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DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- February 10, 2003
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To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com
o Music Industry Launches Digital Song Tagging System to Track Sales
o Vivendi 2002 Sales Grow, But U.S. Entertainment Unit Lags
o Midway Closes Calif. Game Development Studio, Lays Off 74 Employees
o DirecTV to Raise Up to $3 Billion Through Debt Refinancing
o Corporate Streaming Video Provider Vendaria Raises $2.3 Million
o Pressplay Digital Music Service Adds New Label Content, Billboard Data
o EchoStar, EarthLink to Offer Bundled Satellite TV, DSL Services
> DMW Digital Music Forum: Keynote Speakers Confirmed
> DMW Publications: January Law and Policy Report
> Featured: Game Developers Conference Mobile
o Briefly Noted: Cinema Advertising Council, Woodstock Systems, Showtime
Networks - HDTV, Square Electronic Arts - "Final Fantasy Origins," Dwango
Wireless - AT&T Wireless, MyDTV, Broadband - electric power lines, Yahoo -
video subscription service, AOL Time Warner - Verizon - RIAA
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> Jobs: Web Editor
> Events: Games & Mobile Forum: April 28 | NYC, Homeland & Global Security
Summit
> Marketplace: Multimedia production firm, Entertainment & Corporate
Legal Services, Game Industry Report, iTV Chronicle, 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
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o Music Industry Launches Digital Song Tagging System to Track Sales
Brussels -- The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry
(IFPI), an international music industry trade group, announced on Monday
the release of an industry standard identification system to facilitate
and simplify the electronic delivery of music on the Internet. The Global
Release Identifier (GRid) -- an 18-character alphanumeric code -- is an
electronic version of the Universal Product Code (UPC) that currently
identifies all CDs. The GRid system may be used by record labels and
retailers to track individual digital song sales via stream or download.
The IFPI said that labels and retailers that pay the around $245 annual
fee to use the system will be able to set individual GRid identifiers for
over 30 million different releases.
http://www.ifpi.org/site-content/press/20030210.html
http://www.ifpi.org/grid
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=2199846
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o Vivendi 2002 Sales Grow, But U.S. Entertainment Unit Lags
Paris -- Helped by a strong performance from its telecommunications
business, revenues at media giant Vivendi Universal rose 6 percent to 61
billion euro ($65.8 billion) in 2002. But the company said revenues at its
U.S. entertainment unit were hurt because of fewer video releases and poor
music sales. Vivendi went deeply into debt because of a lavish buying
spree by its former CEO Jean-Marie Messier, and has since been selling off
parts of its business. The company has said it is thinking about selling
its U.S. entertainment division, and has been rumored to be in talks with
Microsoft and others to sell its video game unit.
http://shorterlink.com/?ZGW6EJ
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o Midway Closes Calif. Game Development Studio, Lays Off 74 Employees
Chicago -- Midway Games, a developer of titles including the popular
"Mortal Kombat" franchise, announced that it will lay off 74 employees --
or about 10 percent of its worldwide staff -- as it closes its game
development studio in Milpitas, California. The Milpitas studio's
remaining 42 employees will be consolidated into Midway's game studio in
San Diego. Chicago-based Midway said that two games that were in
development in Milpitas will be discontinued, and that the relocation of
assets and employees will result in restructuring charges of approximately
$14 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/e/030207/mwy8-k.html
http://www.midway.com
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o DirecTV to Raise Up to $3 Billion Through Debt Refinancing
El Segundo, Calif. -- Satellite TV operator DirecTV, a unit of Hughes
Electronics Corp., announced on Monday a debt refinancing program that
will raise up to $2.95 billion. The company will sell up to $1.4 billion
of 10-year senior notes and arrange $1.55 billion in new senior secured
credit facilities. The funds will go to Hughes partly to fund operations
and partly to replace $1.8 billion in secured bank debt. General Motors,
which owns Hughes/DirecTV, recently saw its proposed merger with satellite
TV firm EchoStar rejected by the U.S. government; the company is
reportedly in talks with News Corp. and SBC Communications on a possible
sale of DirecTV.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030210/law086_1.html
http://www.hughes.com
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o Corporate Streaming Video Provider Vendaria Raises $2.3 Million
Seattle -- Vendaria, a provider of streaming video services to companies
that offer online product demonstrations, announced that it has raised
$2.3 million in its second round of venture capital financing. FBR
CoMotion Venture Capital led the investment round; private investors also
participated. Seattle-based Vendaria's customers, including Amazon.com,
Eddie Bauer, FAO, Starbucks, Toys "R" Us and Walmart, use the company's
technology to stream online video footage of their products to consumers
visiting their websites. The company will use the funds to bolster product
and business development, customer support, and sales and marketing
programs.
http://www.vendaria.com/news/releases/release.asp?rID=23
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o Pressplay Digital Music Service Adds New Label Content, Billboard Data
Los Angeles -- Pressplay, a digital music subscription service joint
venture between Universal Music Group and Sony Music, announced on Monday
the launch of new features for the service as well as licensing agreements
with a number of new record labels. Pressplay subscribers now have access
to tracks controlled by DreamWorks, Palm, Ubiquity, Rykodisc/Ryko Label
Group and Sub Pop Records, in addition to those already offered by a
number of independents and all five major record labels. On Friday, the
company will launch version 2.5 of its service, adding access to archival
chart data from Billboard magazine, as well as the ability for subscribers
to create customized radio stations based on their individual music
collections.
http://www.pressplay.com/pressroom.html
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o EchoStar, EarthLink to Offer Bundled Satellite TV, DSL Services
Littleton, Colo. -- Satellite TV operator EchoStar, which operates the
DISH Network, announced on Monday that it has partnered with Internet
access provider EarthLink to offer bundled satellite TV and DSL high-speed
Internet services. DISH Network customers can save up to $120 a year when
they subscribe to both DISH Network and EarthLink DSL, receiving $10 in
monthly credits on their combined bills. Rival satellite TV firm DirecTV
recently shuttered its DirecTV DSL unit following its failed merger with
EchoStar.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030210/100060_1.html
http://www.earthlink.net
http://www.dishnetwork.com
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DMW Presents. DIGITAL MUSIC FORUM
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March 3, 2003 | New York City | 9:00AM - 7:00 PM
Full list of speakers and agenda:
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.
Featuring: An Interview & Jam Session with the Legendary Les Paul
Confirmed Keynote Speakers:
Lyor Cohen | Chairman & CEO, The Island Def Jam Music Group
Chris Gorog | CEO, Roxio "Why We Purchased Napster"
And panelists from: Sony Music, MTV/VH1, Roxio, Listen.com, FullAudio,
Moviso, Columbia Records, United Musicians, LAUNCHcast/Yahoo!, pressplay,
Astralwerks/EMI, Morpheus/Streamcast Networks, U.S. Copyright Office,
Electric Artists, Audible, Music Choice, Terra Lycos, AT&T Wireless
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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DMW Publications: January 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 - New Issue
Must-read publication on legal and policy matters related to digital
media. 35+ pages of case summaries, news and analysis, policy updates,
court filings, and exclusive interviews with legal counsel and business
leaders.
Published monthly. January issue on sale now!
**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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==================
FEATURED SECTION
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Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm
Make Better Games
Game Developers Conference Mobile
March 4-5, 2003
San Jose, CA
Join leaders of the mobile communications and game development industries
at GDC Mobile to share information, explore opportunities and make deals
to deliver compelling mobile entertainment to millions of consumers around
the world.
Save $25: Register at http://www.gdcmobile.com using Priority Code DMWENL.
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Briefly Noted:
(New York) Three U.S. cinema media companies on Monday announced the
formation of a national trade association, the Cinema Advertising Council
(CAC), which will promote the emerging format of advertising on movie
theater screens. Founded by National Cinema Network, Regal CineMedia and
Screenvision, the CAC aims to standardize industry practices and provide
uniform data for measurement and evaluation, as well as evaluate and
develop policies in the areas of cinema advertising content length,
placement and standards.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230410097&ticker=
http://www.ncninc.com
(New York) Software developer Woodstock Systems on Monday released its
combination media player and peer-to-peer software, the Woodstock PDS. New
York-based Woodstock Systems believes its peer-to-peer software is in line
with copyright laws because users "lend" files to each other rather than
copy them. Songs are sent via encrypted streams, and do not reside on a
recipient's PC; while being streamed, the sender's access to the song is
also disabled.
http://woodstocksystems.com/about_file_lending.html
(New York) Cable TV network Showtime Networks said on Monday it will
dramatically increase the amount of programming it airs in high-definition
(HDTV) format this year. In addition to the Mike Tyson/Clifford Etienne
boxing match on February 22, the company will also be airing six of its
original series -- including "Queer As Folk" and "The Chris Isaak Show" --
and many of its original movies in HDTV.
http://sho.com
(Los Angeles) Video game publisher Square Electronic Arts announced on
Monday that it will release "Final Fantasy Origins" for Sony PlayStation,
a disc containing remakes of both "Final Fantasy" and "Final Fantasy II,"
on April 8. Square Electronic Arts, a joint venture with Redwood City,
Calif.-based Electronic Arts, is the exclusive publisher of Japanese
developer Squaersoft's titles in North America.
http://www.playonline.com
(Houston) Wireless game developer Dwango Wireless announced on Monday a
distribution with wireless network operator AT&T Wireless. Under the
terms, subscribers can download Seattle-based Dwango titles including
"Star Exceed" and "Dwango Racing" for $2.49 each.
http://www.dwango.com
(Burlingame, Calif.) MyDTV, a developer of electronic program guide
technology for digital television, announced on Monday that it has named
Bow Rodgers as CEO. Previously, Rodgers served as COO of BigBand Networks,
and also as COO of Scientific Atlanta subsidiary PowerTV.
http://www.mydtv.net
(St. Louis) The Associated Press recently published an article on
technology that could deliver broadband to homes via electrical power
lines, a method that has been lauded by federal regulators as a potential
means of lowering prices and serving rural areas. "[It] could simply blow
the doors off the provision of broadband," said FCC chairman Michael
Powell. Although the technology has been in development for years, some
are still skeptical of its potential. "The tests to date have been so
small as far as looking at the financial and technical viability,"
Electric Power Research Institute project manager Larry Carmichael told
AP. "It's still at the very early stage of development."
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,57605,00.html
(San Francisco) CNET News.com reported that sources have told it Yahoo
plans to announce plans for a paid video subscription service later this
week. Reportedly dubbed "Platinum Yahoo," the service is designed to
compete with RealNetworks' RealOne service, and may offer video content
through agreements with Fox, ABC and CBS.
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-983894.html?tag=fd_top
(San Francisco) Online magazine Salon.com on Monday published an article
exploring the role AOL Time Warner -- both a giant ISP and content
provider through Warner Music -- might play if fellow ISP Verizon is
compelled by a subpoena to turn over the identity of an alleged
music-swapping subscriber to the Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA). The article also contains commentary from RIAA vice president of
business and legal affairs Matt Oppenheim and Verizon associate general
counsel Sarah Deutsch on the ongoing legal dispute between their
employers.
http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2003/02/10/aol_file_sharing/index.html?x
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CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
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To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm
Web Editor
Variety.com is looking for an experienced Web Editor to work on the daily
production of the Los Angeles newspaper's site. You must have excellent
journalism credentials and know the entertainment industry from a business
perspective. You must: have worked for a content web site, have
journalism in your blood, know Dreamweaver and the AP Style Guide. Hours
vary from noon-midnight, Sun. - Fri. To apply, send a resume, cover
letter, 2 URLS. No word attachments Send to
hrlosangeles2@reedbusiness.com, include the job title WEB EDITOR and job
ID# RBI 505 in the subject.
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====================
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
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The Homeland & Global Security Summit - March 3-5, Washington DC
Get the latest information on $38 billion in 2003 federal homeland
security spending and $41 billion in 2004 federal homeland security
spending by attending the premier event this year on homeland security.
The Summit features six general sessions (federal programs; funding;
homeland defense; global security; state/local security; IT, Network, and
Communications Security); lucrative break-out sessions on programs and
procurement; and a packed convention floor. March 3-5, Washington
Convention Center. To register: http://www.globalsecurity.bz
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==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm
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_____________________________________________
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
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For those who believe in ITV - "Interactive TV: The Definitive Chronicle"
Covering the period 2000 to the present, this sourcebook presents a
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iTV since the beginning of the 21st Century. Culled from countless
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Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
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Editor: Mark Hefflinger
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VP, Marketing and Events: Tinzar Than
Copyright 2003 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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