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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE - May 5, 2003
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

o Apple Sells 1 Million Songs in One Week Through New iTunes Service
o RealNetworks Launches Mobile Content Streaming Subscription Service
o FT: Vivendi Looks at Plan to Avoid $2 Billion in Taxes 
o Disney to Launch "Toontown" Online Multiplayer Game for Kids in June
o Tapwave's "Helix" Handheld Game to Target Older Audience Than Game Boy
o Video Networking Equipment Firm SkyStream Networks Raises $25 Million
o Interactive TV Firm GoldPocket Acquires U.K.-Based WatchPoint Media
o Electronic Arts Gets "Superman" Game License; Announces New "Sims" Title
o Stealth-Mode Digital Video Developer KMV Raises $18 Million
o Game Developer Activision Announces Three-for-Two Stock Split

> DMW Publications: April Law and Policy Report
> Featured Section: Special Offer from Discreet cleaner XL

o Briefly Noted: Hitwise, DVD+RW Alliance, Roxio - TDK, TouchTunes - U.S.
military, Mythic Entertainment - "Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of
Atlantis," Kemco U.S.A. - "Lobo," Barden Entertainment - KOCH
Entertainment, MPAA, StreamCast Networks CEO - interview
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: VP Technical Product Mgmt.

> Events: Streaming Media NY, May 6-8, NYC, Pipeline Safety & Security Expo

> Marketplace: Game Industry Report, iTV Chronicle, Interest-Based
Navigation

Full Classifieds located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.

To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
or contact Tinzar Than at tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o Apple Sells 1 Million Songs in One Week Through New iTunes Service

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple Computer announced on Monday that it sold over
one million digital songs through its iTunes Music Store during its first
week of operation. The service offers Mac users the ability to purchase
and download 200,000 songs for $0.99 each. "In less than one week we've
broken every record and become the largest online music company in the
world," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Apple said it will add another 3,200
songs to its online catalog tomorrow. "Our internal measure of success was
having the iTunes Music Store sell one million songs in the first month.
To do this in one week is an over-the-top success," said Doug Morris, CEO
of major record label Universal Music Group. Apple also reported taking
orders for over 110,000 of its new third-generation iPods since their
launch a week ago, as well 20,000 in-store sales of the devices over the
weekend.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030505/sfm072_1.html 
http://www.apple.com/music/store/shop.html 
_____________________________________________

o RealNetworks Launches Mobile Content Streaming Subscription Service

Seattle -- Media delivery technology provider RealNetworks on Monday
announced the launch of its RealOne Mobile Media Guide, a wireless
streaming media subscription service. The service will offer content from
providers including Capitol Records, CNET Radio Direct, FoxSports.com,
iFilm, NPR, the PGA Tour, Sporting News Radio, Triggerstreet.com and
Virgin Records. The service is currently is available on Nokia's 3650 and
Pocket PC devices, with devices from Siemens and Samsung supporting the
service expected to be offered in the U.S. later this year. Seattle-based
RealNetworks also announced its RealOne Mobile On-ramp, a program that
enables content providers to deliver programming to millions of consumers
via their mobile phones and PDAs. The program aids providers in encoding
their content in bitrates available over 2.5G mobile networks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030505/sfm071a_1.html 
http://mobile.real.com 
http://www.realnetworks.com/mobile/onramp 
_____________________________________________

o FT: Vivendi Looks at Plan to Avoid $2 Billion in Taxes 
 
Paris -- Vivendi Universal is studying a plan to sell and buy back parts
of its U.S. entertainment business to avoid U.S. tax liabilities of up to
$2 billion, according to a report in Monday's Financial Times. The idea of
a sale and repurchase is an effort to avoid break-up liabilities Vivendi
would face if it split up the subsidiary combining Universal Studios,
television and theme park assets. U.S. tax authorities and regulators
would probably not endorse such a scheme. Vivendi declined to comment on
the FT report.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z61352374 
_____________________________________________

o Disney to Launch "Toontown" Online Multiplayer Game for Kids in June

North Hollywood, Calif. -- Disney Online, a unit of Walt Disney Internet
Group, announced on Monday that it will launch "Toontown Online," which it
says is the first massively multiplayer 3D online game for kids and
families, on June 2. The $9.95 monthly service will be available as a
download, and will also be sold at retail beginning in September via a
Disney specialty card powered by AT&T Prepaid Web Cents technology. The
game features special communications software that will let kids chat with
one another in a safe online environment. "Toontown Online" was developed
by Disney's Virtual Reality Studio, using its proprietary PANDA3D network
game engine.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030505/55247_1.html 
http://www.disney.com  
_____________________________________________

o Tapwave's "Helix" Handheld Game to Target Older Audience Than Game Boy

Los Angeles -- Tapwave, a developer of multi-functional handheld video
game devices, on Monday announced the launch of Helix, its first product,
Reuters reported. The handheld device, which runs on the PalmOS operating
system and includes Palm's organizer features, also plays full-motion
video and MP3 music in addition to games that will be developed by firms
including Activision, Infogrames and Midway. Tapwave says it will target
mobile gamers 18 years to 34 years old who have "graduated" from
Nintendo's Game Boy Advance, which currently dominates the market. Tapwave
has not yet announced pricing or launch date details for the Helix.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=technologyNews&storyID=2684640 
http://www.tapwave.com 
_____________________________________________

o Video Networking Equipment Firm SkyStream Networks Raises $25 Million

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- SkyStream Networks, a provider of advanced video
networking technologies, announced on Monday that it has secured $25
million in private funding. The investment was led by 3i U.S.; other
investors included IVP, Mayfield and Norwest Venture Partners. Sunnyvale,
Calif.-based SkyStream provides networking hardware platforms for service
providers like telephone companies and global satellite operators, which
cost-effectively deliver cinema-quality video and broadband services. Its
customers include EchoStar, BT, Clear Channel Worldwide and Sony. The
company will use the additional funds to bolster its corporate operations
and product development as it moves toward profitability.
http://www.skystream.com/press/2003/050503-ss_secures.stm 
_____________________________________________

o Interactive TV Firm GoldPocket Acquires U.K.-Based WatchPoint Media

Los Angeles -- GoldPocket Interactive, a producer of two-way interactive
TV programming, announced on Monday that it has acquired U.K.-based
WatchPoint Media, a developer of interactive TV authoring software.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The purchase marks
Los Angeles-based GoldPocket's entry into the European market, where it
will have headquarters in London overseen by Matt West, WatchPoint's vice
president of sales and marketing. WatchPoint's StoryTeller allows content
producers to create interactive TV applications that may be easily
published to multiple platforms. GoldPocket has produced and delivered
more than 4,000 hours of iTV programming for major networks and media
companies including CBS, PBS, Fox, Sony and The WB.
http://www.goldpocket.com/corporate/interactive.aspx?pageID=20&newsID=56 
http://www.watchpoint. 
_____________________________________________

o Electronic Arts Gets "Superman" Game License; Announces New "Sims" Title

Redwood City, Calif. -- Independent game developer Electronic Arts
announced on Monday that Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics have
awarded the company the worldwide interactive rights to develop games
based on the legendary comic superhero, "Superman." Under the multi-year
agreement, Redwood City, Calif.-based EA will publish games for all
platforms based on the upcoming Superman feature film from Warner Bros.
Pictures -- as well as any sequels -- in addition to Superman comics and
animated television programs. "We are extremely excited about creating a
whole new look and feel for the universe of Superman characters," said EA
president and COO John Riccitiello. Separately, Electronic Arts on Monday
announced that it will release "The Sims 2," a sequel to the best-selling
PC game of all time, in early 2004. The game, which features more
life-like Sims, all-new gameplay, and the addition of genetics, where the
DNA of Sims passed down through generations, is currently in development
at EA's Walnut Creek, Calif.-based Maxis Studio.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030505/55329_1.html 
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/030505/053431.html 
http://www.ea.com 
http://www.dccomics.com 
http://www.thesims.com 
_____________________________________________

o Stealth-Mode Digital Video Developer KMV Raises $18 Million

Austin, Texas -- KMV Technologies, a developer of "next-generation video
communication products and services," on Monday announced that it has
raised $18 million in its first round of venture capital financing. The
round was co-led by Austin Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners and Redpoint
Ventures. The stealth-stage company, founded in January 2003, is currently
developing digital videoconferencing technology. The new funds will enable
the company to expand its engineering and marketing teams, as well as
bring the first release of its products and services to market.
http://www.kmvtechnologies.com/index.php?t=5 
_____________________________________________

o Game Developer Activision Announces Three-for-Two Stock Split

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Video game developer and publisher Activision
announced on Monday that its board of directors has approved a
three-for-two split of its shares. The split is payable on June 6, 2003,
to shareholders of record as of May 16, 2003. Santa Monica, Calif.-based
Activision said the stock split will be accomplished through a 50 percent
stock dividend, providing shareholders with one additional share of common
stock for every two shares they hold.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030505/lam051a_1.html 
http://www.activision.com 
_____________________________________________

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==========================================
DMW Publications: April Law & Policy Report
==========================================
Contact tinzar@digitalmediawire.com or call 323-464-0793 to order.
To purchase directly, go to:
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.php

Digital Media Law & Policy Report - New Issue

Must-read publication on legal and policy matters related to digital
media. Thirty-two pages of case summaries, news and analysis, policy
updates, court filings, and exclusive interviews with legal counsel and
business leaders. Published monthly. April issue on sale now! **Special
Reduced Rates available for a limited time**
Price:   $19.00 Per Issue   |   $195.00 Annual Subscription  
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.php

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==================
FEATURED SECTION
==================
Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm 

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_____________________________________________

Briefly Noted: 

(New York) Hitwise, an Australia-based provider of Internet audience
measurement services, on Monday announced the availability of its services
in the U.S. market. Through relationships with Internet service providers,
Hitwise currently monitors the Web habits of 10 million U.S. Internet
users; the company will combine this data with its existing sample of 15
million users across existing markets to create a total sample of 25
million Internet users. The company's U.S. competition includes firms like
Nielsen/NetRatings and ComScore Networks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030505/nym158_1.html 
http://www.hitwise.com 

(New Orleans) The DVD+RW Alliance, a consortium of companies supporting
the rewritable disc drive format, announced on Monday that it will
demonstrate the "Mt. Rainier" capabilities of the DVD+RW format's writing
and editing capabilities this week at Microsoft's WinHEC conference in New
Orleans. "Once Mt. Rainier becomes available in the next version of
Windows, DVD+RW drives will work like any other drive on your computer,
with drag-and-drop file-editing and file-moving, random-access file
writing and built-in defect management," said Maureen Weber, worldwide
chair of the DVD+RW Alliance.
http://www.dvdrw.com 

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Roxio, a provider of CD and DVD creation software,
announced on Monday that consumer electronics firm TDK will include its
Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 Basic, Roxio PhotoSuite and Roxio DVDMax Player
software with its first Indi DVD Multiformat burner. The new device from
TDK is capable of recording DVD+R/+RW, DVD-R/-RW and CD-R/RW media.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030505/sfm050_1.html 
http://www.roxio.com 
 
(Washington) TouchTunes, a manufacturer of digital jukeboxes, said on
Monday that it has donated 200,000 CDs, as well as six of its pre-loaded
digital jukeboxes, to the U.S. Armed Forces. "The military has been a long
standing and good client of TouchTunes for many years," said TouchTunes
president and CEO John Perrachon. "It is gratifying to be in the position
to help our military by bringing them some of the best music we can
offer."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030505/nym181_1.html 
http://www.touchtunes.com 

(Fairfax, Va.) Online game developer Mythic Entertainment said on Monday
it will release "Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis," an expansion
pack for the popular massively multiplayer online game, in the fall of
2003. Virginia-based Mythic said the game currently has more than 220,000
paying subscribers, and sees up to 60,000 simultaneous users during peak
gameplay hours.
http://www.mythicentertainment.com 

(Bellevue, Wash.) Game developer Kemco U.S.A. announced that it has signed
an agreement with DC Comics to create titles based on its "Lobo" comic
book franchise. Washington-based Kemco will release PlayStation 2 and Xbox
version of its title in 2004.
http://www.kemcogames.com 

(Detroit) Barden Entertainment, a developer of digital music video
jukeboxes, announced that it has signed a licensing agreement to use music
videos from artists distributed through New York-based independent KOCH
Entertainment. Detroit-based Barden's product is a self-contained video
kiosk that is intended for use in bars and restaurants.
http://www.kochentertainment.com 

(Washington) The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), a trade
group representing the major motion picture studios, recently announced
the appointment of David Green to the position of vice president and
counsel, technology and new media. Green joins the MPAA from the U.S.
Department of Justice, where he most recently served in the Computer Crime
and Intellectual Property Section of the Criminal Division, helping to
coordinate the national enforcement of the criminal laws protecting
intellectual property.
http://www.mpaa.org 

(San Francisco) CNET News.com on Monday featured an interview with Michael
Weiss, the recently-returned CEO of StreamCast Networks, which distributes
the controversial Morpheus peer-to-peer file-sharing software. Last week
the company experienced a landmark court victory when a federal judge
ruled its software was not guilty of copyright infringement, having
substantial non-infringing uses. Weiss explained to News.com what the
ruling means for the company. "We can come out of the shadows. I think it
opens up business deals and partnerships with major companies -- whether
they're advertisers, record companies or independents," said Weiss. "We'll
hopefully partner with majors someplace down the road, and also with
recording artists, providing them with an effective distribution channel
through which they can reach potential customers."
http://news.com.com/2008-1082_3-999581.html 
_____________________________________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm 

VP, Technical Product Management

Interested in creating cutting edge financial service products and
bringing them to market? The VP Technical Product Management will be a key
driver of platform strategy and leader in translating customer needs/wants
into product features and functional specifications. Brokerage system
experience required.
Send resumes to recruiting@foliofn.com 
Visit http://www.foliofn.com
_____________________________________________

====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm 

Streaming Media NY, May 6-8, New York City

Streaming Media NY is rapidly approaching. In less than a month, business
leaders from all over the world will gather to learn about and explore the
latest trends, products, and services in streaming and digital media
technologies. The event features cutting-edge exhibitors and an intensive,
four-day Conference program with industry leading keynotes and the
brightest minds in the business.
For more information, or to register to attend, go to
http://www.streamingmedia.com/NY
_____________________________________________

Protecting Energy Infrastructure - Pipeline Safety & Security Expo

May 22-23, 2003 at the Crystal City Marriott in Crystal City, VA. Top
Keynotes presented by government officials; Middle East Oil Security,
Reconstruction, & Legal Issues; Terrorism Table Top Simulation Exercise by
Naval Warfare College; Environmental Rules & Guidelines for Pipeline & Oil
Companies. For more information please contact Cory Capps at
capps@ejkrause.com or call 301-493-5500.
http://www.pipelinesecurityexpo.com
_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm 

Game Industry Law & Policy Report 

Special industry report covering law & policy matters impacting the game
industry. The 15-page report includes case summaries, news and analysis,
feature article and an exclusive interview with Doug Lowenstein,
President, Interactive Digital Software Association.  Price: $19.00
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.php
_____________________________________________

For those who believe in ITV - "Interactive TV: The Definitive Chronicle"
 
Covering the period 2000 to the present, this sourcebook presents a
complete history of the news and events that have shaped the business of
iTV since the beginning of the 21st Century. Culled from countless
sources, including the Digital Media Wire database, this 175 pages PDF (on
CD) covers all of the major players as well as the legal and financial
issues that helped shape the industry. Key research and industry
projections as well as a host of facts, figures, resources and thousands
of iTV-related links are included.
Price: $ 55.00.
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.php
_____________________________________________

Etronica helps you "Find the Good Stuff FAST!"

Etronica's unique software toolset enables "Interest Based Navigation" of
Digital Content. The Patent Pending software tools can be incorporated
directly into content websites and portals, installed in TV settop boxes
or integrated as OEM components. The tools drive the automatic tagging,
indexing, and categorization of text. A recommendation engine suggests
highly relevant new information to users as they interact. Personalized
advertising and commerce offerings can also be automatically served.
Contact us to learn more: info@etronica.com
http://www.etronica.com
_____________________________________________

Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
exceptional value to individuals and companies determined to capitalize on
the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Digital Media
Wire, the first in a series of business-intelligence publications,
delivers original daily briefings on the business, legal and financial
developments shaping digital media.

Digital Media Wire is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
network of publications that includes 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 62,000 individuals from
over 70 countries worldwide each business day.

Advertising, upcoming publications, events & information at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

Questions, Comments & Suggestions to:
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com 

News Tips, Scoops & Press Releases to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com 
_____________________________________________

Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing and Events: Tinzar Than

Copyright 2003 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.