archives

o House Bill Would Ban Sale of Violent, Sexual Video Games to Minors
o Microsoft Admits Overriding IE Users' Media Player Preferences
o Online DVD Rental Site Netflix Plans $82.5 Million IPO
o Report: 45 Million Broadband Connections in North America by 2006
o Digital Trading Card Developer StatCard Raises $1.6 Million
o Online Ad Firm L90 Concludes Internal Probe; Will Restate Earnings
> Digital Media Wire Wine Tasting Event: Los Angeles | May 9
> Featured Event/Company: ContentWorld 2002, Bender/Helper Impact
o Briefly Noted: CinemaNow - Digital Envoy, Liberate Technologies -
Comverse Technology, Majesco - Rage Software - "David Beckham Soccer," THQ - Nickelodeon - "Fairly OddParents," Personal video recorders - market
penetration, MusicNet
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> Jobs: Dir. of Product Management, Online Marketing Coordinator, Business
Development Manager, District Sales Manager, VP Marketing, Online Research
Analyst, Bus. Development and Sales

> Events: KMZ Breakfast Series, One Show Interactive, Executive Lounge

> Marketplace: Digital PCS Phone System, Digital Copying Machine,
Medium Format Camera

Full text of ads located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.
To post a Classified Ad, contact David Peebler at
david@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o House Bill Would Ban Sale of Violent, Sexual Video Games to Minors

Washington -- A bill introduced into the U.S. House last week by Rep. Joe
Baca (D-Calif.) would effectively ban the sale or rental of violent and
sexually explicit video games to minors. The text of the bill points to a
December 2001 FTC study where 78 percent of unaccompanied minors, ages 13
to 16, were able to purchase video games rated as "Mature" by the
Entertainment Software Rating Board -- a voluntary system established by
the video game industry. The legislation aims to ban minors under 17 from
purchasing games depicting "decapitation, amputation, dismemberment, or
mutilation. the killing of a human being or human-like being, carjacking,
rape, prostitution, the use of illegal drugs or any other violent felony."
The law would punish retailers who sold such games with an initial $1000
fine and up to 90 days in jail for subsequent offenses.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c107:H.R.4645:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-899612.html
http://www.esrb.com/esrb_about.asp
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o Microsoft Admits Overriding IE Users' Media Player Preferences

Washington -- A Microsoft executive admitted in court yesterday that a
feature in the company's most recent version of its Internet Explorer
browser overrides user preferences, playing digital music files using its
own Windows Media player, the Associated Press reported. Companies
including Microsoft's rival in the media player market, RealNetworks, have
complained that Microsoft engineers its browser to disallow users to
choose a different media player. Microsoft executive Linda Averett, under
questioning from states' attorney John Schmidtlein, also admitted that the
new version of Internet Explorer originally failed to locate any
RealNetworks audio files when users searched for music -- a feature that
has since been changed.
http://www.wired.com/news/antitrust/0,1551,52355,00.html
http://www.windowsmedia.com
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o Online DVD Rental Site Netflix Plans $82.5 Million IPO

Los Gatos, Calif. -- Netflix, an online DVD rental service, said on
Tuesday that it plans to raise $82.5 million through an initial public
offering of its shares. The company will offer 5.5 million shares priced
at between $13 and $15. Los Gatos-based Netflix's service lets subscribers
choose DVDs on its website and then have them delivered in the mail,
returning them in a postage-paid sleeve after viewing, with no late fees.
The company charges $20 for its basic service, which lets subscribers have
up to three DVDs out at any given time. Netflix plans to use the proceeds
from its IPO to pay back about $14 million of its debt, as well as for
general corporate purposes.
http://www.netflix.com
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o Report: 45 Million Broadband Connections in North America by 2006

Boston -- Over 45 million North American homes and businesses will have
high speed DSL or cable modem broadband Internet connections by 2006,
according to a report released on Tuesday by Boston-based research firm
the Yankee Group. Of these connections, 39 million will originate in the
U.S. and 6 million will be in Canada. The Yankee Group attributes the
growing adoption of broadband to "greater availability and improved
provisioning of high-speed Internet as well as end-user frustration with
dial-up access."
http://www.yankeegroup.com/public/news_releases/news_release_detail.jsp
?ID=PressReleases/news_may072002_globalnbna.htm
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o Digital Trading Card Developer StatCard Raises $1.6 Million

New York -- StatCard Entertainment, a provider of Web-based gaming and
entertainment, announced that it has raised $1.6 million in its initial
round of venture capital financing. The New York New Media Association
Angel Investors Program, as well as other private investors, venture funds
and strategic partners participated in the round. Norwalk, Conn.-based
StatCard produces a line of trading cards with an embedded chip that allow
access to exclusive online entertainment, such as interactive games. The
company will also market a small handheld reader device that can access
information stored on the trading cards. StatCard's first trading card
line is based on professional skateboarders; the company plans to expand
into other sports, movies and music properties.
http://www.statcard.com/press/product.html
http://www.statcard.com/press/content/pg_xaction.html
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o Online Ad Firm L90 Concludes Internal Probe; Will Restate Earnings

Los Angeles -- L90, an online advertising firm, announced on Tuesday that
it has concluded an internal investigation into its accounting practices,
and will restate its earnings for a number of periods to reflect an $8.3
million overstatement of its sales. L90 will restate its earnings for
third quarter 2000 and three quarters in 2001, saying in a statement that
most of the overstated earnings came from barter agreements that should
not have been counted as sales. The Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) launched its own investigation into Los Angeles-based L90's
accounting, which was handled by the beleaguered firm of Arthur Andersen,
but has yet to announce its own findings. "We have in excess of $50
million of cash on hand. We have put in place a new management team, led
by our president and CEO, Mitchell Cannold," said L90 chairman William
Apfelbaum. "With the confidence and support shown to us by our clients,
employees and shareholders, L90 is full speed ahead."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020506/lam134_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/e/020507/lntye.html
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DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE PRESENTS:
A Spring Celebration and Wine Tasting Honoring
Digital Media Wire Panelists

> Thursday, May 9, 2002, Los Angeles

To register:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=22553&Referrer_id=4074

Join us and a distinguished group of our past panelists for a Spring
celebration featuring fine wines, delicious Asian appetizers and
networking.

WHEN: Thursday, May 9, 2002 (6:30PM - 8:30PM)
WHERE: Lucky Duck Restaurant (NE corner of La Brea and Wilshire)
PRICE: $25 (pre-registration); $30 (at the door)

Tasting and wines by Beaulieu Vineyard. Since 1900, BV has been a
benchmark of excellence in Napa Valley wines. Appetizers including crispy
Vietnamese spring rolls, chicken and beef satay, shrimp summer rolls and
vegetable dumplings by Lucky Duck Restaurant. For more information,
contact Ned Sherman at esherman@digitalmediawire.com or visit

http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=22553&Referrer_id=4074

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=================
FEATURED SECTION
=================

ContentWorld 2002 Conference & Exhibition - May 14-16, 2002 - San Jose, CA

ContentWorld 2002 is a universe of information to help Global 2000
Companies meet increasing demands for content management and technology
surrounding all aspects of the electronic content industry. For more
information view the on-line brochure at:
http://www.contentworld.com/conference/2002conference/index.html
Save $200 off your full Conference pass - Type "DMW" as the Priority Code
at the bottom of the Registration Form.
To register: https://www715.vwh1.net/cont94/2002_reg_form.htm

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Bender/Helper Impact - Public Relations Agency

Bender/Helper Impact is a full-service, mid-sized public relations agency
with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. The agency, which
was founded in 1986, offers strong expertise in the areas of digital
entertainment and convergence, new media, electronic gaming, technology
and consumer electronics. Current clients include: Dolby, 20th Century
Fox, Konami, Roxio, DreamWorks, Marvel Enterprises, MGM and Warner Bros.,
among many others. To find out how Bender/Helper can impact your business,
contact Steve Honig at: 310-473-4147 or steve_honig@bhimpact.com

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o Briefly Noted:

(Marina del Rey, Calif.) CinemaNow, a provider of Internet-based
video-on-demand services, announced on Tuesday that it has signed a
five-year agreement to use Digital Envoy's geo-location technology for
managing the territorial rights of its film content. Atlanta-based Digital
Envoy's technology allows Marina del Rey, Calif.-based CinemaNow to
specifically determine the location of its viewers and, in turn, either
allow or restrict the distribution of the content based on the terms of
its various licensing deals with content owners. CinemaNow is majority
owned by film studio Lion's Gate Films.
http://www.cinemanow.com
http://www.digitalenvoy.com

(New Orleans) San Carlos, Calif.-based Liberate Technologies, a provider
of operating system software for set-top boxes used to deliver interactive
television services, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with New
York-based Comverse Technology, a provider of software and systems
enabling network-based multimedia enhanced communications services. Under
the agreement, the two companies have integrated their technologies,
enabling viewers to send and receive two-way text messages via SMS (short
message service) on their televisions. "SMS over cable is a perfect fit --
providing for instant two-way communication across a range of devices,"
said David Limp, chief strategy officer at Liberate.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020507/sftu105_1.html
http://www.comverse.com
http://www.liberate.com

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco said on Tuesday that it will
release "David Beckham Soccer" for Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, and
Nintendo's Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color in time for this summer's
World Cup 2002 tournament. The games -- which will be endorsed by the
British soccer star -- are currently in development at U.K.-based Rage
Software and will feature 200 top international and club teams.
http://www.majescogames.com
http://www.davidbeckham.co.uk/

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Game developer THQ said on Tuesday that it is
currently developing "Fairly OddParents," based on the Nickelodeon network
children's program of the same name, for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. The
game is being developed under Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based THQ's master
license with Nickelodeon to create games based on their television
properties, and is due for release in November 2002.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020507/70157_1.html
http://www.thq.com
http://www.nick.com/go/supersite_fop/

(New York) AdAge.com recently reported on the slower-than-predicted market
penetration of personal video recorders (PVR), and how advertisers are
attempting to cope with the devices' ability to skip through TV
commercials. Originally predicted by Forrester Research to be in 50
million homes by 2005, a recent Yankee Group report predicts 20 million
homes will either have a TiVo, ReplayTV or digital set-top box with
digital recording capabilities by 2005. Although an April 2002 survey
showed nearly the same amount of people skip commercials by simply not
watching them as skip them using a PVR, it also found 69 percent of PVR
owners polled say they frequently skip commercials, as opposed to 41
percent in September 2001.
http://www.adage.com/news.cms?newsId=34640
http://www.nextresearch.com

(New York) The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday featured a lengthy article
on the development of the MusicNet digital music subscription service -- a
joint venture between RealNetworks, AOL Time Warner, EMI and BMG that
offers users streaming and downloaded tracks that are tethered to their
computers for $9.95 per month. "The first offering was too clunky and too
consumer unfriendly to hold much hope for its success, AOL Time Warner's
Richard Parsons told The Journal. The initial version of the service does
not contain anywhere near all of the recordings that the involved labels
have to offer, and does not allow tracks to be burned onto CD or
transferred to portable devices. MusicNet CEO Alan McGlade reportedly told
the company's board: "The current version of the service is not viable."
The Journal reports that McGlade is seeking an additional $10 million
investment from the partners, partly to offset legal fees for antitrust
attorneys -- due to the fact that record labels may not collude to fix
prices for recorded music.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/748564.asp?0dm=C13NT
http://www.musicnet.com
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===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================

Director of Product Management -- Sony Music Entertainment - New York, NY

Responsible For Development and Implementation of Marketing Campaigns for
Selected Artists; All Marketing Expenditures; Supervision of Package
Development and Management of the Production Process. Also Responsible For
Long-Term Artist Development & Marketing Strategies and For Development of
Artist And Product Promotion Campaigns. Must Have 3-5 Years of Hands-On
Record Business Experience, Including Pop Marketing and Sales & Promotion.
Writing Skills Very Important. Please submit cover letter, resume and
salary requirement to: elena_avila@sonymusic.com
_____________________________________________

Online Marketing Coordinator -- 20th Century Fox Domestic Home
Entertainment - Los Angeles, CA

Twentieth Century Fox's Domestic Home Entertainment has an opportunity for
a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive individual to provide
administrative support as the Coordinator, Online Marketing. This position
offers the opportunity to develop and use your marketing ability to
advance home video Internet marketing initiatives. In this position you
will be responsible for providing general clerical and administrative
support the Business Development department, including making travel
arrangements & scheduling. Forward resume & cover letter to:
HJC946RP@foxresumes.com
_____________________________________________

Business Development Manager -- AtmosphereBBDO - New York, NY

AtmosphereBBDO is looking to add to our growing and dynamic team. We are
seeking a motivated and proven Business Development Manager to support our
Managing Director of Business Development in pursuing key New Business
initiatives. Job entails managing/coordinating internal resources in
preparation for new business pitches, contributing to the
writing/development of new business presentations, and participating in
new business pitches/presentations. Send qualified responses (resume with
cover letter) to Ken Seligman, Operations Manager, via e-mail to
ken@atmosphere.net
_____________________________________________

District Sales Manager -- 101communications - Los Angeles

Award-winning IT publisher seeks a high-energy advertising sales
professional. We are looking for an ambitious, self-motivated individual
to sell advertising pages for one of our print publications, Federal
Computer Week. The person in this position will strive to achieve sales
goals through prospecting, cold-calling, calling on and making
presentations to clients and advertising agencies, preparing proposals,
and closing sales. Based in the Los Angeles/OrangeCounty area, this
position will maintain current accounts and develop new business in the
south-west territory. Submit resume and a cover letter via fax to (703)
876-5089.
_____________________________________________

Vice President, Marketing -- Genealogy.com - Fremont, CA

Manage the Direct Marketing and Product Management activities of A&E
Television Network's Genealogy.com division, including software
applications, online subscriptions, and data CDs. We are looking for
someone who can deliver revenue and profit goals of the business, drive
the promotional marketing activities for the business, and perform
competitive intelligence, customer research and trend analysis. Manage
staff of 5. BA/BS, MBA strongly preferred with a minimum of 12 years
marketing experience, with previous experience at the VP level. Please
send resumes to: jobs@genealogy.com or by
Fax: 510-494-2822.
_____________________________________________

Online Research Analyst -- Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment - Culver
City, CA

This position will be required to analyze weekly website activity for
Screenblast.com, online marketing campaigns and effectively present
results. Assist in providing recommendations for future actions for
"Screenblast" the company's online product. Bachelor's and at least 1 year
of experience preferred. SPDE is an operating unit of Sony Pictures
Entertainment that oversees online assets including Sony Pictures
Imageworks, Sony Online Entertainment, the Digital Networks Division, and
Sony Pictures Integrated Network. Please forward your resume via our
career website: www.sonypicturesjobs.com under Sony Pictures Digital
Entertainment - Research Analyst.
_____________________________________________

Business Development and Sales -- RampRate - Santa Monica, CA

Imagine selling trust and over 100 vendors in an objective, integrity
driven environment. RampRate an upbeat, profitable, technology brokerseeks
a smart, strategic person to oversee Bus. Dev. and Sales. Your talents:
extensive Rolodex and direct client/var/vc relationships; managed a top
post in sales; strong ability to handle deals throughout the negotiating
process with Fortune 2500 companies; skilled consultative selling
emphasizing value proposition; Experience in managing large
channel/reseller programs. For immediate consideration, email your cover
letter ("VP Bus. Dev. & Sales" in the subject line), resume and salary
history to hr@ramprate.com
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=====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
=====================

KMZ Breakfast Series -- Friday, May 10, 2002 - Los Angeles, CA

Katten Muchin Zavis & Rosenman and Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zuckin present
"Libraries and Other Intellectual Property Acquisitions." Katten Muchin
attorney, Alan Friel, will give an overview of legal issues touching on
different types of entertainment industry transactions. The event, which
starts promptly at 8:30AM and ends at 9:30AM is free to attend and will be
held at the offices of Katten Muchin at 2029 Century Park East - 27th
Floor. Seating is limited and will be available on a first come, first
served basis. For additional information, please contact
kathryn.gepner@kmzr.com
_____________________________________________

One Show Interactive's Big Night -- Wednesday, May 8, 2002 - New York, NY

One Show Interactive (named the top international award show for new
media) is holding its annual award gala in New York City on Wednesday, May
8th, 2002. The Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street (corner of Houston
Street) New York, NY. Tickets $100 per person, Corporate tables for six
$500. Reception 6:30-8:00pm. Awards Show 8-10pm. Party 10-Midnight. Come,
celebrate and party and watch the best of advertising's interactive and
new media. For tickets: (212) 979-1900 or email: tickets@oneclub.com
_____________________________________________

Executive Lounge Series -- Tuesday, May 7, 2002 - Santa Monica, CA

K12 Productions Presents "Employment, Funding and Emerging Technologies in
the Security and Intellectual Property Industry." Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at
the Santa Monica Doubletree, 6:00-9:00PM. A distinguished panel of
security experts discuss employment, funding and emerging technologies in
the opportunity-rich security and intellectual property industries. The
event also features the Karma Club - highly effective career networking for
executives. To receive a $5 discount on the admission price, please
register at:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=23017&Referrer_id=5587
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==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================

Samsung DCS Digital Phone System - $5250

No office telephone system offers more for less. This system was
originally purchased new for $16,358.00 at the beginning of 2000. The
system comes complete with everything required to get your office
communications up and running immediately. The DCS is a modular,
future-proof telephone system, which gives unrivalled flexibility and
functionality and can be configured as a PABX, key system or any
combination of these, according to your specific requirements. For further
details go to
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1729532922&r=0&t=0&show
Tutorial=0&ed=1021650149&indexURL=0&rd=1
or contact djpeebs@aol.com
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Sharp AR-5132 Digital Copier -- Excellent working condition - $999.95

Used for a year, this copier is in great shape and priced to sell. Its
parts work fine - including all internal mechanisms, paper feeders,
trays, and the optional 20-bin sorter - and it produces clean,
professional copies. It is only in need of a new drum, which requires
periodic replacement, to be fully operational. Instructions Manuals are
included. This workhorse of a copying machine was originally purchased for
$4800 and is offered for far less than you are likely to find it anywhere
else, especially when compared to used models selling for over $2200 on
the web. Must pick-up or arrange delivery (in LA). Contact djpeebs@aol.com
_____________________________________________

Fuji GW670III Medium Format Camera -- Mint Condition w/Box - $725

This Fuji GW670III comes complete and is true MINT condition. The
GW670III is a 6 x 7cm medium format rangefinder camera with the famed 90mm
f/3.5 EBC Fujinon lens. The optics are perfect - crystal clear with a big,
bright viewfinder. This is THE camera for sweeping landscapes, events or
group shots. The results are stunning with breathtaking detail. Lens cap,
Hoya UV filter, strap, instruction manual, box/packaging, and carrying
case included along with 9 rolls of new professional grade 120 & 220 film.
A wonderful opportunity to own this legendary camera at half of its $1410
"street" price. For further info, please contact djpeebs@aol.com
______________________

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Copyright 2002 Digital Media Wire