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

MUSIC CHOICE - Where Music Happens
* Programs 45 non-stop music channels, reaching over 30 million digital cable and satellite TV households
* Distributes exclusive televised concerts for 42 million cable and satellite TV homes
More information


February 10, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Kazaa Challenges Validity of Raids on Australian Offices, Executives' Homes
o Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement Addresses Intellectual Property
o Viacom to Divest Its 81% Stake in Video Rental Giant Blockbuster
o Debt-Laden IMAX Corp. Secures $20 Million Credit Facility
o Hollywood Media Corp. Raises $16.4 Million in Private Placement
o Video Anti-piracy Firm Widevine Technologies Raises $13 Million
o Cell Phone Video Streaming Developer Oplayo Raises $5.58 Million
o Hip Interactive Buys French Game Publisher LSP for $3.8 Million


 > DMW Announcements
 --DMW Events - Digital Music Forum -Confirmed Speakers
 --Digital Media Law Report

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Game Developers Conference 2004, March 22-26, San Jose, California
 --Survey Aims to Provide Insight into New Media and Sport
 

o Briefly Noted: "Star Wars" trilogy - DVD release, Sirius Satellite Radio - Standard Radio Inc., On Demand Distribution - Italy, Vivendi Universal Games - Radical Games, TKO Software - "Sahara," Jakks Pacific - Namco's "Ms. Pac-Man," Gametrac - Fathammer, Sony Online Entertainment - "Champions of Norrath," Gigex - World Wrestling Entertainment, ValuSoft - NHRA, Flying Lab Software, Enlight, WhiteHouse.com, Major League Baseball - Web partner negotiations

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 --
Federal Territory Sales Manager - West Coast
 --
Marketing Executive
 --
Sales Directors - CRM & Billing products, To $230,000
 --
Director of Sales - Saddle Brook, NJ
 --
Senior Account Supervisor - Public Relations - Washington, DC
 --Premium, Affordable Learning and eLearning Management System
 --Best Cities, Best Job Growth Performers: Where Should You Be?  
 --Artisan Quality Handbags and Jewelry
 


o Kazaa Challenges Validity of Raids on Australian Offices, Executives' Homes

Sydney -- Sharman Networks, operator of the Kazaa file-sharing service, said Tuesday it will challenge the validity of a court order that granted the Australian record industry authority to conduct unannounced raids on its offices and homes of its executives as part of a copyright infringement investigation. Lawyers for Sharman Networks said that Music Industry Piracy Investigations (MIPI), a unit of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), failed to tell the judge that there are similar proceedings against Sharman ongoing in other countries, a "material fact" that could possibly nullify the order. "[Sharman] already cooperated fully in current U.S. proceedings by producing documents and giving statements, and the documentation now sought by Australian recording industry companies need not be applied for or produced a second time," the company said in a statement. The raids were conducted in part to gather evidence that Sharman is capable of installing filters on Kazaa that would block copyrighted songs -- a claim the company has repeatedly denied. "We're comfortable with the action we've taken and confident of a successful outcome," Michael Speck, managing director of MIPI, told ZDNet Australia. Sharman's arguments will be heard in the court of the Australian federal judge who granted the search warrants on Feb. 20.
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,62232,00.html
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/business/0,39023166,39116050,00.htm
http://www.sharmannetworks.com
_____________________________________________

o Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement Addresses Intellectual Property

Sydney -- The recently announced Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement includes an Intellectual Property Chapter that will serve to strengthen protection for copyright owners and enhance intellectual property enforcement in the country on a par with the U.S. The agreement will lengthen the term of copyrights in Australia, as well as create an "expeditious process that allows for copyright owners to engage with Internet Service Providers and subscribers to deal with allegedly infringing copyright material on the Internet" -- similar to the process recently used by the U.S. record industry to prosecute individual file-swappers. Also included are provisions to tighten controls on circumventing technological protection of copyright material -- with "public interest exceptions;" an agreement on standards of copyright protection; and increased penalties for satellite TV and other copyright infringers. The agreement comes as a result of U.S. efforts to bring international intellectual property laws closer to the terms of its own Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/us.html
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z6AB52D57
_____________________________________________

o Viacom to Divest Its 81% Stake in Video Rental Giant Blockbuster

New York -- Media conglomerate Viacom announced on Tuesday that it will divest its 81% controlling interest in Blockbuster, a transaction that will make the video rental giant an independent company. Viacom said it will still pursue an outright sale of its stake in Blockbuster, but believes the divestiture will occur through a "split-off," in which Viacom's investors would exchange their stock for shares in an independent Blockbuster. "We believe Blockbuster will compete very effectively as an independent company and that separation from Viacom will enable us to better pursue our unique strategic vision and significant avenues for expansion," said Blockbuster CEO John Antioco.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/nytu075_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/nytu083_1.html 
http://www.blockbuster.com
____________________________________________

o Debt-Laden IMAX Corp. Secures $20 Million Credit Facility

Toronto -- Debt-laden large-format film exhibitor IMAX Corporation announced on Tuesday that it has secured a $20 million credit facility with Congress Financial Corporation of Canada, a subsidiary of Wachovia Capital Markets. In the last two and a half years, IMAX says it has reduced its debt from $300 million to $160 million. "Over the past two and a half years, we have dramatically improved our balance sheet by reducing total debt by nearly 50%, stabilizing our cash position and obtaining additional liquidity with this new facility," said IMAX co-CEOs and co-chairmen Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "The significant improvements we have made to our balance sheet positions us well for future growth."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/nytu055_1.html 
http://www.imax.com
____________________________________________

o Hollywood Media Corp. Raises $16.4 Million in Private Placement

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Hollywood Media Corp., a provider of entertainment-related news, information and online ticketing services, announced on Tuesday that it will raise $16.4 million in a private placement of its shares with investors. Florida-based Hollywood Media operates the theater ticketing site Broadway.com and also holds a stake in MovieTickets.com. Additionally, the company operates film production resources including CinemaSource, EventSource, AdSource and Baseline/FilmTracker, and owns the cable television network Totally Hollywood TV (THTV). The new funds will be used to fund the continued expansion of Totally Hollywood TV (THTV), for potential acquisitions, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/nytu073_1.html 
http://www.hollywood.com
____________________________________________

oVideo Anti-piracy Firm Widevine Technologies Raises $13 Million

Seattle -- Widevine Technologies, a provider of digital rights management products to telco, cable and satellite operators offering services like digital broadcast, video-on-demand and digital video recording, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $13 million in its latest round of venture capital financing. Vantage Point Venture Partners led the investment round; existing investors Constellation Ventures, Pacesetter Capital Group, and Phoenix Capital Partners also participated. Seattle-based Widevine said the funds will enable it to accelerate its product integration and deployment efforts and bring its solutions to market more rapidly.
http://www.widevine.com/pr/041_13million.asp ____________________________________________

o Cell Phone Video Streaming Developer Oplayo Raises $5.58 Million

Helsinki, Finland -- Oplayo, a developer of streaming video technology for cell phones, announced that it has raised $5.58 million in new funding, from new investor Siemens Mobile Acceleration (SMAC) and previous investors Nokia Venture Partners, Zouk Ventures and Holtron. Finland-based Oplayo's technology allows owners of low-end and mid-range mobile phones to stream video content like news bulletins, movie clips, music videos and sports highlights by downloading the company's mobile media player onto the phone.
http://www.oplayo.com/press/pr090204.htm ____________________________________________

o Hip Interactive Buys French Game Publisher LSP for $3.8 Million

Mississauga, Ontario -- Hip Interactive, a developer and publisher of console and PC video games and accessories, announced that it has completed its acquisition of French game publisher LSP. The company paid about $3.8 million to acquire all of LSP's outstanding shares. LSP, which employs 20 and reports annual sales of $5 million, has released over 50 titles including several based on Hollywood properties, such as "Antz" and "Inspector Gadget." "The acquisition of LSP is an important building block in our strategy to grow our publishing division," said Hip Interactive president and CEO Arindra Singh.
http://www.hipinteractive.com/cms/content/NR-04-02-09-LSP.pdf
http://www.lspgames.com

Top


 > DMW Events:

4th Annual Digital Music Forum

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

 

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Chris Amenita - SVP, ASCAP

Amy Bernstein - Senior Editor, Business 2.0
Derek Broes - EVP, Worldwide Operations,
Altnet
David Card - VP & Research Director, Jupiter Research
Scott Cohen - Co-Founder & President, The Orchard Global Media

Ted Cohen - SVP, Digital Development & Distribution, EMI Music

Peter Csathy - COO, MusicMatch

David Del Beccaro - President & CEO, Music Choice

Maureen Dorney - Partner, Gray Cary
Roy Elkins - CEO & Founder, Broadjam
Mark Frieser - CEO & Founder, Consect
Brian Garrity - Senior Editor, Billboard Magazine
Tom Gensch - VP, Content & Distribution, PaymentOne

Laura Goldberg - COO, Napster

Jim Griffin - CEO, Cherry Lane Digital
Ellie Hirschhorn - GM & EVP, MusicNet
Jeff Howe - Contributing Editor, Wired Magazine
Scott Kauffman - President & CEO, MusicNow (formerly FullAudio)
John Kilcullen - President & Publisher, Billboard Magazine
David Kusek - VP, Berklee Media, Berklee College of Music
Steven Marks - SVP, Legal and Business Affairs, RIAA
Tim Nilson - VP, Mobile Technology, Sony Music
Jonathan Potter - Executive Director, Digital Media Association
Tim Riley, Worldwide Executive of Music, Activision
Ty Roberts - CTO, Gracenote
Sean Ryan - VP, Music Services, Real Networks
Ned Sherman - CEO & Founder, Digital Media Wire
Howie Singer - Chief Technology Officer, Warner Music Group
Perry Solomon - Founder & VP, Strategy, Peppercoin
Bob Struble - President & CEO, Ibiquity Digital
Nikke Slight - SVP, New Media, Atlantic Records
Nada Usina - GM, Entertainment & Media Business, Nokia America
Jim Van Huysse - Executive Director & GM, The AOL Radio@ Network
Jon Vlassopulos - Sr. Dir., Bus. Dev., AT&T Wireless Mobile Multimedia
more to come......

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?

For complete agenda and event details, please go to: www.digitalmusicforum.com

REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration: $295 (until February 20)
Registration: $395 (after February 20)

Online :  http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1056
Phone: 323-464-0793


> 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 - December Law Report - 31 pages - Order

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

Top


> Featured Advertisement: 

> Game Developers Conference 2004, March 22-26, San Jose, California

GDC is the world’s largest and most important professional event for the game industry and the best place to find out the worldwide future of the games market. Keynotes include: Andrew House, Executive Vice President of Third-Party Relations and Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Neil Young, VP and Executive in Charge of Production, Electronic Arts Register by February 18 at http://www.gdconf.com and save up to 30% on GDC passes.

Use priority code: DDIGM4 to receive an additional $25 discount. 

> Survey Aims to Provide Insight into New Media and Sport

e-Newsletter Sport and Technology is conducting a survey that will provide a valuable insight into the key issues surrounding how new media can be utilised to give a financial return to sports properties and businesses. Sport and Technology is very keen to obtain the views of key individuals in the sports industry on this subject and therefore invites Digital Media Wire subscribers to participate in the survey that can be completed online at http://www.sportandtechnology.com/survey.php  or returned by fax.

The survey results will be made available to Digital Media Wire subscribers.
The survey deadline is Thursday, February 12, 2004 and Sport and Technology would like to thank everyone in advance for their valuable input.     
 

Top


o Briefly Noted:

(Beverly Hills, Calif.) Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced on Tuesday that they will release the anticipated DVD edition of the "Star Wars" trilogy in a four-disc box set on Sept. 21. The release will include a feature-length documentary produced about the Star Wars saga and never-before-seen footage from the making of all three films.
http://www.lucasfilm.com 
http://www.starwars.com

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced on Tuesday that Standard Radio, Canada's largest privately-owned broadcaster with 51 stations, will join Sirius and CBC/Radio-Canada in a joint venture to launch satellite radio service in Canada. In December 2003, Sirius and CBC/Radio-Canada filed an application with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to provide satellite radio services in Canada, and are currently awaiting a reply from the Commission.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/nytu109_1.html
http://www.standardradio.com 
http://www.siriusradio.com

(London) On Demand Distribution (OD2), the digital music distribution service co-founded by musician Peter Gabriel, announced that it has opened an Italian office in Milan, and appointed Carlo Galassi general manager of OD2 Italy. The division will aggregate local repertoire from record companies and expand OD2's retail client base in Italy. OD2 currently offers 260,000 licensed tracks through retail partners in Europe including Coca Cola, MSN, HMV, Virgin, Wanadoo, Tiscali and MTV.
http://www.od2.com

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Games, the video game publishing unit of the French media conglomerate, announced on Tuesday an agreement with Canadian developer Radical Games, to publish six multi-platform titles, license the company's game development technology and possibly purchase the studio. The companies recently collaborated on games including "The Simpsons: Hit & Run" and "The Hulk." Vancouver-based Radical has also developed titles for Fox Interactive, Microsoft and THQ.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/latu026_1.html 
http://www.vugames.com 
http://www.radical.ca

(Santa Cruz, Calif.) Video game developer TKO Software announced on Tuesday an agreement with Crusader Entertainment -- the producers of the upcoming film "Sahara" -- to create both console and PC games based on the movie. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz, the film is based on one of author Clive Cussler's action-adventure novels. Santa Cruz, Calif.-based TKO said it will invest $7 million in developing a 3D action adventure game to launch with the film in late 2004.
http://www.crusaderentertainment.com 
http://www.tko-software.com

(Malibu, Calif.) Toymaker Jakks Pacific announced on Tuesday that it has secured a three-year license from video game developer Namco Hometek to create a "Ms. Pac-Man" version of its TV Games product -- an all-in-one portable gaming system that connects to any television. The Namco TV Games product will also feature classic titles from the developer such as "Galaga," "Pole Position," "Xevious" and "Mappy."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/latu054_1.html 
http://www.namco.com 
http://www.jakkstvgames.com

(London) Gametrac Europe, developer of a multi-functional handheld video gaming device, announced on Tuesday that Finnish 3D mobile gaming developer Fathammer will contribute technology and ten game titles to the product. Fathammer's X-Forge technology and tools will allow third-party developers to create 3D games for the Gametrac, a device that also features an MP3 player, DVD player, multimedia messaging, GPS function and built-in digital camera.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/lntu001_1.html 
http://www.fathammer.com 
http://www.gametrac.com

(San Diego) Sony Online Entertainment on Tuesday released its "Champions of Norrath" title for PlayStation 2 to retailers. Based on the company's "EverQuest" massively multiplayer online roleplaying game, the PlayStation 2 title offers multiplayer gaming and voice chat for up to four players either via a broadband connection or on a single console using Sony's Multitap accessory for PlayStation 2.
http://www.championsofnorrath.com

(San Francisco) Gigex, a provider of video game promotion and distribution services, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to provide free video game-related content on WWE.com. San Francisco-based Gigex will provide the site with news, reviews and ratings of console and PC games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040210/sftu087_1.html 
http://www.gigex.com 
http://games.wwe.com

(Minneapolis) ValuSoft, the value-priced PC game publishing unit of THQ, announced on Tuesday the release of "NHRA Drag Racing: Top Fuel Thunder." The game was created through an exclusive license from the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040210/105226_1.html 
http://www.valusoft.com

(Seattle) Online game developer Flying Lab Software on Tuesday said that Oscar-nominated sound engineer Richard King ("Master and Commander," "Magnolia," "Signs") has agreed to serve as sound designer for the company's massively multiplayer online game, "Pirates of the Burning Sea." The title will be released in the fourth quarter of 2004 through Valve Software's Steam online distribution system.
http://www.flyinglab.com

(Parkville, Md.) Game developer Enlight on Tuesday announced that it has shipped its "Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc" PC title to retailers.
http://www.enlight.com 
http://www.joa-game.com

(Washington) The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the owner of WhiteHouse.com, who has faced pressure from child advocates for operating an adult entertainment site on the domain, has decided to sell the domain and get out of the pornography business. Daniel Parisi told AP that his son will enter kindergarten this year and doesn't want him to face questions about his father's business. The site is often confused with the official WhiteHouse.gov, and was part of the impetus for the passage of a law in 2003 that bans misleading domains that may lure kids to porn sites. "It's always been the poster child for where our kids can get into trouble with porn by accident," Parry Aftab, who runs the WiredSafety organization, told AP.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z1FC53D57 
http://www.whitehouse.com

(San Francisco) CNET News.com reported on Tuesday that Major League Baseball (MLB) is having a difficult time finding a Web partner to stream games online, following the breakdown last week of contract re-negotiations with past partner RealNetworks. "They've been completely unreasonable," one source familiar with MLB's demands told News.com. "I don't know anyone who is in serious conversations with them." Sources told News.com that the league is demanding even higher up-front payments than the annual $6.3 million it got from RealNetworks for the exclusive rights to stream games. "They are in a position where they have created scarcity for their product," Yankee Group analyst Michael Goodman told News.com. "The question is can they extract some exorbitant terms for content? If I'm any company, I'd be hesitant to sign a deal with an exorbitant deal structure because it's harder to make money."
http://news.com.com/2100-1026_3-5156247.html 
http://www.mlb.com

Top


> Classifieds:

> PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook

Purchase the book every entertainment and media executive must have. The PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2003-2007 analyzes key trends and forecasts spending in the U.S. and Canada across 14 industry segments, including a Global Overview that forecasts spending and analyzes trends worldwide (also sold separately).  More Information
___________________

> Federal Territory Sales Manager - West Coast

This is a sr. level sales position which sells to high profile government enterprise accounts. Responsibilities: identifying and partnering with value add integrators and resellers, and development of partner relationships with networking companies and service providers. B.S. degree and 7 yrs business exp and 5 yrs exp selling telecom products to the govt. marketplace is necessary. Must have excellent communications skills and knowledge of existing VARS which sell to federal government within the territory. Must be a self - starter. Work from home reqd. with a min. of 50% travel. Send resumes to jobs@vbrick.com 
___________________

> Marketing Executive

McFadyen Consulting is an established eBusiness integrator specializing in the implementation of eCommerce, portal, and web content management solutions based on IBM WebSphere, ATG Dynamo, and Interwoven Teamsite. We seek a seasoned marketing executive to: Design & implement effective strategies for sales lead generation, Drive expansion of the McFadyen brand into the IBM WebSphere market, Guide our business evolution as a member of the management team. Send cover letter with salary requirements & resume to marketingjob@mcfadyen.com  More info: http://www.mcfadyen.com

___________________

> Sales Directors - CRM & Billing products, To $230,000

Leader in Billing and CRM software products with $6B market cap seeks driven Sales Directors to create and drive new vertical markets in Retail Banking and Cable / Telecom industries. Previous exp. and contacts in Banking or Cable industry w/competitive sales against Siebel, SAP or PeopleSoft required. Travel required. Work from home office. Send resumes to pkennedy@betatechinc.com
___________________

> Director of Sales - Saddle Brook, NJ

We are seeking an accomplished product/services technology sales leader to
help take our organization to the next level. The successful candidate
will be "hands-on" -- closing deals, opening doors and leveraging existing
relationships with our blue-chip clients. An entrepreneurial mindset is a
must. Send resumes to search@variopartners.com
___________________

> Senior Account Supervisor - Public Relations - Washington, DC

Edelman seeks a Supervisor with expertise in policy issues and a practice concentration in the high tech industry. The Supervisor will be responsible for agency-wide account profitability, new business solicitation, quality of account service and employee development. Superior communication skills needed to counsel clients' on PR and marketing issues. Min.7 yrs exp. and some agency exp. required. Visit http://www.edelman.com  EEO/AA EMPLOYER. Forward resumes to melissa.judis@edelman.com
___________________

> Premium, Affordable Learning and eLearning Management System

Parabola Corporation of Fairfax sells and supports a comprehensive Learning Management System focused on growing your business. Provides tools to administer courses, seminars, workshops, and other learning offerings. Visit http://www.ParabolaCorp.com  or call 703.280.2620 to find out more. Send inquiries to JBates@ParabolaCorp.com
___________________

> Best Cities, Best Job Growth Performers: Where Should You Be?

As the economy rebounds, some localities are ahead of the curve and some are hoping better economic news will bring them out of an extended slump. Which areas are performing well and helping local businesses thrive despite difficult economic times? Is your area helping you succeed or holding you back? Click here for a full rundown: http://www.e-country.org/netechwire.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

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.
 

 


READ DMW's
Post-Conference Report from MidemNet 2004