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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- January 14, 2003
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

o Tech Firms, Recording Industry Reach Accord On Anti-Piracy Efforts
o Report: CNET To Lay Off 80 Employees
o Report: Online Ad Spending to Increase 7.4% in 2003
o Canadian Convicted in 3D Display Hoax Now a Fugitive In Czech Republic
o Limited-Play DVD Developer Flexplay Technologies Acquires SpectraDisc 
o Lufthansa to Begin In-Flight Internet Service on Wednesday
o Bam Entertainment Sells London Game Studio to VIS, Lowers Guidance

> DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers
> DMW Events: Early Bird Discount - Digital Music Forum | March 3 | NYC
> Featured: USC M-Commerce Event, UCLA Extension Class

o Briefly Noted: Acclaim Entertainment, Ubi Soft - "Tom Clancy's Splinter
Cell," THQ - Konami - NTT DoCoMo, Scale Eight - OzHosting.com, Sony
Computer Entertainment America - "War of the Monsters," Sonic Solutions -
Hitachi, Alias/Wavefront - Academy Award
_____________________________________________

> Events: Homeland and Global Security Summit, Global Entertainment &
Media Summit, Games & Mobile Forum: April 28 | NYC

> Marketplace: WorldTech, Entertainment & Corporate Legal Services, Game
Industry Report, iTV Chronicle, Homeland Security Directory,
Interest-Based Navigation

Full Classifieds located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.

To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
or contact Tinzar Than at tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o Tech Firms, Recording Industry Reach Accord On Anti-Piracy Efforts

Washington -- A group of technology firms and the recording industry
announced on Tuesday what they called a "landmark agreement" that will
result in a joint stance on legislative issues relating to digital piracy.
Under the agreement, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA),
which represents the major record labels, will withdraw support for a bill
introduced by Sen. Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.) that would put
government-mandated copy-protection technology in digital devices. In
return, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) -- which counts Microsoft,
Apple and Adobe among its members -- and the Computer Systems Policy
Project, whose members include Dell, HP, IBM and Intel, will not support
legislation from Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) that would amend the
controversial Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to expand consumers'
rights to make personal copies of copyrighted works. Absent from the
agreement was the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which
represents movie studios that have vocally supported the Hollings bill.
"This is a landmark agreement because it shows that a broad cross-section
of companies have come to the conclusion that government-mandated
technology protection measures simply won't work," said BSA CEO Robert
Holleyman. The parties to the accord also "expressed support for actions
by rights holders that could limit the illegal distribution of copyrighted
works in ways that are not destructive to networks or products, or that
violate consumers' privacy."
http://www.riaa.org/PR_story.cfm?id=595 
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-980540.html?tag=cd_mh 
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=musicNews&storyID=2038600 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51958-2003Jan13.html 
http://www.bsa.org 
http://www.cspp.org 
_____________________________________________

o Report: CNET To Lay Off 80 Employees

San Francisco -- After weeks of speculation, CBS Marketwatch reported that
San Francisco-based CNET Networks, a technology-focused media company,
will lay off about 80 employees. The move comes two weeks before the
company releases its fourth-quarter financial results. Employees were
reportedly notified on Monday that layoffs would be forthcoming. The
company cut about 190 employees last June.
http://shorterlink.com/?QB15W4 
http://www.cnet.com 
_____________________________________________

o Report: Online Ad Spending to Increase 7.4% in 2003

New York -- Outpacing the growth of the overall advertising spending
market, ad buys on the Internet are projected to increase 7.4 percent in
2003, according to a report released on Tuesday by New York-based media
analysis firm CMR/TNS Media Intelligence. Overall ad spending in 2003 is
expected to grow only 3.3 percent, to $117.5 billion. "The spending growth
seen in the last half of 2002 was clear evidence of a market rebound, and
we believe the current economic upturn, while not robust, will continue to
be reflected in the modest growth of advertising," said CMR/TNS president
and CEO Steven J. Fredericks.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230142131&ticker= 
http://www.cmr.com 
_____________________________________________

o Canadian Convicted in 3D Display Hoax Now a Fugitive In Czech Republic

Calgary, Alberta -- Wired News on Tuesday reported on the guilty verdict
rendered against Sheldon Zelitt, chairman of a Canadian firm called
VisuaLabs that bilked investors with a glasses-less 3D display technology.
Zelitt was convicted by an Alberta judge of 11 securities violations,
including misrepresentations in press releases, prospectuses and annual
information forms. Although Zelitt faces a maximum fine of $11 million and
nearly five years in jail, he currently resides as a fugitive in the Czech
Republic and heads Enhanced Display Corporation, a company making similar
claims as the now more or less defunct VisuaLabs.
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,57194,00.html 
http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/021129/6afce18e16e9b8aa2f3a35d1b2fe203c_1.html 
http://www.visualabs.com 
_____________________________________________

o Limited-Play DVD Developer Flexplay Technologies Acquires SpectraDisc 

New York, NY -- Flexplay Technologies, which has developed limited-time
viewing DVD technology, on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Rhode
Island-based SpectraDisc Corp. Financial terms were not disclosed. New
York-based Flexplay said the acquisition would expand its intellectual
property portfolio in this niche segment. Called a flexible DVD, the
viewing time begins when the consumer removes the disc from its packaging.
After the allotted time, the disc becomes unreadable by the DVD player.
http://www.newsalert.com/bin/story?StoryId=CpIjh0bWbtLLnmtu3&  
http://www.spectra-science.com/spectradisc.html 
http://www.flexplay.com 
_____________________________________________

o Lufthansa to Begin In-Flight Internet Service on Wednesday

Frankfurt -- On Wednesday, Lufthansa will become the first airline to
offer travelers the ability to surf the net and send and receive e-mails
in real time as they fly. The free in-flight Internet service will use
satellite links to connect passengers to the Internet. The first service
giving passengers in-flight net access will operate between Frankfurt and
Washington DC's Dulles International Airport.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2657829.stm 
_____________________________________________

o Bam Entertainment Sells London Game Studio to VIS, Lowers Guidance

San Jose, Calif. -- Video game developer Bam Entertainment on Tuesday
announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets and
operation of its London-based product development studio to U.K. developer
VIS Entertainment. Financial terms were not disclosed. San Jose,
Calif.-based Bam also lowered its anticipated revenue estimates for its
fiscal second quarter 2003, which for the company included the 2002
holiday shopping season and ended on Dec. 31. Bam now expects net revenue
in the range of $22 million to $23 million, less than previous estimates
for the quarter of between $25 million and $30 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030114/sftu075_1.html 
http://www.visentertainment.com 
http://www.bam4fun.com 
_____________________________________________

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==========================================
DMW Publications: Available for DMW Subscribers NOW!
December Law & Policy Report 
==========================================
Contact tinzar@digitalmediawire.com or call 323-464-0793 to order your
copies.
To purchase directly, go to:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

Digital Media Law & Policy Report  (December)
A new report every month - must-read publication on legal and policy
matters related to digital media.  38 pages of case summaries, news and
analysis, policy updates, court filings, and exclusive interviews with
legal counsel and business leaders.
**Special Reduced Rates available for a limited time**   
Price:   $19.00 Per Issue   |   $195.00 Annual Subscription  
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

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========================================
DMW Events: Digital Music Forum, March 3 | NYC 
========================================
 
Digital Media Wire Presents... 
DIGITAL MUSIC FORUM 
March 3, 2003 | New York City | 9:00AM - 7:00 PM 
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events/MusicForum_030303.htm
 
A full-day forum focusing on business & legal issues impacting the music
industry today. The agenda includes 2 keynote addresses, 4 moderated
panels and breakout sessions.
 
Invited speakers include:
Chris Gorog, CEO, Roxio
Sean Ryan, CEO, Listen.com
Marc Schiller, CEO, Electric Artists
David Del Beccaro, CEO, Music Choice
Dennis Mudd, CEO, Musicmatch
Ned Sherman, CEO, Digital Media Wire
John Jeffrey, EVP & General Counsel, Live365
Trey Bowles, VP, StreamCast Networks
Phil Corwin, Partner, Butera & Andrews
Jonathan Potter, Exec. Dir., Digital Media Association
Ted Cohen, VP, EMI Recorded Music
Bryan Biniak, EVP, Moviso
Richard Conlon, VP, Business Development, BMI
Vincent Peppe, Legal Counsel, Licensing, SESAC
Gerd Leonhard, Founder, LicenseMusic.com
Joe Lazlo, Senior Analyst, Jupiter Media
Tim Nilson, VP, Mobile Technology, Sony Music
Paul Sherman, Founder & Editor, Potomac Tech Wire
Nicholas Lehman, VP, Business Development, MTV
David Brudnicki, Sr. Dir., Mobile, AT&T Wireless
Josh Warner, Founder, Like Media
Mark Ghuneim, SVP, Emerging Tech., Columbia Records 
Michael Hausman, Co-Founder, United Musicians
Jesse Feder, Policy Planning Advisor, U.S. Copyright Office
John Perry Barlow, Co-Founder, EFF

Early bird registrations:  $150 until January 31
February registrations:  $200 until February 28
At the door:  $250.   
Pre-Register at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1024
 
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==================
FEATURED SECTION
==================
Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm  
 
USC's M-Commerce to the Max Conference, January 16, Los Angeles
 
MCommerce to the Max, Industry Leaders Roundtable Event. Join us January
16, 2003, 8:00am - 8:00pm, at the University of Southern California,
Davidson Conference Center 3415 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA
90089. Digital Media Wire readers receive
academic rate ($150.00). 
Register online at: 
http://www.marshall.usc.edu/web/CTM.cfm?doc_id=4615
_____________________________________________
 
UCLA Extension Course: Digital Entertainment   
 
The definitive course on the intersection of entertainment and technology
is returning to UCLA Extension this January. Digital & Hollywood: How Do
We Pick Up The Pieces & Move Forward? begins Tuesday, January 28th @ 7pm.
This nine week program features informative, stimulating, and
free-wheeling discussions with the senior executives who are who are
creating the future of digital entertainment. Digital Media Wire
subscribers receive a special $45 discount off of the $430 list price. To
register and take advantage of this special offer, simply visit the UCLA
extension website (www.uclaextension.org), click on the Quick Link tab and
enter the following special registration code: N8513
http://www.uclaextension.org

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_____________________________________________

Briefly Noted:

(Glen Cove, N.Y.) Video game publisher Acclaim Entertainment on Tuesday
announced the release of "ATV: Quad Power Racing 2" for PlayStation 2, the
latest release in the company's 700,000 unit-selling ATV franchise.
U.K.-based developer Climax Studios created the title for AKA Acclaim; New
York-based Acclaim said that GameCube and Xbox versions of the title will
be released next month. On Monday, Acclaim announced a net loss for the
year 2002, citing weaker than expected sales of its titles. Additionally,
the company said it will implement a new operating plan that will include
a reduction in operating expenses and a review of product releases.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030114/142048_1.html 
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030113/132631_1.html 
http://www.acclaim.com 
http://www.climax.co.uk  

(San Francisco) Video game developer Ubi Soft Entertainment announced that
it is currently developing PC, PlayStation 2 and GameCube versions of its
popular "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" title for Xbox. The new versions of
the game, whose Xbox version has sold 1 million units in North America
600,000 in Europe, are due for release in the spring.
http://www.ubi.com 
http://www.splintercell.com  

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game firms THQ and Konami announced on
Tuesday that they have partnered to co-publish several THQ Wireless titles
on Konami Net, which is distributed to subscribers of Japanese wireless
operator NTT DoCoMo's I-mode service. Initial THQ titles to be
co-published include "WWE Mobile Madness," "MLBPA Homerun Contest,"
"Soccer," "Bowling" and "Rotoball."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030114/140231_1.html 
http://www.konami.com 
http://www.nttdocomo.com 
http://www.thq.com  

(San Francisco) Scale Eight, a provider of file storage solutions, said on
Tuesday that OzHosting.com, a partner in Australia's largest digital music
provider, has chosen the Scale Eight Global Storage Service as its storage
and distribution platform. San Francisco-based Scale Eight will serve
OzHosting's partners, which include Universal Music, EMI, Warner, and BMG,
storing music files distributed to consumers throughout Australia.
http://www.s8.com 
http://www.ozhosting.com 

(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America on Tuesday
announced the release of "War of the Monsters" for PlayStation 2, a game
inspired by classic 1950s and 1960s monster movies. Salt Lake City-based
Incog Inc. Entertainment, a recent Sony acquisition and developer of the
"Twisted Metal" franchise, partnered with Sony's Santa Monica Studio to
develop the title, which Sony will promote in an extensive TV ad campaign.
http://www.us.playstation.com/news 

(Novato, Calif.) Sonic Solutions, a provider of DVD creation and editing
software, announced on Tuesday that consumer electronics manufacturer
Hitachi will include the company's MyDVD software along with its new
DVD-RAM cameras. The new cameras allow users to capture video directly
onto recordable DVD discs inserted into the cameras, which are then
playable on set-top and PC-based DVD players.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030114/140025_1.html 
http://www.sonic.com 
http://www.hitachi.com/tv/browse/camcorders/dvd/dvd_index.shtml 

(Toronto) Alias/Wavefront, a developer of 3D animation and effects
software, announced on Tuesday that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences has awarded the company a technical Academy Award for its Maya
software. Toronto-based Alias/Wavefront's 3D animation, modeling and
rendering tool has been used in the production of films including "Lord of
the Rings: The Two Towers," "Spider-Man" and "Ice Age."
http://www.aliaswavefront.com 
_____________________________________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm 

_____________________________________________

====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm 

Homeland and Global Security Summit

Knowledge means business. Now that the legislation is in place, learn
where the projected $93 - $138 billion in funding will be spent.  Join us
at The Homeland and Global Security Summit, March 3-5, 2003, in
Washington, DC. The Summit program will give you the latest information,
right from the source: White House, Dept. of Homeland Security, TSA, DOD
and Congressional leaders. More details at: http://www.globalsecurity.bz 
Register for individual attendance on line. Call (1 202 756 2244) or email
Equity Int'l for sponsorships and exhibit space details:
genderle@equityintl.us
_____________________________________________

Global Entertainment & Media Summit, February 28 - March 2, New York City

The Global Entertainment and Media Summit returns to New York City for a
productive three days of conferences, workshops and   keynotes all
dedicated to helping to facilitate the growth of our industries. Keynotes
include Danny Goldberg, Dave Marsh, Lee Abrams of XM Satellite Radio and
Jack Healey, of the Human Rights Action Center- formerly of Amnesty
International. The event will feature over 20 productive panel sessions
over the course of the three-day event. Show dates are Friday, Saturday
and Sunday, February 28, March 1 and March 2. Registration is $75 per
person and includes admission to all events.
Details: http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.com
Schedule: http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.com/schedule.htm
Tickets: http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.com/tickets.htm
_____________________________________________

Digital Media Wire Presents...Games & Mobile Forum
April 2003, New York City
 
Focusing on games and mobile entertainment opportunities and business
models. Panel topics will include "The Battle to Control the Living Room:
Is the Game Industry Winning?", "Mobile Games: Business Models & New
Opportunities",  "Legal & Policy Issues Impacting the Game Industry &
Mobile Entertainment", and "Home Networking: Technology for Modern Living
& Entertainment."

Door Tickets Price: $250. For Early Bird Specials, pre-register at:
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1025
_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm 

Technologies Sought by Governments and Industry in 101 Countries

Dulles Corridor-based WorldTech Inc. works directly with eligible
governments and industry in 100 countries and the U.S. to discover
emerging technologies. Technologies should be cutting edge, out of R&D,
funded, and offer turnkey solutions that create jobs and promote economic
growth. Current focus: aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing,
energy, nanotechnology and selected IT. To see if your technology
qualifies, contact: mike.patterson@worldtech-inc.com
Visit http://www.worldtech-inc.com for more information.
_____________________________________________

Entertainment & Corporate Legal Services
 
Top Credentialed Attorney with 9 years of experience representing major
studios, entertainment start-ups, VCs, investment banks and other blue
chip clients provides legal and business consulting for exclusive
clientele at reasonable rates. Services include entity formation, private
equity financings, licensing (entertainment and software products),
trademark registration and disputes, copyright issues and other
transactional and contract law services. Qualified in California and
Texas. Retainer required to commence services. Tel. 323-363-3620.
_____________________________________________

Game Industry Law & Policy Report 

Special industry report covering law & policy matters impacting the game
industry. The 15-page report includes case summaries, news and analysis,
feature article and an exclusive interview with Doug Lowenstein,
President, Interactive Digital Software Association.  Price: $19.00
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm
_____________________________________________

For those who believe in ITV - "Interactive TV: The Definitive Chronicle"
 
Covering the period 2000 to the present, this sourcebook presents a
complete history of the news and events that have shaped the business of
iTV since the beginning of the 21st Century. Culled from countless
sources, including the Digital Media Wire database, this 175 pages PDF (on
CD) covers all of the major players as well as the legal and financial
issues that helped shape the industry. Key research and industry
projections as well as a host of facts, figures, resources and thousands
of iTV-related links are included. Price: $ 55.00.
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm
_____________________________________________

Only 35 copies remaining of Directory of Homeland Security

This is your company's final chance to purchase the inaugural edition of
the Directory of Homeland Security: a 160-page book that lists all federal
and state agencies involved in homeland security. The directory includes
names of over 1,500 homeland security officials, profiles of 500 agencies
involved in homeland security, and a detailed list of technology companies
in this sector. The directory is sponsored by NETSEC, Greenberg Traurig,
AT&T and the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

To purchase the directory, go to: http://www.homeland-directory.com
_____________________________________________

Etronica helps you "Find the Good Stuff FAST!"

Etronica's unique software toolset enables "Interest Based Navigation" of
Digital Content. The Patent Pending software tools can be incorporated
directly into content websites and portals, installed in TV settop boxes
or integrated as OEM components. The tools drive the automatic tagging,
indexing, and categorization of text. A recommendation engine suggests
highly relevant new information to users as they interact. Personalized
advertising and commerce offerings can also be automatically served.
Contact us to learn more: info@etronica.com
http://www.etronica.com
_____________________________________________

Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
exceptional value to individuals and companies determined to capitalize on
the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Digital Media
Wire, the first in a series of business-intelligence publications,
delivers original daily briefings on the business, legal and financial
developments shaping digital media.

Digital Media Wire is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
network of publications that includes 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 62,000 individuals from
over 70 countries worldwide each business day.

Upcoming publications, events & information at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

Questions, Comments & Suggestions to:
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com 

News Tips, Scoops & Press Releases to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com 
_____________________________________________

Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
Marketing Director: Tinzar Than

Copyright 2003 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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