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DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- February 25, 2003
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To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com
o Overture To Acquire Web Search Unit Of Norway's FAST
o ComScore Increases Some Web Traffic Figures
o Eidos Adds Insane Clown Posse Songs, Characters to Wrestling Game
o OpenTV Gets Nasdaq Delisting Notice, Launches iTV Services in Taiwan
o San Jose-Based Bam Entertainment Applies for SmallCap Listing
> DMW Digital Music Forum | March 3 | NYC
> DMW Publications: January Law and Policy Report
o Briefly Noted: Earthlink - Citysearch, Activision - "Reel Ninja Film
Contest," Happy Puppy, Game Show Network - GoldPocket Interactive,
Hollywood Media Corp. - Cox Communications, Vivendi Universal Games Faire,
Sohu.com - Wizgate Corp. - "Knight Online," Siemens Mobile - Westel Mobile
Telecommunications, Primedia Digital Video, Motorola - T-Mobile - Academy
Awards
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> Events: Games & Mobile Forum: April 28 | NYC, Global Entertainment &
Media Summit
> Marketplace: 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 Overture To Acquire Web Search Unit Of Norway's FAST
Pasadena, Calif. -- Overture Services, a provider of pay-for-performance
searches for websites, said on Tuesday that it will acquire the Web search
unit of Norway-based Fast Search & Transfer (FAST), for $70 million in
cash, as well as a performance-based cash incentive payment of up to $30
million over three years. The deal, combined with Overture's previously
announced plans to purchase AltaVista, bolsters Overture's position in the
commercial search market.
http://shorterlink.com/?QAN43G
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o ComScore Increases Some Web Traffic Figures
San Bruno, Calif. -- ComScore, a provider of Internet measurement
services, is reissuing its web measurement figures for the past three
months after underestimating the amount of people using the Internet at
their places of work in the U.S., the Associated Press reported on
Tuesday. The numbers, used for various purposes, including to sell
advertising, were reportedly off by several million in some cases, due
primarily to a change in how the company estimates workplace Internet
usage. Among the most prominent changes, search engine Google will see its
December numbers increase 14% to 49 million.
http://www.thebakersfieldchannel.com/technology/2002426/detail.html
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o Eidos Adds Insane Clown Posse Songs, Characters to Wrestling Game
San Francisco -- Game developer Eidos Interactive announced on Tuesday
that it has signed an agreement with Psychopathic Records, the self-run
label of the group Insane Clown Posse, to include songs from the group and
other label artists on its upcoming "Backyard Wrestling: Don't Try This At
Home" video games. The agreement also includes multiple marketing
co-opportunities at ICP concerts and Juggalo Championship Wrestling
events, the wrestling franchise also founded by the band. The video games,
due for release this summer on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, are based on the
"Best of Backyard Wrestling" home video series advertised on television.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030224/sfm102_1.html
http://www.juggalowrestling.com
http://www.psychopathicrecords.com
http://www.bywgame.com
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o OpenTV Gets Nasdaq Delist Notice, Launches iTV Services in Taiwan
Mountain View, Calif. -- OpenTV, a provider of interactive TV software and
services, announced on Tuesday that the Nasdaq has notified the company
its shares may be delisted from the exchange. Mountain View, Calif.-based
OpenTV will appeal the determination, which came as a result of its not
having held an annual stockholder meeting in 2002 due to delays with its
proposed merger with fellow iTV firm ACTV. Separately, OpenTV announced
that it launched interactive TV services with Taiwanese cable TV operator
Eastern Multimedia Ltd. The company said its iTV software has been
deployed on over 27 million set-top boxes worldwide.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030220/205271_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030225/255287_1.html
http://www.etmc.com.tw/emc/default.htm
http://www.opentv.com
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o San Jose-Based Bam Entertainment Applies for SmallCap Listing
San Jose, Calif. -- With its stock in danger of being delisted from the
Nasdaq National Market, San Jose-based Bam Entertainment, a developer of
interactive entertainment software, said on Tuesday that it has applied to
transfer its stock to the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. A move to the SmallCap
would give the company until at least May 19 to meet the market's listing
requirements, including its $1 minimum bid price. Bam's stock price has
not been above the $1 mark since last October.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030225/sftu042_1.html
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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"
Steve Rennie | REN Management (Artist Manager for Platinum-selling
Incubus)
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
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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
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Briefly Noted:
(Atlanta) Atlanta-based Earthlink said that it will begin providing its
customers with Los Angeles-based Citysearch's online local arts and
entertainment information, including content on various city's
restaurants, events and shopping. The content includes user ratings and
editorial reviews of more than 500,000 establishments.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030224/lam066_1.html
(Santa Monica, Calif.) Game developer Activision on Tuesday announced the
second phase of a promotional contest for its upcoming "The Tenchu: Wrath
of Heaven" video game. In the first phase of the "Reel Ninja Film
Contest", student filmmakers were asked to submit a ninja-related short
film, and a Grand Prize Winner will be chosen this week by martial arts
film gurus John Woo and Terence Chang. In the second phase, users may vote
for their favorite of the films on Tenchu.com, and the First Prize Winner
will be awarded $5,000. The game is due for release on March 4.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030225/latu055_1.html
http://www.activision.com
http://www.tenchu.com
(New York) Happy Puppy, an online games site originally launched in 1995
and acquired by Internet Game Distribution in March 2002, announced on
Tuesday its official re-launch. New York-based Happy Puppy offers game
news and reviews, as well as downloads of game files like demos, patches,
MODS and movies, delivered using its proprietary FileSwarm technology.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230565609&ticker=
http://www.happypuppy.com
(Santa Monica, Calif.) Cable TV channel Game Show Network said on Tuesday
that it has partnered with interactive TV developer GoldPocket Interactive
to offer an SMS-based wireless interactive TV service. Starting in March,
viewers with text-messaging capable phones may sign up at
GameShowNetwork.com to receive GSN wireless content on their mobile
phones, including GSN trivia, news, programming alerts, prizing and
sweepstakes updates, and top scorers from the network's sync-to-broadcast
iTV programming.
http://www.goldpocket.com
http://www.gameshownetwork.com
(Boca Raton, Fla.) Hollywood Media Corp., a provider of news, information
and ticketing covering the entertainment and media industries, said on
Tuesday that cable TV operator Cox Communications will become the second
cable company to add programming from Totally Hollywood TV to its free
video-on-demand offering. Hollywood Media also said it has plans to
roll-out the network on a national basis. Earlier this month,
Florida-based Hollywood Media Corp. hired Jeffries and Company to explore
strategic alternatives for the company, including a possible sale.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030225/fltu001_1.html
http://www.cox.com
http://www.hollywood.com
(Berlin) Vivendi Universal Games announced on Tuesday a list of the games,
scheduled to be released in 2003-2004, that it will preview today for
European markets prior to E3 at the company's Vivendi Universal Games
Faire in Berlin. Some of the games to be previewed include "Bruce Lee:
Return of the Legend," "The Hobbit," "The Hulk," "Jurassic Park: Operation
Genesis" and "The X-Files: Resist or Serve."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030225/latu042_1.html
http://www.vugames.com
(Beijing) Sohu.com, the Chinese Internet portal giant, announced on
Tuesday that it will launch the first 3-D online game available on its
site with "Knight Online." Created by Korean game developer Wizgate
Corporation, the game will go through a period of beta testing before its
commercial release in the second quarter of 2003.
http://www.sohu.com
(Munich) Wireless services provider Siemens Information and Communication
Mobile Group said on Tuesday that it has added video streaming
capabilities to Hungarian wireless network operator Westel Mobile
Telecommunications' offering. The service, powered by San Diego-based
PacketVideo's wireless streaming technology, will be available to those of
Westel's 3.4 million subscribers with video-enabled mobile devices.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230565318&ticker=
http://www.siemens-mobile.com
http://www.westel900.net/fooldal/index_e.html
http://www.packetvideo.com
(New York) Publisher Primedia announced on Tuesday that it has named
Daniel Wilhelm president of its Primedia Digital Video unit. Previously,
Wilhelm held senior management positions with FOX/Liberty Networks, Prime
Network and Lighthouse Global Network. New York-based Primedia Digital
Video offers services including development, content acquisition and
distribution and digital media services include encoding, webcasting,
hosting, streaming and digital content management.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030225/nytu103_1.html
http://www.primedia.com
(Los Angeles) Cell phone maker Motorola and wireless network operator
T-Mobile said on Tuesday that they will team to promote their products and
services to Hollywood luminaries by offering each actor and director
nominated for an Academy Award Motorola's latest phone, the T722icamera
phone, and six months of free service compliments of T-Mobile.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030224/cgm020_1.html
http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/graphics/detail/0,1101,711,00.html
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CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
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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
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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
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CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
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To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm
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.
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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
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
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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
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Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
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the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Digital Media
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Digital Media Wire is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
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Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing and Events: Tinzar Than
Copyright 2003 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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