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April 21, 2004 --
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Main Stories
o
Napster Investors Bertelsmann, Hummer Winblad Still Face Copyright
Suit
o
Better Business Bureau Warns on 321 Studios' DVD Copying Software
o
Garageband.com Offers New Free Sites for 250,000 Former MP3.com
Artists
o
Napster Casts Doubt on Late Summer U.K. Launch
o Intel Invests in Secure Games
and Software Delivery Provider Trymedia
o Consumer Electronics
Networking Firm Digital 5 Raises $8.4 Million
o DiStream Sues Phantom Game
Console Developer Infinium Labs
o DirectTV Selling Space
Satellite Operator PanAmSat for $4.3 Billion
> DMW Announcements:
--Washington Digital Media Conference - June 18,
2004
> Featured
Advertisement:
--Digital Media Law Report - Volume 3 - March/April
--PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
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o
Briefly Noted: Palisade
Software - Audible Magic, Sony Connect - Sheryl Crow - United
Airlines, BMI - new CEO, BBC Technology - Wexler Video, Loudeye -
Universal Music Publishing Group, Comcast - Seattle Mariners,
MovieTickets.com - EarthLink, Electronic Arts - "The Urbz," Atari,
Eidos, Gucci - $195 iPod pouch
>
Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director Business Development (DBD)
--Infrastructure Sales Executive
--Sr. Account Executives
--Financial Analyst/Data Guru
--Junior Contracts Administrator
--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
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o Napster Investors Bertelsmann,
Hummer Winblad Still Face Copyright Suit
San Francisco -- One-time Napster investors Bertelsmann and
venture capital firm Hummer Winblad will be in federal court next
week, facing charges from the major record labels and music
publishers that the companies' investments in Napster facilitated
copyright infringement and lead to $17 billion in lost sales,
Reuters reported. Bertelsmann provided $90 million to Napster in
2000, earmarked for the company to develop a copyright-friendly
service. The record labels contend that these funds and those from
Hummer Winblad allowed Napster to maintain its illegal service in
the interim, making the investors liable for third-party copyright
infringement. U.S. District Judge Marilyn Patel, who also delivered
the initial ruling that shut down Napster's peer-to-peer service in
2000, will begin hearing arguments against the Napster investors in
San Francisco on April 27.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?K27522718
http://www.humwin.com
http://www.bertelsmann.com
_____________________________________________
o Better
Business Bureau Warns on 321 Studios' DVD Copying Software
St. Louis -- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a
warning to consumers regarding St. Louis-based 321 Studios,
distributors of the controversial DVD X Copy software that can
defeat encryption on DVD movies to make perfect copies. However,
several movie studio lawsuits have resulted in federal court rulings
stripping the company's product of its ability to defeat movie
encryption. The Better Business Bureau has warned consumers to use
caution when purchasing 321's products, advising that it has
received over 70 complaints about 321, mostly pertaining to problems
with rebates and customer service. In its defense, 321 said that the
complaints represent "only 0.05 percent of the rebates 321 has sent
to customers," which have totaled over 150,000 since January 2002.
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,63154,00.html
http://www.321studios.com
____________________________________________
o
Garageband.com Offers New Free Sites for 250,000 Former MP3.com
Artists
San Francisco -- Garageband.com, a site that allows bands to post
their MP3s and create their own Web pages, announced on Wednesday
that it has reached an agreement with Trusonic, which currently
holds the mass library of digital songs once housed at MP3.com, to
allow those artists to create their own pages easily on Garageband's
network. Trusonic, which also distributes background music for
businesses, will offer its 250,000 artists the ability to create a
new home for their 1.7 million songs with a few clicks, on a site
free to the public. The first three songs will be free to post, with
the company charging bands $6.99 per track thereafter or $99 for
unlimited uploads. "Thanks to Trusonic's ingenuity and cooperation,
it's a bright day for independent music around the world," said
GarageBand CEO Ali Partovi. "Now musicians can have the best of both
worlds: free exposure to consumers and royalties from business
users."
http://www.trusonic.com
http://www.mp3isback.com
http://www.garageband.com/go/ts4
____________________________________________
o Napster Casts
Doubt on Late Summer U.K. Launch
San Jose, Calif. -- A day after rival Apple reaffirmed its intention
to launch a European version of its iTunes music service in Europe
by the end of this year, San Jose, Calif.-based Roxio cast some
doubt on whether it will be able to launch its Napster service in
the U.K. by the end of this summer, as originally planned. Reuters
reports that red tape and licensing-negotiations may cause a delay
in the launch. "I am ever-hopeful [the U.K. launch] will happen, but
it has been very challenging to get the rights together,"
Christopher Gorog, the CEO of Roxio, told Reuters. Gorog said that
the company has yet to secure the necessary licenses it needs from
music companies to begin selling song downloads. A launch throughout
the rest of Europe could be even further away, he said, with
licensing talks reportedly only in the beginning stages.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?D19924318
____________________________________________
o Intel Invests
in Secure Games and Software Delivery Provider Trymedia
San Francisco -- Trymedia Systems, a provider of secure software and
video game distribution technology, announced on Wednesday that it
has raised an undisclosed amount of funding in its second round,
which was led by the Intel Digital Home Fund. San Francisco-based
Trymedia said that currently over 3,000 portals, websites and
peer-to-peer networks offer its catalog of protected games and
software titles to consumers. "The investment from the Intel Digital
Home Fund and others comes at a time when piracy and file-sharing
issues have raised awareness for secure distribution solutions to an
all-time high," said Trymedia co-founder and CEO Alex Torrubia. "We
plan to use these resources to help meet the explosive increase in
demand for our solution by developing new verticals and
territories."
http://www.trymedia.com/corporate/press/20040421.shtml
____________________________________________
o Consumer
Electronics Networking Firm Digital 5 Raises $8.4 Million
Lawrenceville, N.J. -- Digital 5, a developer of consumer
electronics networking technology, announced on Wednesday that it
has raised $8.4 million in a recent round of venture capital
financing. Blue Chip Venture led the investment round; 3i Group,
Philips Venture Capital Fund and SpaceVest also participated. New
Jersey-based Digital 5's technology enables consumer electronics
devices, like DVD players, to play content from PCs and other
devices across home networks to the television or entertainment
center. The company's technology is used by firms including DVD
maker Apex, home networking firm Netgear, AOL and Napster 2.0.
Digital 5 said the funds should bring the company to profitability
by 2005.
http://www.digital5.com
____________________________________________
o DiStream Sues
Phantom Game Console Developer Infinium Labs
Jacksonville, Fla. -- Digital Interactive Systems (DiStream), a
developer of digital content delivery technology, announced on
Wednesday that it has filed suit against Infinium Labs, developer of
a PC-based broadband gaming console, over alleged breaches of
agreements allowing Infinium use of DiStream technology and
expertise. In its suit, DiStream says that Infinium used its servers
and encryption technology in the development of its gaming device,
and then failed to compensate DiStream with promised company shares
or cash consideration. DiStream seeks an injunction against the
upcoming launch of the Phantom console. Infinium, which plans to
display its device publicly at the E3 Expo next month, has also
recently been involved with lawsuits from a former executive over
compensation, and with an online journalist over allegedly libelous
statements made against the company.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=iflb.ob&d=v1
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040414/daw045_1.html
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=new&aid=3198
http://www.distream.com
http://www.infiniumlabs.com
____________________________________________
o DirectTV
Selling Space Satellite Operator PanAmSat for $4.3 Billion
Wilton, Conn. -- DirecTV, a provider of satellite TV and Internet
services, has agreed to sell its New York-based PanAmSat subsidiary,
the owner and operator of a fleet of 24 satellites, to private
equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., for about $3.55 billion
in cash, plus the assumption of about $750 million in cash. The deal
will allow DirecTV to focus on its core business as a provider of
entertainment and information, the company said. As part of the
transaction, DirecTV agreed to extend and enhance certain agreements
between itself and PanAmSat, at market rates, in order to assure
future revenue flows.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040420/205658_1.html
http://www.panamsat.com
http://www.directv.com
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> DMW Events:
Washington
Digital Media
Conference
June 18,
2004
|
Washington, DC
www.digitalmediaconference.com
OVERVIEW
Media and entertainment companies are
going through a digital transformation, which is impacting
traditional business models and changing the way we distribute,
access and market media and entertainment.
Washington Digital Media Conference
brings
together decision-makers from the leading
media, entertainment and technology
companies in the Greater Washington, DC area
for a 1-day executive forum
focused on business, legal/policy and
technology
developments impacting digital media.
Get a unique view of the future of media and entertainment from
the inside. Gain insight into new business opportunities driving
the transformation of entertainment and media businesses. Take a
hard look at how traditional challenges to sustainable business
models are dissolving, only to be replaced by new obstacles, and
how we can prepare now to overcome them. Examine media and
entertainment-based technologies emerging today and explore how
these technologies are driving the transformation of the media
and entertainment industries.
How are traditional business models being
reinvented? What are the challenges and opportunities involving
digital media? What do you need to do to stay competitive in the
technology age? Be a part of this inaugural event, which brings
together the business and government leaders who are transforming
the Greater Washington, DC area into a center for digital media
innovation and development.
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration: $195 (until May
14th)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until June 11th)
Registration: $395 (after June 11th)
Online :
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1067
Phone: 323-822-0936
To submit speakers for
or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004
conference, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events,
Digital Media Wire, Inc. at:
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
Past Events
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Sponsorship Materials
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Partners & Clients
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> Featured Advertisement:
Digital
Media Law Report
New Featured Section
- Volume
3 - 2004
We are pleased to announce that we have added a "Featured
Section" to Digital Media Law & Policy Report.
We will use this
section to provide in depth coverage of certain cases, events and
policy developments each month.
Subscriptions
-
Order
Volume 3 - March/April 2004 Report
-
Order
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
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o Briefly Noted: (San
Francisco) CNET News.com reports that New York-based network
security solutions provider Palisade Software will release software
this week that can be used by universities and ISPs to filter
copyrighted songs traded on file-sharing services on their networks.
The new version of the company's PacketHound application will
include song-identification technology from San Francisco-based
Audible Magic that has been touted by the recording industry as a
means of combating piracy.
http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5196218.html
http://www.audiblemagic.com
http://www.palisade.com
(Chicago) Sony announced on Wednesday that it will host an
in-flight performance from Sheryl Crow aboard a United Airlines
flight from Chicago to Los Angeles on May 4, to promote its new
Connect online music store and Hi-MD line of digital Walkman
players. A deal between Sony and the airline will enable United
Airlines Mileage Plus members to redeem airline miles for song
downloads on Connect. Tracks from the performance will also be
offered for free download at United's website in May.
http://www.mileageplusmusic.com
http://www.connect.com
(New York) Performing rights organization BMI announced on
Wednesday that president and CEO Frances Preston will resign in
August. Following her departure after an 18-year tenure, BMI
executive vice president Del Bryant will take over leadership of the
organization. Founded in 1939, BMI represents over 300,000
songwriters and over 4.5 million songs and compositions.
http://www.bmi.com
(Las Vegas) BBC Technology, a unit of the British broadcaster
that provides TV production software and services, said on Wednesday
that it has sold its Colledia TV production software business to
Burbank, Calif.-based Wexler Video, a provider of production
equipment rentals to mainly reality TV show producers. Financial
terms were not disclosed. Colledia replaces the physical management
of videotapes in the production process and incorporates on a
computer network platform the tools needed for logging, viewing,
storing and securely sharing content, without having to create
dozens of tapes and ship them around the world. The BBC is currently
also negotiating a sale of the whole BBC Technology unit, scheduled
to close in the fall.
http://www.bbctechnology.com
http://www.wexlervideo.com
(Seattle) Loudeye Technologies, a provider of streaming song
samples and other digital media services, said on Wednesday that
Universal Music Publishing Group will use its services to power the
streaming music available on UMPG's SynchExpress.com. The site
offers music supervisors for film, TV, advertising and media fast
search access to an online database of UMPG recordings that are
available for licensing for their projects.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040421/sfw042_1.html
http://www.loudeye.com
http://www.synchexpress.com
(Seattle) Cable TV operator Comcast said on Wednesday that it
signed an agreement with the Seattle Mariners to offer 19 home
baseball games from this season in HDTV format. The first game
broadcast in high-definition under the agreement will be Friday's
contest against the New York Yankees.
http://www.comcast.com
(Hollywood) MovieTickets.com, a joint venture between Hollywood
Media Corp. and a number of theater owners that provides advance
online movie ticket sales, announced on Wednesday that it signed an
agreement with ISP EarthLink to provide its services on EarthLink
users' personal home pages.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040421/nyw076_1.html
http://www.movietickets.com
http://entertainment.earthlink.net
(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts announced
on Wednesday that its Maxis studio is currently developing "The Urbz,"
an urban-setting spin-off of its successful "Sims" game franchise.
The game is scheduled for release for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
and Game Boy Advance in the fall of 2004. Electronic Arts said that
the PlayStation 2 version will allow users to upload their own photo
via the EyeToy USB camera accessory, and noted that Kirkland,
Wash.-based Griptonite Games will co-develop the Game Boy Advance
version of the game.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040421/215328_1.html
http://www.ea.com
(Beverly, Mass.) Video game publisher Atari announced on
Wednesday that it will release "Test Drive: Eve of Destruction" for
PlayStation 2 in the fall. Developed by Minnesota-based Monster
Games, the title is based on the original 1987 PC title that has
since spawned more than 30 sequels. Atari also said that it will
release "Godzilla: Save the Earth" for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the
fall. Developed by Eugene, Ore.-based Pipeworks, the title is being
developed based on a license of the classic film property from Toho
Co., Ltd.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040421/215226_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040421/215013_1.html
http://www.atari.com
(San Francisco) U.K.-based game developer Eidos on Wednesday
shipped its "Hitman: Contracts" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and
the PC to retailers. The game was developed by Denmark-based IO
Interactive, which also created the three million unit-selling "Hitman
2: Silent Assassin."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040420/sftu145_1.html
http://www.eidos.com
http://www.ioi.dk
(Rome) Italian luxury clothing and accessories retailer Gucci has
designed a $195 leather carrying case accessory for Apple's iPod
digital music player. "Prada also does a case for iPod," iPod
product manager Danika Cleary told CNET News.com. "I actually was
lucky enough to get my hand on one the last time I was in New York."
Other luxury accessory retailers that have created iPod pouches
include Coach and Emilio Pucci.
http://www.gucci.com/product-shots/us-english/ss04_gf_125848_F06KR_9791.html
http://news.com.com/2100-1041_3-5195940.html
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>
Classifieds:
> Director Business Development (DBD)
Major, Hagen & Africa is the world's largest attorney recruiting
firm with the top in-house and law firm placement record
globally. The DBD will be responsible for client sourcing
strategies and the relationship development process with C-level
executives, General Counsels, CFO's and VP's of HR. Minimum of
two years' consultative selling experience including knowledge of
the Bay Area business sectors, preferably within the bio-tech/pharma
industry; JD or advanced degree is a plus. Submit resume and
salary requirements. Send resumes to
jmckinlay@mhaglobal.com
____________________
> 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
___________________
> 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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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
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Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an
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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
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Copyright 2004 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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