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April 21, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

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
 

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
 


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 | Sponsorship Materials | 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 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.

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Editor: Mark Hefflinger

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