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April 22, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o U.S. Justice Dept. Conducts Intl. Raids on "Warez" Internet Piracy Groups
o Report: Online Advertising Industry Grew 21% in 2003 to $7.3 Billion
o Eminem Wins U.K. Cybersquatting Case Against EmimemMobile.com
o Microsoft Outlines Arguments Against European Antitrust Ruling
o Vivendi Universal Reaches Agreement With InterActiveCorp on Sale
o Bankrupt Cable TV Firm Adelphia to Seek Possible Sale of Company
o Norwegian Wireless Content Firm Telitas Launches in U.S., Acquires Proteus
o Game Console Developer Infinium Labs Gets $44 Million
o Report: Venture Capital Returns Positive for First Time in Three Years

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Washington Digital Media Conference - June 18, 2004 

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Digital Media Law Report - Volume 3 - March/April
 --Streaming Media East 2004 Conference & Exhibition, May 10-12, 2004
 

o Briefly Noted: Sirius Satellite Radio - ST Microelectronics - Wal-Mart, Walt Disney Records - Apple iTunes Store, MX Entertainment, Walt Disney Internet Group - Hungary, THQ, Eidos, Vivendi Universal Games, Gizmondo Europe, Particle accelerator - vinyl recording restoration

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Regional Manager, Business Development
--Director Business Development (DBD)
--Infrastructure Sales Executive
--Sr. Account Executives
--Financial Analyst/Data Guru
--Account Director - Direct
--IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
--Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals
--Break the Rules and Close More Sales in 2004
--2nd Annual BNA Contracting and Homeland Security Forum -- May 10-12
--Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland Security
--PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 


o U.S. Justice Dept. Conducts Intl. Raids on "Warez" Internet Piracy Groups

Washington -- The U.S. Justice Dept. on Thursday announced that yesterday it launched its most far-reaching enforcement action ever against Internet piracy groups, coordinating with law enforcement in 10 countries to conduct 120 raids targeting "warez" groups that distribute pirated software, music, movies and video games. "Operation Fastlink" seized 200 computers and 30 servers that housed an estimated $50 million in pirated goods. As part of the investigation, the FBI on Thursday served six search warrants in San Diego County as part of the ongoing investigation, the Associated Press reported. The raids also targeted individuals in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Justice Dept. said it investigated video game warez groups including Fairlight, Kalisto, Echelon, Class and Project X, and a music piracy group called APC. The ongoing investigations are being aided by U.S. trade groups including the Business Software Alliance, the Entertainment Software Association, the Motion Picture Association of America and the Recording Industry Association of America.
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2004/April/04_crm_263.htm
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B31C21918
_____________________________________________

o Report: Online Advertising Industry Grew 21% in 2003 to $7.3 Billion

New York -- The online advertising industry experienced healthy growth during 2003, as overall industry revenues rose nearly 21% from 2002's total of $6 billion to $7.3 billion, according to a report from the New York-based Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). "In light of a seeming malaise in the advertising industry at large, we are gratified that the dynamism that our industry continues to demonstrate is clearly not being lost on marketers and advertising agencies," said IAB president Greg Stuart. Strong growth of keyword advertising -- offered by firms such as Google and Yahoo's Overture Services -- were credited in part for the increase, as the format accounted for 35% of all online advertising in 2003, up from 15% in 2002. Keyword ads were trailed by display (banner) ads, which accounted for 21% of the market, online classifieds (17%) and paid sponsorships (10%).
http://www.iab.net/news/pr_2004_4_21.asp  ____________________________________________

o Eminem Wins U.K. Cybersquatting Case Against EmimemMobile.com

Geneva -- Rapper Eminem has won a cybersquatting case in the U.K. against a firm selling mobile phone entertainment at the domain EminemMobile.com. The World Intellectual Property Organization's domain name arbitration and mediation center found that U.K. resident Tim Mcintosh and his Visitair Ltd. registered the domain in bad faith, and was using it to sell unauthorized ringtones of Eminem recordings. The domain will be automatically turned over to the musician in 10 days.
http://arbiter.wipo.int/domains/decisions/html/2004/d2004-0144.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040422/internet_eminem_1.html
____________________________________________

o Microsoft Outlines Arguments Against European Antitrust Ruling

Redmond, Washington -- Microsoft has issued a blunt seven-page response to the European Commission's finding against the company, arguing that last month's ruling creates new laws that will damage intellectual property rights and curtail innovation. The document outlines the legal arguments Microsoft will make as it begins a lengthy appeals process. "The Commission is seeking to make new laws that will have an adverse impact on intellectual property rights and the ability of dominant firms to innovate," Microsoft said in the document. "This adverse impact will not be confined to the software industry or to Europe." Last month, the European Commission fined Microsoft over $600 million and required the company to make a version of its Windows operating system that does not include Media Player software.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/default.asp
____________________________________________

o Vivendi Universal Reaches Agreement With InterActiveCorp on Sale

Paris -- Paris-based Vivendi Universal said it has reached an agreement with New York-based InterActiveCorp that removes a major obstacle to the sale of its U.S. entertainment assets to NBC. In a complicated partnership arrangement, InterActiveCorp owns a 5.4% stake in Vivendi Universal Entertainment and has various control mechanisms over strategic decisions of the U.S. entertainment assets. Vivendi said on Wednesday that it will issue letters of credit to InterActiveCorp that would allow the transaction to go through. Earlier this week, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission also gave its approval to the transaction.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040421/215731_1.html
____________________________________________

o Bankrupt Cable TV Firm Adelphia to Seek Possible Sale of Company

New York -- Bankrupt cable TV operator Adelphia Communications announced on Thursday that it will explore a sale of the company in addition to a planned bankruptcy reorganization, after many shareholders voiced their opinion that creditors would gain more money through an outright sale of the company. Adelphia filed for bankruptcy in 2002 after an accounting scandal that resulted in the departure of founder and CEO John Rigas, who is now on trial on federal fraud charges. In addition to the sale and bankruptcy auction plans, Colorado-based Adelphia will also pursue approval of an $8.8 billion exit financing package, which supports a proposed plan for emergence as an independent company.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/lath060_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/040422/media_adelphia_8.html 
http://www.adelphia.com
____________________________________________

o Norwegian Wireless Content Firm Telitas Launches in U.S., Acquires Proteus

New York -- Telitas, a Norwegian mobile content distributor, announced on Thursday its expansion into the U.S. and acquisition of D.C.-based mobile entertainment publisher Proteus. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Telitas said it will hold offices in New York and Los Angeles, and named Greger Larson chairman of Telitas US. The company also announced the hiring of Kenneth Krushel as CEO, as well as Russell Kagan and David L. Simon, who will focus on developing wireless content applications. The company said it will leave the management team at Proteus in place, with Krushel holding the additional title of Proteus' CEO. Protues has created wireless entertainment applications for companies including Fox Sports, HBO, ABC Enhanced TV and Discovery Communications.
http://proteus.com/about/news_archive/000041.jsp 
http://www.telitasgroup.com
____________________________________________

o Game Console Developer Infinium Labs Gets $44 Million

Sarasota, Fla. -- Infinium Labs, developer of a PC-based broadband gaming console, announced on Thursday that it landed a $44 million stock purchase agreement, replacing a previously announced placement valued at $15 million. New investor HaDavar HaNachon joined SBI-USA and Infinium Investment Partners, an affiliate of Trilogy Capital Partners, in the increased commitments. Florida-based Infinium, which yesterday was sued by partner DiStream over payments for using that company's technology, said that it expects the new funds to be sufficient to launch its Phantom game console during the 2004 holiday season.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/phth020_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/phth052_1.html 
http://www.infiniumlabs.com
____________________________________________

o Report: Venture Capital Returns Positive for First Time in Three Years

New York -- One-year returns on venture capital investments were positive during the fourth quarter of 2003 for the first time in three years, posting an aggregate 8% growth, according to a new report from Thomson Venture Economics and the National Venture Capital Association. The total private equity asset class -- including venture capital, buyouts and mezzanine funds -- posted an 18.3% performance in the fourth quarter, representing the second consecutive positive quarter, the survey found. "There is reason to think that continued increases are sustainable especially if the IPO and M&A exit markets continue to improve this year," said Jesse Reyes, vice president at Thomson Venture Economics.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?N65224718

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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


> Streaming Media East 2004 Conference & Exhibition, May 10-12, 2004

Streaming Media East is the premier learning, networking, and problem-solving event for streaming and digital media professionals, technology experts, and business executives. In conference sessions and on the exhibit floor attendees will explore how a broad range of digital media technologies can be integrated with streaming media services to provide innovative solutions to business problems.  http://www.streamingmedia.com/east/ 

Receive $200 off the full price on any new gold pass:  Go to https://secure.infotoday.com/smeast/sm-east-sponsors.asp  and use priority code DMW before April 23rd.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced on Thursday that chipmaker ST Microelectronics will produce and integrate the next-generation chipset for its satellite radios. Sirius said the chip, developed jointly with ST, will reduce costs and improve performance when it comes to market in the second half of 2005. Separately, New York-based Sirius also announced that Wal-Mart will begin selling one of its receivers -- a Jensen/Sirius portable "Plug & Play" satellite radio with a car installation kit -- in its stores for $149.87.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/nyth033_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040421/nyw144_1.html 
http://www.st.com 
http://www.siriusradio.com

(Burbank, Calif.) Walt Disney Records, a record label unit of the company that controls soundtracks from Disney's classic animated films and Disney/Pixar's computer-animated films, announced on Thursday that it will make its catalog available exclusively through Apple's iTunes download store through Sept. 30. Apple will create a special "Disney" genre within iTunes, which will showcase the soundtracks in addition to Disney audio storytellers, theatrical cast recordings and music from youth recording artists Raven and Jesse McCartney.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040421/sfw111a_1.html
http://www.disney.com/disneyrecords

(San Francisco) MX Entertainment on Thursday announced the first implementation of its multi-channel video DVD technology that enables viewers to experience multiple and simultaneous video tracks. The DVD release of "Trey Anastasio Live at the Warfield with Special Guest Carlos Santana" allows viewers to seamlessly switch between the director's cut and a wide shot of the entire stage at any point in the concert. San Francisco-based MX is currently working on similar DVDs for groups including Ween and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
http://www.mxentertainment.com

(Budapest, Hungary) Walt Disney Internet Group and Hungarian mobile operator Pannon GSM have entered into a content distribution arrangement. Under the deal, Disney mobile content will be available to Pannon GSM's Hungarian consumers. The Disney Mobile service includes ring tones, logos, mobile wallpapers, picture messages, MMS and java games.
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2004/Apr/1033935.htm

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game publisher THQ said on Thursday that it will release "Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams," a sequel to its million unit-selling "Tak and the Power of Juju," for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance in October. The game will be developed by Utah-based Avalanche Software.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040422/225201_1.html 
http://www.thq.com 
http://www.avalanchesoftware.com

(San Francisco) U.K. game developer Eidos said on Thursday that its "Backyard Wrestling 2: There Goes The Neighborhood" title for Xbox is slated for release in the fall. Moorpark, Calif.-based Paradox will develop the sequel, which will feature online play enhanced by Quazal's Net-Z engine.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/sfth074_1.html 
http://www.eidos.com 
http://www.quazal.com 
http://www.px.com/games.html

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Games said on Thursday that it will release "Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude" for PC, PlayStation 2 and Xbox in the fall of 2004. Developed by Illinois-based High Voltage Software, the game is part of the "Leisure Suit Larry" franchise that has sold millions of units of the seven titles released since 1987.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/lath019_1.html 
http://www.vugames.com 
http://www.high-voltage.com

(London) Gizmondo Europe (formerly Gametrac), a unit of Tiger Telematics developing a multi-functional handheld video game deck, said on Thursday that it has reached an agreement with retailer Toys 'R Us, who will be the first distributor of its product in the U.K.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040422/ukth003_1.html 
http://www.gametrac.com

(London) Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California have developed a way to restore treasured historic vinyl recordings using a precise optical system originally developed for use with a particle accelerator, NewScientist.com reported on Thursday. The method uses the instrument to visually record the shape and locations of a record's grooves to an accuracy of one thousandth of a millimeter, with additional algorithms using the data to then easily strip out scratches from the original recording, the scientists said. The team offers a demonstration of its method with a 1950 recording of "Goodnight Irene" by Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter, with "before" and "after" versions of the song with the process applied available at the second and third links below, respectively.
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994899 
http://www-cdf.lbl.gov/~av/Irene-from-rec-19-2.wav 
http://www-cdf.lbl.gov/~av/gI10-34_78-av31-deriv51-RIAA-mcm.wav

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> Classifieds:

> Regional Manager, Business Development

New Business Sales Executive needed by a Web training company located in Washington, DC. Successful candidate will have the ability to prospect, propose and close training and consulting solutions with Fortune 1000 and technology companies. Requirements include professionalism, strong communications skills, knowledge of the internet, and a successful track record of exceeding sales objectives. Competitive base plus incentives and benefits. Send resumes to lgant@westlake.com
____________________

> 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
___________________

> 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
___________________

> Break the Rules and Close More Sales in 2004

Sales efforts resulting in too many "think-it-overs"? More pressure on prices? Fewer prospects? Most selling processes are not as effective in today's technology marketplace. Sandler Sales Institute presents "Break the Rules and Close More Sales", April 28, 8:00-10:15 AM at our Rockville location. Join us and learn new, proven approaches for selling in the tech market. More information: 301-251-5852, or visit: http://www.successinselling.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.
___________________

> 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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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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VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger

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