Top Stories
o Report: 2005 U.S. Video Game Sales Rose 6% to Record $10.5 Billion
o Google to Acquire Digital Radio Developer dMarc for $102 Million
o Private Equity Firms in Talks to Acquire Media Group VNU
o Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire Business Wire
o U.K. to Host International Online Gambling Summit
o Report: Chinese Legal Digital Music Market Could Hit $222 Million in 2008
o Nielsen, MovieTickets.com to Conduct Moviegoer Market Research
o Blogging Software Firm Gather.com Raises $6 Million in Second Round
o U.K. Consumer Watchdog NCC Slams Digital Rights Management
_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Briefly Noted
o Cable TV Firm Charter Launches Music Service for Portable Players
o N. Ireland 1st European Nation to Reach 100% Broadband Availability
o Weathernews to Offer Clear Channel TV Content on Mobile TV Service
o WorldNow to Stream Video for Tribune Services Websites
o Verizon Launches Accessories for V CAST Music Service
o Kiptronic Launches Ad Marketplace for Podcasts
o Game Trust Contest to Put 21-Year-Old Aboard Russian MIG 25
o Turner's GameTap Service, Logitech in Marketing Pact
o Nintendo to Ship "True Swing Golf" for DS on Jan. 23
o EA Details 1st College Baseball Game, "Medal of Honor Airborne"
o THQ Ships "Greatest Hits" Version of "MX vs. ATV Unleashed"
o Namco Networks Adds Video Game Ringtones to Download Store
o L.A. Times: LibriVox Offering Free Public Domain Audiobooks
_____________________________________________

Port Washington, N.Y. - Propped up by a strong portable games market that offset declines in the console market, U.S. retail sales of video game hardware, software and accessories grew 6% in 2005 to a record $10.5 billion, according to sales data published on Tuesday by market research firm NPD Group. Game titles for handheld consoles generated more than $1 billion for the second year in a row, while console game title sales saw a 12% decline from 2004. Sales of handheld console hardware were up 96% in 2005 -- fueled by the release of the Sony PSP and Nintendo DS -- while Nintendo's Game Boy Advance continued to lead the segment, with 64% of handheld game sales. "The real story for 2005 was the incredible expansion of portable gaming. The GBA continued to realize stellar sales, and the introduction of the DS and PSP to the market brought older gamers to the portable format," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. Strong handheld hardware sales were offset by a 3% decline in the sales of PlayStation, Xbox and GameCube consoles. The top five console/handheld game titles of 2005, ranked by units sold, were "Madden NFL 06" for PlayStation 2 (Electronic Arts); "Pokemon Emerald" for Game Boy Advance (Nintendo); "Gran Turismo 4" for PlayStation 2 (Sony Computer Entertainment); "Madden NFL 06" for Xbox (Electronic Arts); and "NCAA Football 06" for PlayStation 2 (Electronic Arts). Separately, NPD announced that U.S. PC game sales were down 14% in 2005, to $953 million. The top-selling PC games of 2005 included Vivendi's "World of Warcraft"; Electronic Arts' "The Sims 2"; and NCsoft's "Guild Wars."
http://tinyurl.com/e4n8q (NPD console games)
http://tinyurl.com/8vkks (NPD PC games)
http://tinyurl.com/ayov9 (Reuters)
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=14078
_____________________________________________ 

o Google to Acquire Digital Radio Developer dMarc for $102 Million

Mountain View, Calif. - Looking to expand its targeted advertising platform to other forms of media, Google, said on Tuesday that it will acquire dMarc Broadcasting, a Newport Beach, Calif.-based provider of digital technology for the radio broadcast industry. Under the deal, Google will make an initial upfront payment of $102 million in cash, and could end up paying as much as $1.1 billion over the next three years, based on dMarc's ability to reach certain product integration, revenue and advertising inventory targets. Google said that it plans to integrate dMarc's technology into its AdWords platform, creating a new radio ad distribution channel for the company's advertisers. The technology is designed to automatically schedule and place advertising on radio stations through an automated platform.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060117/20060117005666.html?.v=1
http://www.dmarc.net
____________________________________________ 

o Private Equity Firms in Talks to Acquire Media Group VNU

Amsterdam - VNU NV, a Netherlands-based media and market-research firm, announced that it is in talks to be acquired by a group of some of the largest private-equity firms in the world. The group -- comprising the Carlyle Group, the Blackstone Group, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Thomas H. Lee Partners, AlpInvest Partners, Permira and Hellman & Friedman -- is understood to have made an $8.8 billion offer for VNU, which owns the Nielsen TV and Internet ratings business. VNU, having "gauged the level of interest of certain other parties", said it was not in talks with any other company.
http://www.vnu.com/press/releases/2006/pa_2006_0116_001.html
____________________________________________ 

o Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway to Acquire Business Wire

San Francisco - Berkshire Hathaway, the investment firm run by financier Warren Buffett, said on Tuesday that it will acquire Business Wire, a major distributor of corporate press releases and regulatory filings on the Internet. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Business Wire, which is very active in the region's government and technology sectors, will operate as a unit of Berkshire Hathaway, with its management team and day-to-day operations remaining unchanged. The deal is expected to close by the end of the current quarter. "We have followed our blueprint of buying profitable companies that are industry leaders, yet have significant growth potential," said Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway's chairman and CEO. Lorry Lokey, who founded Business Wire in 1961 and currently serves as its chairman, said that the deal will allow his company to continue expanding into overseas markets and capitalizing on "emerging opportunities." Lokey will retain his role chairman, but will focus on philanthropic pursuits.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060117/20060117005748.html?.v=1
http://www.businesswire.com
____________________________________________

o U.K. to Host International Online Gambling Summit

London - The U.K. government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced plans to hold an international online gambling summit this year, to discuss regulations and other issues confronting the growing $12 billion-a-year industry. "We want to initiate a discussion about problem areas which include protection of children, advertising, money laundering and criminal infiltration," Department spokesman Anthony Wright told Reuters. The U.K. is home to many of the world's largest online gambling sites, including PartyGaming, which went public last year. Other countries expected to participate in the summit include Australia, New Zealand and South Africa; the U.S. currently outlaws Internet-based gambling and actively discourages use of overseas gambling sites.
http://tinyurl.com/ahr9c (Reuters)
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=14093
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29022
____________________________________________

o Report: Chinese Legal Digital Music Market Could Hit $222 Million in 2008

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Following an expected crackdown on piracy in the country, China is predicted to foster a legal digital music download market worth $222 million by 2008, according to a report released Tuesday by market research firm In-Stat. The firm points to the launch of several legal music stores and the legitimization of some unauthorized services, along with recent file-swapping copyright infringement lawsuits filed in China by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. "The end of 2007 will be the turning point for China's legitimate digital music market," said In-Stat analyst Anty Zheng. "By then, several mega online music stores will have opened; the user base of portable music devices will have surpassed 100 million; a major crackdown on music piracy will have been in effect for several years; third-generation (3G) mobile communication system access will be rolled out; and consumers will be adequately educated about legitimate digital music."
http://www.instat.com/catalog/Ccatalogue.asp?id=240
____________________________________________

o Nielsen, MovieTickets.com to Conduct Moviegoer Market Research

Los Angeles - Ratings provider Nielsen Entertainment and MovieTickets.com, a provider of advance online movie ticket sales, announced on Tuesday that they have partnered to provide clients with market research from moviegoers at the point of sale. MovieTickets.com said over 750,000 of its customers have signed up to participate in its Movie Advisory Board (MAB), which will monitor surfing and survey to provide information on why they chose a particular movie and how they liked it. The companies said such data can then be put in the context of Nielsen's own audience research. "For the first time, Nielsen will be talking to moviegoers at the point of sale, able to monitor their assessments as to why they chose the movie and how they liked it," said Nielsen's Adrienne Becker, who will co-manage MAB operations. "The partnership will permit new insights into triggers of the moviegoing decision, the resulting movie experience, and patterns of movie consumption, amplifying the vital statistics of an industry undergoing change."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/nytu032.html?.v=41
http://www.nielsen.com
http://www.movietickets.com
____________________________________________

o Blogging Software Firm Gather.com Raises $6 Million in Second Round

Boston - Gather.com, a Boston-based provider of online content, has raised $6 million in venture capital, led by investors that include Jim Manzi, the former CEO of Lotus Development, and Allen & Co. Gather.com offers user-generated content online and members are rewarded for their participation with points, or cash for top contributors. Other investors in the company include Southern California Public Radio, American Public Media Group, and Tom Gerace, CEO of Gather.com.
http://www.gather.com
____________________________________________

o U.K. Consumer Watchdog NCC Slams Digital Rights Management

London - The National Consumer Council (NCC), a U.K. consumer watchdog, has called for new laws to protect consumers' right to use digital music and movies. The NCC also questioned the efficacy of industry self-regulation when it comes to digital rights management (DRM). "Because of the current situation, consumers face security risks to their equipment, limitations on their use of products, poor information when purchasing products and unfair contract terms," said NCC Policy Director Jill Johnstone. "Whilst we recognize the value of (IP) rights, we have little confidence in self-regulation by the industry." The NCC said that, due to DRM, many consumers cannot play DVDs purchased abroad or make compilations of material purchased for their own use.
http://www.ncc.org.uk/cgi-bin/kmdb10.cgi/-load111406_nccviewcurrent.htm

Top

Top

o Cable TV Firm Charter Launches Music Service for Portable Players

St. Louis - Charter Communications, the nation's fourth-largest cable TV provider, on Tuesday launched Charter Music To-Go, a new tier for its premium music subscription service that lets users download unlimited songs to portable audio players. Powered by MusicNet, the portable Charter digital music subscription service will offer access to a library of over 2 million tracks for $9.99 per month on a selection of around 25 Windows-based portable players.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060116/lam015.html?.v=33
http://www.charter.com/products/highspeed/services/portal.aspx
____________________________________________

o N. Ireland 1st European Nation to Reach 100% Broadband Availability
 
Belfast - According to a new government report, Northern Ireland has become the first region in Europe to boast 100% broadband Internet access. "Now that 100-percent availability has been achieved, our next big challenge is to utilize broadband and the benefits it brings," said BT Business Director Alastair Hamilton. "Northern Ireland has led the race for broadband availability, now we must set the pace for take-up and usage." Nearly $18 million of European funding has been invested to make broadband universally available in Northern Ireland.
http://www.detini.gov.uk/cgi-bin/morenews?utilid=794
____________________________________________

o Weathernews to Offer Clear Channel TV Content on Mobile TV Service

San Francisco - Weathernews, a provider of mobile phone weather forecasts with 1.5 million subscribers, announced on Tuesday that Clear Channel Television's 40 stations have joined its WNI Network, which delivers personalized local video programming to cell phones. Clear Channel stations will be able to deliver their local TV content on WNI's network, which is offered through U.S. wireless network operators for $4.99 per month.
http://tinyurl.com/8rsgs
http://www.clearchannel.com
http://www.weathernews.com
____________________________________________

o WorldNow to Stream Video for Tribune Services Websites

New York - WorldNow, a provider of multimedia publishing technology for local media websites, announced on Tuesday that it will provide streaming video products for all of Tribune Interactive's television and newspaper websites. New York-based WorldNow will provide streaming video and ad delivery technology for the websites of Tribune properties including Chicago's WGN-TV, New York Newsday, the Orlando Sentinel and KTLA-TV in Los Angeles.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/nytu091.html?.v=35
http://www.tribuneinteractive.com
http://www.worldnow.com
____________________________________________

o Verizon Launches Accessories for V CAST Music Service

Bedminster, N.J. - Verizon Wireless on Tuesday introduced a number of accessories for its V CAST Music service, which delivers digital song downloads to cell phones. The company's $29 Music Essentials Kit includes software needed to transfer songs in Microsoft's Windows Media Audio format from a Windows-based PC to a compatible phone, such as the $99 Samsung a950 or $149 LG VX8100. Other accessories include several portable speaker systems, stereo headsets and a desktop phone cradle that can be used to transfer tunes from a PC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/nytu056.html?.v=41
http://www.verizonwireless.com
____________________________________________

o Kiptronic Launches Ad Marketplace for Podcasts

San Francisco - Kiptronic on Tuesday launched its Kiptronic Podcast Marketplace, an automatic ad insertion technology and service that lets podcasters sell ads within their podcasts. The service lets podcasters maintain control over what type of advertising runs on their podcasts, and also allows advertisers to geographically target their ad campaigns.
http://tinyurl.com/8544m
http://www.kiptronic.com 
____________________________________________

o Game Trust Contest to Put 21-Year-Old Aboard Russian MIG 25

New York - Game Trust, a provider of community and transaction tools for online casual games, said on Tuesday that 21-year-old Billy Bones, of Orem, Utah, has won a trip to Moscow for a ride aboard a Russian MIG 25 fighter plane as part of its LaunchNow Race to Space Contest. Bones, who entered the contest by adding online games from Game Trust to his MySpace page, will blog about his adventures for Game Trust.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/nytu137.html?.v=36
http://www.gametrust.com
http://www.myspace.com/billy427
http://www.spaceadventures.com/steps/edge/details
____________________________________________

o Turner's GameTap Service, Logitech in Marketing Pact

Atlanta - GameTap, the broadband video game entertainment network launched by Turner Broadcasting, on Tuesday announced a marketing alliance with Logitech, a manufacturer of PC and gaming accessories. Under the deal, Logitech customers will be offered a free two-week trial of GameTap, while GameTap will designate Logitech products as the preferred controllers for its premium PC games service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/cltu006.html?.v=37
http://www.gametap.com/logitech
____________________________________________

o Nintendo to Ship "True Swing Golf" for DS on Jan. 23

Redmond, Wash. - Nintendo of America said on Tuesday that it will ship its "True Swing Golf" title for Nintendo DS to retailers on Jan. 23. The touch screen-enabled game features a multiplayer mode for up to four players.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/latu012.html?.v=42
http://www.trueswinggolf.com
____________________________________________

o EA Details 1st College Baseball Game, "Medal of Honor Airborne"

New York - Electronic Arts said on Tuesday that pitcher Roger Clemens consulted in the development of "MVP 06 NCAA Baseball," the company's first college baseball video game. The title for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, which ships to retailers on Wednesday, features 2005 College World Series MVP David Maroul as cover athlete. Separately, Redwood City, Calif.-based EA said it plans to ship "Medal of Honor Airborne," the latest installment in its WWII first-person shooter series, in the winter of 2006. Developed at EA Los Angeles, the title will be offered for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Xbox and the PC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/nytu039.html?.v=37
http://www.moh.ea.com
____________________________________________

o THQ Ships "Greatest Hits" Version of "MX vs. ATV Unleashed"

Agoura Hills, Calif. - Video game publisher THQ said on Tuesday that its Rainbow Studios unit's "MX vs. ATV Unleashed" title for PlayStation 2 has reached Sony's "Greatest Hits" status -- signifying sales of over 400,000 units -- nine months after its release. The company said it has shipped a new version of the game with an added track editor for the discounted "Greatest Hits" price of $19.99.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060117/latu077.html?.v=34
http://www.rainbowstudios.com
____________________________________________

o Namco Networks Adds Video Game Ringtones to Download Store

San Jose, Calif. - Namco Networks, the mobile unit of Japanese video game publisher Namco Bandai, announced on Tuesday that it has added new ringtones from games including "We Love Katamari," "Tekken," "Ace Combat" and "Time Crisis" to its Pac-Man's Arcade Corner ringtone store.
http://tinyurl.com/9b3g4
http://www.namcogames.com
____________________________________________

o L.A. Times: LibriVox Offering Free Public Domain Audiobooks

Los Angeles - The Los Angeles Times recently reported on a growing number of volunteers who are making recordings of public domain books that be downloaded for free on the Internet. The amateur readers often do not offer the nuanced performances of some publishers' audiobooks, which can cost up to $50. But a group called LibriVox has compiled a library of 15 free amateur audiobooks, of works including "Treasure Island," "Notes From the Underground" and "A Christmas Carol."
http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-technopolis15jan15,0,2842398.story
http://www.librivox.org

Top

Top

Digital Media Wire, Inc. 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, Thames Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

For more information, visit our network of sites:
www.digitalmediawire.com         www.potomactechwire.com www.newenglandtechwire.com  www.bayareatechwire.com www.tristatetechwire.com          www.southeasttechwire.com www.thamestechwire.com          www.europeantechwire.com

Executive & Editorial Team
CEO & Publisher: Ned Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
Editor: Mark Hefflinger

Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions - comments@digitalmediawire.com
News Tips & Press Releases - editorial@digitalmediawire.com
Advertising - marketing@digitalmediawire.com

Telephone:  310-855-0033

For a free subscription to Digital Media Wire:

To unsubscribe, please send an email with PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line to unsubscribe@digitalmediawire.com

Top