archives

 events
 about us
 resources
 privacy
 news tips
 contact us
 home

Sign up for our free daily email briefing

Past Editions

===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- January 27, 2003
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

o Report: Video Game Sales Up 10% in 2002 to Record-Breaking $10.3 Billion
o Music Retailers Form Alliance to Sell Digital Music to Consumers
o European Consortium Developing Satellite Modem Service for Interactive TV
o Report: Venture Reporter Parent Rising Tide Studios Up for Sale
o AtomFilms' Video-on-Demand Content to Air on Cablevision Systems
o Wireless Game Developer Chasma Raises First Round Funding
o Tickets.com Shares to be Delisted From Nasdaq
o Digital Media Software Firm Sonic Foundry Gets Notice from Nasdaq

> DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers
> DMW Events: Early Bird Discount - Digital Music Forum | March 3 | NYC
> Featured: Storage Services Summit

o Briefly Noted: Acclaim - ABC's "Alias," "EverQuest Online Adventures,"
Muze - Red Distribution - Hall & Oates, Atari Interactive - "Ikaruga,"
Superscape - THQ Wireless, MSNBC.com - editor-in-chief, 3DO - CFO,
Industry Standard - "Starving to Death on $200 Million"
_____________________________________________

> Events: Games & Mobile Forum: April 28 | NYC

> Marketplace: UCLA Extension, 2000 Honda Accord, 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 Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Up 10% in 2002 to Record-Breaking $10.3 Billion

Port Washington, N.Y. -- Nationwide sales of video game consoles, game
software and accessories shot up 10 percent in 2002 to reach $10.3
billion, breaking the previous year's record of $9.4 billion, according to
a report released on Monday by market research firm The NPD Group. The
report shows a slight decline of four percent in revenue from video game
console sales, which earned $3.5 billion versus $3.7 billion in 2001.
However, this number is tempered by price cuts for all consoles and a 10
percent increase in unit volume. The category of video game software,
consisting of both console and portable software, saw sales gains of 21
percent in dollar volume and sold 15 percent more units in 2002 than in
2001. The report also notes that between August and December 2002, online
playable games represented 15 percent of total game sales. For the
full-year 2002, NPD reports the five top-selling games were, in order:
Rockstar Games' "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" and "Grand Theft Auto 3" for
PlayStation 2; Electronic Arts' "Madden NFL 2003" for PlayStation 2;
Nintendo's "Super Mario Advance 2" for Game Boy Advance; and Sony's "Gran
Turismo 3: A-Spec" for PlayStation 2.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230272533&ticker= 
http://www.npd.com 
_____________________________________________

o Music Retailers Form Alliance to Sell Digital Music to Consumers

Los Angeles -- A group of leading music retailers on Monday announced the
formation of a consortium that will sell digital music directly to
consumers, bypassing label-backed services such as MusicNet and Pressplay.
Retailers Best Buy, Hastings Entertainment, Tower Records, Trans World
Entertainment (which operates FYE stores), Virgin Entertainment and
Wherehouse Music have all provided undisclosed investments to the
consortium, called Echo. Strauss Zelnick, former CEO of BMG Entertainment
and an investor in Echo through ZelnickMedia, will serve on Echo's board.
Echo will seek competitive licenses from record labels, and each retailer
participant will independently market and price the digital entertainment
products it offers. "With competitive licenses, music retailers can
utilize their long history and expertise in building customer
relationships, marketing music and breaking new artists to provide a
digital music experience that truly serves the consumer," said Echo CEO
Dan Hart.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030127/270138_1.html 
http://www.echo.com 
_____________________________________________

o European Consortium Developing Satellite Modem Service for Interactive TV

Betzdorf, Luxembourg -- SES ASTRA, operator of a European satellite
cluster for delivering digital television, announced that it has partnered
with Canal Satellite, Canal Plus Technologies, NEWTEC, STMicroelectronics
and Thomson to develop a low cost satellite-based response channel for
direct-to-home set-top-boxes. The end product, a satellite modem or
SATMODE, will enable consumers to provide real-time responses back to
satellite TV providers for services like interactive TV, video-on-demand,
messaging and gaming. The $53 million project will be funded both by the
consortium and the European Space Agency. Canal Plus Technologies and
NEWTEC will design, test and integrate a test of the satellite modem
system prior to the end of 2003, with technical field trials expected in
early 2004 and commercial roll-out in late 2004. "The television industry
is embracing all forms of interactivity and ASTRA's ability to provide
satellite-based interactivity on a large scale, and at a low cost, will
further encourage the development of additional interactive services,"
said SES ASTRA president and CEO Ferdinand Kayser.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230272194&ticker=sesg|sdsl 
http://www.ses-astra.com 
_____________________________________________

o Report: Venture Reporter Parent Rising Tide Studios Up for Sale

New York -- Crain's New York Business reports that Rising Tide Studios,
publisher of Venture Reporter, Silicon Alley Reporter and Digital Coast
Reporter magazines, has put itself up for sale. The company is carrying $2
million in debt, and may file for Chapter 11. New York-based Rising Tide
founder Jason McCabe Calcanis told Crain's that a group of New York-based
angel investors is considering investing in the company, or a large
corporation may buy the company.
http://www.crainsny.com/news.cms?newsId=5005 
http://www.venturereporter.net 
_____________________________________________

o AtomFilms' Video-on-Demand Content to Air on Cablevision Systems

New York -- AtomTelevision, a joint venture between online short films
site AtomFilms and Global Media Holdings, announced on Monday that its
Atom on Demand programming will be added to cable TV operator
Cablevision's digital cable offering. Over the next year, AtomTelevision
will provide users of Cablevision's iO: Interactive Optimum digital cable
service with access to approximately 20 hours of original programming,
available in packages costing $2.95 for a 24-hour period. Long-running
short films site AtomFilms merged with Macromedia's Shockwave.com
entertainment site in January 2001 to become AtomShockwave.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230270110&ticker= 
http://www.io.tv 
http://www.atomtelevision.com 
_____________________________________________

o Wireless Game Developer Chasma Raises First Round Funding

Nashua, N.H. -- Chasma, a developer and publisher of games for wireless
devices, announced that it has raised an undisclosed amount in its first
round of funding from Orchid Venture Partners. Founded in 2000 by "a group
of teenagers," New Hampshire-based Chasma develops games for J2ME and BREW
platforms. The company said the funds will help accelerate its product
development and roll-out plan; Chasma plans to release seven mobile games
within the next quarter on Verizon Wireless, Alltel, US Cellular, Telstra
and China Unicom networks.
http://www.chasma.net/chasma_corp/january222003.htm 
_____________________________________________

o Tickets.com Shares to be Delisted From Nasdaq

Costa Mesa, Calif. -- Tickets.com, a provider of online ticketing
services, announced that it has received notification from the Nasdaq that
its shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq National Market on Feb. 4.
After this date, Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Tickets.com expects its shares
to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030124/laf072_1.html 
http://www.tickets.com 
_____________________________________________

o Digital Media Software Firm Sonic Foundry Gets Notice from Nasdaq

Madison, Wisc. -- Sonic Foundry, developer of digital media creation and
editing software including the ACID audio application, announced that the
Nasdaq informed the company its shares do not meet its minimum
requirements for continued listing, and are in danger of being delisted
from the exchange. The Madison, Wisc.-based company filed an appeal with
the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel, but said it will likely file for
its shares to be transferred to the SmallCap Market, as well as seek
shareholder approval for a reverse stock split in a bid to raise its share
price above the Nasdaq's $1 minimum.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030122/220134_1.html 
http://www.sonicfoundry.com 
_____________________________________________

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

==========================================
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

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________________________

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

========================================
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.
 
Sponsors:
Roxio (http://www.roxio.com)
Gateway (http://www.gateway.com)
Gray Cary (http://www.graycary.com)
BMI (http://www.bmi.com)
ASCAP (http://www.ascap.com)
Audible.com (http://www.audible.com)
Digital Media Law Report (http://www.digitalmedialawreport.com)
Global Entertainment and Media Summit
(http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.org)

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
 
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________________________

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 
==================
FEATURED SECTION
==================
Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm  
_____________________________________________

Briefly Noted:

(Glen Cove, N.Y.) Game developer Acclaim Entertainment announced on Monday
that it has signed an agreement with Disney Interactive for the rights to
publish video games based on ABC Television's drama series, "Alias." New
York-based Acclaim's Cheltenham studio is currently developing versions
for release in the fall of 2003 across all next-generation gaming
platforms.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030127/270063_1.html 
http://www.acclaim.com 
http://abc.abcnews.go.com/primetime/alias  

(San Diego) Sony Online Entertainment announced that "EverQuest Online
Adventures," the online PlayStation 2 version of its popular PC-based
massively multiplayer online roleplaying game, has gone gold and will be
available in stores on Feb. 12. PlayStation 2 owners with a network
adapter who purchase the game will pay an additional $9.99 monthly fee to
play the game in an online setting.
http://sonyonline.com/corp/press_releases/012403_EQOA_goes_gold.html 
http://everquest.station.sony.com 

(New York) Muze, a provider of streaming song samples and informational
media databases to retail stores and their websites, announced on Monday
that it partnered with independent record distributor Red Distribution to
offer a full-album stream of Daryl Hall and John Oates' new album "Do It
For Love," in advance of the release date on Feb. 11. The stream will be
available on the websites of New York-based Muze partners, including Best
Buy, MTV, VH1 JCPenny.com Presents Music and Movies, Kmart.com and Tower
Records.
http://www.muze.com 
http://www.redmusic.com  

(Beverly, Mass.) Video game developer Atari Interactive, a subsidiary of
French game publisher Infogrames, announced on Monday that it will publish
a version of the popular Japanese arcade title "Ikaruga" for Nintendo
GameCube in April 2003. The title was originally developed by Japanese
studio Treasure for Sega's DreamCast console.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030127/272034_1.html 
http://www.ikaruga-atari.net  

(San Clemente, Calif.) Superscape, a developer of interactive 3D
technology, said that it is currently developing a wireless 3D chess game
for ARM 9 and Java-enabled mobile phones. Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based
THQ Wireless will publish "Chesscapade" early this year.
http://www.superscape.com 
http://www.thqwireless.com 

(Redmond, Wash.) News site MSNBC.com has announced the appointment of Dean
Wright as editor-in-chief. Wright, who helped launch MSNBC.com in 1996 as
managing editor, replaces acting editor-in-chief Michael Silberman, who
took over after the departure of founding editor Merrill Brown last year.
http://www.msnbc.com  

(Redwood City, Calif.) Video game developer 3DO announced that chief
financial officer Bill Dully will leave the company for personal reasons,
to be replaced by new hire David Wittenkamp. Redwood City, Calif.-based
3DO also said it expects to return to profitability this year; the company
recently announced an additional $10 million in funding from 3DO founder
and CEO Trip Hawkins.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030124/sff027_1.html 
http://www.3do.com 

(San Francisco) A new book by James Ledbetter chronicles the rise and fall
of the Industry Standard, the former San Francisco-based magazine that
chronicled the Internet and technology boom of the late 1990s. In
"Starving to Death on $200 Million," Ledbetter, the magazine's European
bureau chief, gives the inside details of the publication that took in
$300 million in its first 20 months of operation, before being cut off
from financing.
http://shorterlink.com/?FDYE5Y 
_____________________________________________

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

_____________________________________________

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

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.edu), click on the Quick Link tab and
enter the following special registration code: N8513
http://www.uclaextension.edu
_____________________________________________

2000 Honda Accord EX Coupe 2D

Take over Lease for 1 1/2 Year @ $330/Month or Buy for $17,700. Excellent
Condition, Low Miles (18,000 miles) and Fully Loaded - A/C, P/T, P/W, T/W,
Cruise Control, Power Seat, Moon Roof, Alloy Wheels, Cassette
player/Single CD/ 6 CD changer, Leather, ABS (4Wheel). Contact: MiMi 
310-292-1573.
_____________________________________________

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
_____________________________________________

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.