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April 20, 2004 --
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Main Stories
o RIAA
Drops "Clean Slate" File-Swapper Amnesty Program
o
Report: Weak Console Sales Push Video Game Market Down 1% for Q1
2004
o
Report: 21% of U.S. Downloaders Have Grabbed Feature-Length Film
o
Online Gaming Platform Developer Xfire Raises $5 Million
o News Video Digital
Distribution Provider The NewsMarket Raises $4 Million
o
Briefly Noted: Gotuit Media -
Universal Music Group, OverDrive - smartphones, RealNetworks -
Google, GSN - Time Warner Cable - iTV, RealNetworks - Heineken, ETV,
MovieFlix.com, INgrooves, Sony Computer Entertainment America - "EyeToy:
Groove," Xbox Live - The Strokes, Sorrent - Nickelodeon - Spike TV,
Electronic Arts, Midway Games - Geffen Records, Nintendo - Game Boy
Advance Video, Sammy Studios, Take-Two Interactive, War Child Music
- downloads for charity
>
Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Infrastructure Sales Executive
--Sr. Account Executives
--Financial Analyst/Data Guru
--Junior Contracts Administrator
--GuideStar.org Director, Business Development - New York, NY
--AvcomEast - App Performance and Lifecycle Solutions Seeks Sales
People
--Account Director - Direct
--IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
--Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals
--2nd Annual BNA Contracting and Homeland Security Forum -- May
10-12
--Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland
Security
--Stay Ahead Of The Competition With The Kiplinger California
Letter
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o RIAA Drops "Clean Slate"
File-Swapper Amnesty Program
Washington, D.C. -- The Recording Industry Association of America
(RIAA) has ended its amnesty program, which offered admitted online
music swappers the chance to avoid being sued by record companies,
the Associated Press reported on Tuesday. The RIAA launched its
"Clean Slate" program in September, and has since filed copyright
infringement lawsuits against thousands of individual suspected file
swappers. Under the amnesty program, the RIAA vowed not to sue
individuals who admitted in writing that they had shared music filed
online and pledged to delete the files from their computers. A
Calif. man then filed suit against the RIAA for fraudulent business
practices for promoting the program, arguing that the program did
not constitute a legal promise not to sue participants. In recent
court papers, the RIAA asked for the suit to be dismissed, as it had
recently ended the Clean Slate program, deeming it "no longer
necessary or appropriate." The RIAA said a total of 1,108 admitted
file-swappers had signed up for the program, the terms of which will
still be honored for those participants.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z3D925318
http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5195301.html
http://makeashorterlink.com/?J48922418
http://www.riaa.com
_____________________________________________
o Report: Weak
Console Sales Push Video Game Market Down 1% for Q1 2004
Port Washington, N.Y. -- Weak sales of video game console
hardware and portable game software during the first quarter of 2004
pushed the industry's overall sales for the period down 1% to $1.8
billion, according to data from market research firm NPD Group.
Although sales of consoles like the PlayStation 2 and Xbox were down
25% for the quarter, sales of games and accessories for the devices
were up 7% and 10%, respectively. "Most of the consumers in this
industry have had their video game hardware for some time now, so a
slight decrease in sales is to be expected," said NPD Group senior
games analyst Richard Ow. "What will keep consumers coming back for
more is the continued development of top-notch software titles, as
well as accessories designed to enhance game play."
http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_040420.htm
____________________________________________
o Report: 21%
of U.S. Downloaders Have Grabbed Feature-Length Film
New York -- In a sign that films are becoming more popular on
peer-to-peer networks, one-fifth (21%) of U.S. downloaders aged 12
and older reported having downloaded a feature-length film over the
Internet, according to a survey conducted in late 2003 by marketing
research firm Ipsos-Insight. Further, nearly one out of ten (9%) had
done so in the past 30 days. "Clearly, digitally experienced
Americans are beginning to demand increasingly diverse formats of
entertainment to be available via the Internet," said Ipsos-Insight
senior analyst Matt Kleinschmit. The survey also found that nearly
two-fifths (38%) of American downloaders have downloaded a music
video from the Internet, with 15% reporting having done so in the
last 30 days.
http://www.ipsos-na.com/goto.cfm?id=2137
____________________________________________
o Online Gaming
Platform Developer Xfire Raises $5 Million
Menlo Park, Calif. -- Xfire, a developer of online game platforms
formerly known as Ultimate Arena, announced that it has raised $5
million in new funding in a round led by New Enterprise Associates.
Previous investor Draper Fisher Jurvetson also participated in the
company's third round. Menlo Park, Calif.-based Xfire plans to use
the capital to support its service of the same name, which is
designed to automatically keep track of when and where gamers are
playing PC games online and allows friends to easily join in. Over
350,000 people in 100 countries have downloaded Xfire since its beta
launch in January.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?D5FB45118
http://www.ultimatearena.com/games/home.jsp
____________________________________________
o News Video
Digital Distribution Provider The NewsMarket Raises $4 Million
New York -- The NewsMarket, a video archive and distribution
platform that enables the news media to access free,
broadcast-standard video over the Internet, announced on Tuesday
that it has raised $4 million in its second round of venture capital
financing. Investors in the round included Apax Partners, The Hearst
Corporation and Boldcap Ventures. New York-based NewsMarket's
service is used by customers including Intel, Yahoo and the U.S.
government to distribute video to journalists, enabling them to
digitally download footage for their reporting. The company will use
the funds to launch more advanced video search and delivery tools
and to accelerate sales and marketing globally.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?I2BA31418
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> Featured Advertisement:
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Media Law Report
New Featured Section
- Volume
2 - 2004
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We will use this
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This month's featured coverage includes reports on
the
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Steven Marks at Digital Music Forum in New York City on March 1.
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Information
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o Briefly Noted: (Andover,
Mass.) Gotuit Media, a provider of video-on-demand services for
digital cable TV providers, announced on Tuesday an agreement with
Universal Music Group to offer music videos from Universal artists.
Massachusetts-based Gotuit said a test of the service is currently
underway with a cable operator, and will eventually offer viewers
the ability to view genre-specific channels of videos in addition to
programming their own channels with video selections.
http://www.gotuit.com/press/releases/030104.html
http://www.umusic.com
(Cleveland, Ohio) OverDrive, a developer of e-book lending
services for public and university libraries, announced on Tuesday
that it has launched a new service that allows e-books to be
borrowed and read on smartphones made by Motorola, Samsung and
Nokia, in addition to virtually all PDAs. The titles are encoded in
the Mobipocket media format, and will initially be made available to
patrons of the Cleveland Public Library system through its CLEVNET
Digital Library Connection.
http://www.overdrive.com
http://www.mobipocket.com
http://dlc.clevnet.org
(Seattle) RealNetworks announced on Tuesday that it has partnered
with search engine firm Google, and will bundle the Google Toolbar
application with downloads of its Real Player 10 software. The
software allows users to search Google from any Web page and block
unwanted pop-up ads.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040420/sftu096_1.html
http://toolbar.google.com
(Santa Monica, Calif.) Cable TV's Game Show Network (GSN)
announced on Tuesday the launch of a trial of one-screen interactive
TV applications with Time Warner Cable's 388,000 subscribers in
Hawaii. Powered by Los Angeles-based GoldPocket Interactive, the
interactive TV applications will enable viewers to use their remote
controls to play along with ten GSN programs, including "Who Wants
to be a Millionaire," "Family Feud" and "World Series of Blackjack."
http://www.oceanic.com
http://www.goldpocket.com
http://www.gsn.com
(Seattle) RealNetworks, a provider of media delivery technology
and digital music services, announced on Tuesday that it has
partnered with Heineken to offer free music downloads through its
RealPlayer Music Store. Beginning May 1, specially marked 12-packs
of Heineken will include a unique code redeemable for two free music
downloads. Heineken will promote the offer with a national TV,
print, radio, online and in-store campaign.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040420/sftu092_1.html
http://www.real.com
(Hollywood) ETV, a provider of Internet video-on-demand,
announced on Tuesday that it will offer users free downloads of
three feature-length classic Hollywood films, in a test of its soon
to launch $0.99 movie download subscription service. The films "Road
to Bali," (Bob Hope) "Charade" (Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn) and
"Suddenly" (Frank Sinatra) will be offered for free download until
May 1. Hollywood-based ETV also plans to offer 24/7 streaming
broadband channels for classic sports, extreme sports, religion,
self-help and cooking.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040420/205505_1.html
http://www.etv-networks.com
(Hollywood) MovieFlix.com, operator of an online movies-on-demand
subscription service, said on Tuesday that it now claims over 10,000
subscribers for its $6.95 per month service. Hollywood-based
MovieFlix offers a library of 3,000 full-length movies, short films,
independent films and television shows for streaming via the Windows
Media Player or Real Player.
http://www.movieflix.com
(San Francisco) INgrooves, an online record label, announced on
Tuesday the release of its INgrooves Digital Music Access
application, which allows artists and labels to view and manage
their music for sale on all leading digital music retail services.
The software is currently available to artists and labels that have
signed with INgrooves, but the company also has plans to license the
software in the future.
http://www.ingrooves.com
(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America on
Tuesday announced the release of "EyeToy: Groove," the latest title
designed for use with its EyeToy USB camera accessory for
PlayStation 2. The game, developed at Sony's London studio, allows
players to dance in time with one of 28 licensed tracks from artists
including Elvis, Madonna and Fatboy Slim, and be judged according to
technique, style and timing. Multiplayer mode also allows players to
dance together and be judged separately. Separately, the company
also announced the release of "SIREN" for PlayStation 2. The
survival-horror title, which draws from Japanese folklore, was
developed jointly by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan and Sony
Computer Entertainment America's Santa Monica Studios.
http://www.us.playstation.com/pressreleases.aspx?id=192
http://www.us.playstation.com/pressreleases.aspx?id=191
(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft announced that the latest musical act
to participate in its "Game with Fame" promotion, where musical
artists including OutKast and Hoobastank have challenged Xbox owners
to online games via Xbox Live, will be The Strokes. The band will be
on Xbox Live on April 27, offering to compete against fans and other
gamers in "Top Spin" or "ESPN Major League Baseball."
http://www.xbox.com/en-us/news/events/gamewithfame-thestrokes-main.htm
(San Mateo, Calif.) Mobile game developer Sorrent announced on
Tuesday deals to create wireless applications for two Viacom-owned
cable TV networks, Nickelodeon and Spike TV. For Nickelodeon,
Sorrent will publish mobile applications based on "everGirl," the
network's new brand that encompasses a website, pop music and a
customized line of apparel and accessories targeted at the "tween"
girl demographic. San Mateo, Calif.-based Sorrent will also develop
games based on Spike TV's new "Ren & Stimpy Adult Party Cartoon." "Ren
& Stimpy Pinball" is now available for Sprint PCS Vision
subscribers.
http://www.sorrent.com
http://www.evergirl.com
http://www.spiketv.com
(Redwood City, Calif.) Video game developer Electronic Arts
announced on Tuesday that former University of Pittsburgh wide
receiver Larry Fitzgerald will be the cover athlete for its "NCAA
Football 2005" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. The game,
whose predecessor sold 1.6 million units, is slated for release in
July. Redwood City, Calif.-based EA also announced that Swedish
developer Digital Illusions is currently at work on a sequel to its
popular "Battlefield 1942" PC title. "Battlefield 2" is slated for
release in the spring of 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040420/205602_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040420/205373_1.html
http://www.ncaafootball05.com
http://www.battlefield1942.com
(Chicago) Game developer and publisher Midway Games said on
Tuesday that it partnered with Geffen Records to promote its
upcoming title "Psi-Ops," scheduled for release in June for
PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Geffen artist COLD created a track
specifically for the game, a video for which is available on the
game's website.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040420/205125_1.html
http://www.geffen.com
http://www.psiopsgame.com
(Redmond, Wash.) Nintendo of America announced on Tuesday that
episodes of the "Pokemon" animated TV series will be offered for the
soon to be released Game Boy Advance Video accessory, which enables
playback of video embedded on Game Boy Advance cartridges.
Nintendo's $19.99 packs of "Pokemon" episodes will be offered
alongside animation titles published by Majesco -- developer of the
video accessory device -- based on Nickelodeon, 4Kids Entertainment
and Cartoon Network original programs.
http://www.nintendo.com
http://www.gba-video.com
(Carlsbad, Calif.) Sammy Studios, the U.S. game development arm
of the Japanese pinball game manufacturer, has announced the slate
of titles it will display at next month's Electronic Entertainment
Expo game convention in Los Angeles. In addition to "Darkwatch," the
company's first internally-developed title, Sammy will showcase
titles including "Spy Fiction," "Iron Phoenix," "Guilty Gear Isuka"
and "The Shield," based on the FX network crime drama series.
http://www.sammystudios.com
(New York) Game publisher Take-Two Interactive on Tuesday shipped
versions of its "Manhunt" title for Xbox and the PC to retailers.
The title was developed by Rockstar North, the team behind the
company's "Grand Theft Auto" franchise.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040420/205131_1.html
http://www.rockstargames.com/manhunt
(London) War Child, an international charity benefiting children
affected by the horrors of war, has announced the launch of a music
download store that will offer exclusive live, remixed and
unreleased tracks for sale, with all proceeds going to the charity.
The U.K. site will charge $1.77 per track or $6.26 for a monthly
subscription; the initial roster of artists contributing to the
store includes Travis, Badly Drawn Boy and Spiritualized.
http://www.warchildmusic.com
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>
Classifieds:
> Infrastructure Sales Executive
Systems Alliance is a Baltimore-based technology co. Position
reports to V P Sales and proactively markets tech infrastructure
incl. servers and storage. Responsibilities incl. dev. pipeline
of infrastructure opportunities & participating in dev. of
configs. Tech skills req'd are knowledge of various network
environments & architectures. 5+ yrs selling complex tech
solutions ideal. See sysalli.com/Careers/JobPostings.html for
more information. Send resumes to
pchapman@systemsalliance.com
____________________
> Sr. Account Executives
You will be the primary person on our new accounts, and direct
and execute our programs. You will contribute to strategy, and be
responsible for media relations, analyst programs, industry
outreach, as well as customer profiles. Successful candidates
will have at least 4 years of agency or relevant industry
experience. You will have excellent track records with PR
programs, superior placements in business and technology press,
top-notch writing and pitching know-how and a strong grasp of
technology markets. Please send your cover letter and resume to
jobs@corporateink.com The pitch should tell us why you're the
person we're seeking. For more visit
http://www.corporateink.com
____________________
> Financial Analyst/Data Guru
Looking for financial analyst/associate(s) from a consumer
finance institution possessing hands-on, operational experience
in/with customer loan portfolio optimization, customer
acquisition and retention, and financial analysis around funding
and/or marketing decisioning. Ideal candidates will possess 4 -7
years' experience with loan portfolio analysis and data mining.
All correspondence is handled on completely confidential basis.
Send resumes to
lyamson@ctnet.com
___________________
> Junior Contracts Administrator
Seeking a hands-on person to perform day-to-day activities that
includes monitoring and ensuring compliance with contract terms,
processing amendments and modifications and other contract
related actions. AA/BS degree, 1-2 yrs experience in government
contracting environment. Knowledge of FARs and GSA Schedule
desirable. Strong communication skills, knowledge of MS Office.
Law degree a plus. Competitive benefits program. Salary
$40K-$45K. Submit salary history with resume. Send resume to
aalexis@hazmed.com
___________________
> GuideStar.org Director, Business Development - New York, NY
We seek an ambitious Dir, Bus. Development to market our products
& services in the Northeast. Required: Excellent organizational &
communication skills, 5+ years exp. in sales & marketing, BA
degree or equiv. in Business or Marketing, proven record of
achieving sales goals, proficiency in MS Office & ACT! (or
similar CRM software). Work from a N.Y. City home office with
frequent travel in the Northeast U.S. Send cover letter & resume
to businessjobs@guidestar.org, fax 757-229-3482. Visit
http://www.guidestar.org
EEO
___________________
> AvcomEast - App Performance and Lifecycle Solutions Seeks Sales
People
AvcomEast is a Solutions Provider focused on delivering
Application Infrastructure Solutions to their customers. They are
experiencing explosive growth and are expanding their presence in
the Mid-Atlantic area. AvcomEast is seeking team players to grow
with their profitable debt-free company. Immediate openings
exists for inside and outside sales people to focus on and
support their solution sales efforts. "box kickers" need not
apply. Send resumes to
jobs@avcomeast.com
___________________
> Account Director - Direct
A major DM marketing consulting firm is searching for an
Account Director with a history of agency services and strong
knowledge of running ROI management. The right candidate will
have team management, business development within a noted direct
marketing agency and a history of making recommendations for CRM
solutions to blue chip clients. Salary: $100k+ Send resumes
info@market-search.net
___________________
> IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
Technical Staffing Solutions specializes in recruiting the hard
to find candidates with or without high level DoD security
clearances. We can provide your firm with solutions ranging from
1 permanent employee to a team of technical consultants for the
duration of your short or long term engagement. Send inquiries to
Skip Kearnes at
skearnes@techstaffsolutions.com or call 703-451-3882
for more information.
___________________
> Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals
Are Sales Cycles getting longer? Are your discounts getting
larger? Do prospects keep you at arms length? The Sandler Sales
Institute of VA has a GUARANTEED program for High Tech
Professionals that will help you to solve these problems. Held at
Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, May 13th and 14th,
8:30am- 4:30pm. Admission is $995.00. For more information visit:
http://www.sandlersalesguru.com or call 866-904-0600. Send
inquiries to
kevin@sandlersalesguru.com
___________________
> 2nd Annual BNA Contracting and Homeland Security Forum -- May
10-12
Homeland security forum speakers from the Department of Homeland
Security:
include Steven Cooper, CIO; Josh Filler, Director of the Office
of State
and Local Government Coordination; David Bolka, Director of
HSARPA;
Gregory Rothwell, Chief Procurement Officer; Kevin Boshears,
Director,
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization; Hugo
Teufel,
Associate General Counsel for General Law; and Patrick Schambach,
CIO,
Transportation Security Administration. Info/Registration:
http://www.homeland-conference.com/
___________________
> Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland
Security
The 2003-2004 Directory of Homeland Security has complete
listings for 532 companies selling technologies and services
devoted to homeland defense. Nearly all major federal contractors
are included in the section, which includes company names, key
personnel, addresses, phone and fax numbers, urls, annual
revenues, number of employees, business sector, general
descriptions and homeland security relevance. To order the
2003-2004 edition,
click here.
___________________
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Letter
To get ahead, you need to look ahead. The Kiplinger California
Letter provides economic and financial advice and guidance for
anyone with business investments, or residence interest in
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includes 24 bimonthly issues, delivered by mail or online. Review
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and
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