us at marumarugirl.com . contact: cara@marumarugirl.com  or michael@marumarugirl.com
___________________

> Obtain Maximum Value for Your Excess Used Technology Equipment

BIZI International offers a suite of programs to maximize the return on your used excess technology assets. Specialists in Telecommunications and Test and Measurement equipment. Complete Turnkey Solutions for all of your asset liquidation needs. Established in 1985 with global operations. Massachusetts headquarters. Contact Bill at (978) 649-0722 x134 or bmccready@bizinetworks.com  Visit http://www.bizinetworks.com

Top


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. To subscribe for free, please click here.

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.

Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information


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

Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions
News Tips & Press Releases

Unsubscribe

Top


Copyright 2004 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.