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Main Stories
o Report: Number of U.K. Film/TV Downloaders Triples in 2003
o HP to Sell Custom-Built Video Gaming PCs
o Report: Video Game Accessories Sales Flat in 2003 at $1.2 Billion
o CNET Re-Launches MP3.com As Digital Music Information Resource
o Infinium Plans Nov. 18 Launch for Broadband PC Gaming Console
o Sprint: 3.5 Million Mobile Games Sold So Far in 2004
o Report: Mobile Phones Add $26.6 Billion to U.K. Coffers
o DVD Software Maker InterVideo to Repurchase $10 Million in Shares
o Disney's Buena Vista Interactive Announces E3 Expo Game Titles
o Discreet Acquires Character Animation Software Firm Unreal Pictures

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Washington Digital Media Conference - June 18, 2004
 
 > Featured Advertisement:
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 --Digital Media Law Report - Volume 3 - March/April
 

o Briefly Noted: Orbison Records - iTunes, Sega - "The Matrix Online," Midway Games - E3 titles, Cingular - "Survivor," Sony Ericsson - Sorrent, Ubisoft - "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3," DivXNetworks - in-game cinematics, R0R3 Devices, Google - automated ad keyword generator, Apple iTunes - label price hikes

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--2-Day Workshop:"Developing Successful Products" Philadelphia-May 26-27
--Account Manager: Technology Communications
--Director of Marketing & Communications - D.C.
--IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
--HireStrategy - Treasury Manager
--Account Executive
--Regional Manager, Business Development
--Director Business Development (DBD)
--Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland Security
--Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals
--Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004, June 21, Chicago, IL
 


o Report: Number of U.K. Film/TV Downloaders Triples in 2003

London -- The number of U.K. Internet users downloading films and TV programs has tripled over the past year to 1.67 million, compared with the 570,000 people reported last year, according to figures from the British Video Association (BVA). The report said that the average U.K. film and TV downloader is a male (67%) under 35 who lives in the South, where broadband access is more widespread. "The potential threat to the video industry from downloading is clearly enormous and there is no complacency about that," said BVA director general Lavinia Carey. "The film, TV and video industries are working closely to pre-empt the threat from online piracy. As long as we can continue to make our traditional product attractive and future online offers affordable and easy, we hope to avoid the worst of the damage." In other U.K. industry news, the BVA reported a 61% increase in DVD sales for 2003, and noted that the format now commands 70% of the U.K. home video market.
http://www.bva.org.uk/content.asp?id=13002
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/film/3692999.stm 
_____________________________________________

o HP to Sell Custom-Built Video Gaming PCs

Los Angeles -- Looking to capitalize on the burgeoning video game market, PC maker HP on Monday announced that it will begin selling custom-built PCs for video game enthusiasts, with the most heavily-equipped models selling for over $3,000. The company's Compaq "X Gaming" machines will go on sale in June or July both online and via custom configuration kiosks located in retail stores, starting at around $1,599.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z5A713348 
http://www.hp.com 
____________________________________________

o Report: Video Game Accessories Sales Flat in 2003 at $1.2 Billion

Port Washington, N.Y. -- Total U.S. sales of accessories for console and portable video games in 2003 were flat over the previous year with $1.2 billion in sales, while the first quarter of 2004 has seen a 10% sales increase over the same period last year, according to data from New York-based market research firm NPD Group. Products included in the video game accessories category include specialty controllers, modems and DVD remotes. NPD noted that the greatest increase in dollar sales occurred among network adaptors and modems -- devices that connect game consoles to the Internet for online gaming -- which rose 155% in 2003. "Online gaming provides consumers with the ability to experience entirely new ways of playing video games, while the industry continues to see increased revenues through this alternative to off-line gaming," said NPD senior analyst Richard Ow.
http://www.npd.com 
____________________________________________

o CNET Re-Launches MP3.com As Digital Music Information Resource

San Francisco -- CNET Networks, a publisher of technology news and information, announced on Monday the re-launch of MP3.com, a site that once housed millions of MP3s from unsigned artists but will now serve as a digital music discovery and content resource. The site will offer a directory of legal digital music downloads and streams across the major services, including 30-second clips of millions of songs; an archive of artist and album information; a "music discovery engine"; and a technology guide covering the different available services, portable players and software. "Consumers have never before had such an easy, intuitive way to navigate the rich, diverse world of legal music content, technologies, and services," said Vince Broady, senior vice president of CNET Networks' games and entertainment business. The new MP3.com also plans to add community and personalization features later this year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040510/105703_1.html 
http://www.cnetnetworks.com 
http://www.mp3.com 
____________________________________________

o Infinium Plans Nov. 18 Launch for Broadband PC Gaming Console

Sarasota, Fla. -- Infinium Labs, which has been stealthily developing a PC-based broadband video game console, announced on Monday for the first time that its Phantom gaming console will go on sale Nov. 18. The Phantom will cost $199 on its own, but will be offered for free if consumers purchase a two-year subscription to the $29.95 per month broadband gaming service. The device -- which comes with a gamepad, a mouse and a custom keyboard -- will allow subscribers to play a selection of free PC games included with their subscription on any TV, as well as rent or purchase other game titles. Florida-based Infinium said the device will be manufactured in Taiwan by Biostar, and will feature a 40GB hard drive, an AMD Athlon CPU, and Nvidia graphics processing units and platform processors. Infinium Labs also said that its recently announced first round of venture capital financing increased from $44 million to $46 million following an additional commitment from Reich Capital.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040510/105360_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040510/tech_infiniumlabs_1.html
http://www.infiniumlabs.com 
http://www.phatom.net 
____________________________________________

o Sprint: 3.5 Million Mobile Games Sold So Far in 2004

Overland Park, Kan. -- Wireless network operator Sprint announced on Monday that it has so far this year sold over 3.5 million mobile games to its subscribers, bringing the total number of games the company has sold since launching its Sprint PCS wireless division to 9.5 million. At the end of the first quarter, Sprint reported 4.2 million subscribers for its Sprint PCS Vision wireless content service. "In 2002, Sprint announced its strategy to lead in the mobile-gaming market. Last year, we announced more than 120 titles and 17 partners, proving our success to that point," said Jeff Hallock, vice president of consumer product marketing for Sprint. "In 2003, Sprint had more than 5 million game purchases. We're on track to exceed that number this year with more than 3.5 million purchases in the first 4 months and the promise of more innovations to come in the form of 3D games."
http://www.pcsvision.com 
____________________________________________

o Report: Mobile Phones Add $26.6 Billion to U.K. Coffers

London -- According to a new report conducted by the U.K. Centre for Economic and Business Research and commissioned by local mobile operator mmO2, England's mobile phone sector now contributes more than $26.6 billion to the U.K. economy every year, putting the industry on equal footing with oil and gas extraction in terms of tax income (2.3%). "No one should underestimate the impact of the mobile (sector) on economic prosperity," said mmO2 CEO Peter Erskine in a statement. "This is a significant industry making a major contribution to the economy and, given the right conditions, it is set to increase its impact." The report also found that the U.K. mobile industry employs more than 200,000 people who each account for about $212,800 of revenue per year. Erskine said the mobile industry in the U.K. had grown over the last 20 years from zero to "something bigger than the whole of the print, paper and publishing sector."
http://www.cebr.dk/researchtopmenu.aspx
http://www.mmo2.com/docs/media/press_releases.html 
____________________________________________

o DVD Software Maker InterVideo to Repurchase $10 Million in Shares

Fremont, Calif. -- InterVideo, a developer of DVD creation and editing software, announced on Monday that its board of directors has approved a $10 million stock repurchase program, which many companies do when they believe their shares are currently being undervalued on the market. Fremont, Calif.-based InterVideo recently reported $71 million in cash and short term investments, and 13.5 million shares of common stock outstanding.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040510/105364_1.html 
http://www.intervideo.com 
____________________________________________

o Disney's Buena Vista Interactive Announces E3 Expo Game Titles

Los Angeles -- Buena Vista Interactive, the video games unit of The Walt Disney Company, announced on Monday the roster of new titles it will display at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo trade show in Los Angeles. The company will showcase a number of titles based on Disney films, including "Chicken Little," "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," "TRON 2.0: Killer App," "Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles," "King Arthur," "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge" and "Power Rangers Dino Thunder." Buena Vista will also target the "tween" market with titles based on Disney Channel TV properties, such as "Disney's Kim Possible 2: Drakken's Demise," "Disney's Lizzie McGuire 2" and "Disney's That's So Raven."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040510/lam061_1.html 
http://bvinteractive.go.com
____________________________________________

o Discreet Acquires Character Animation Software Firm Unreal Pictures

Montreal -- Discreet, a division of Autodesk that develops animation and other digital media creation software, announced on Monday that it has acquired Unreal Pictures, developers of character animation software. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Palo Alto, Calif.-based Unreal's Character Studio software is the most widely used character animation application, with over 100,000 installs, the company said. "Ground-breaking character animation technology is core to the future successes of stunning high-end 3D animations in films, games and even visualizations," said Paul Lypaczewski, general manager of Montreal-based Discreet. "This acquisition positions Discreet to deliver unmatched value to our customers with intuitive workflow, ease of use, and unmatched motion-picture quality.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040510/sfm089_1.html 
http://www.discreet.com 
http://www.unrealpictures.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 24th)
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: 

> 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
 

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
 

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o Briefly Noted:

((Nashville, Tenn.) Orbison Records, a label that offers recordings from the late singer Roy Orbison, announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement to offer its catalog through Apple's iTunes music download store. The offering will include Orbison's recordings on Sun Records, rare live recordings, his final recordings and tracks from Orby Records.
http://www.royorbison.com

(Los Angeles) Video game developer Sega of America announced on Monday that it has partnered with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to co-publish the company's upcoming massively multiplayer online game based on its "Matrix" film trilogy. Under the terms, Sega will manage distribution of "The Matrix Online," while Warner will oversee content development and manage live game operations. The game is scheduled to launch in November 2004.
http://www.sega.com/usa 
http://www.thematrixonline.com

(Chicago) Video game publisher Midway Games on Monday announced the slate of new games it will display at this week's E3 video game convention. The company plans to show six new titles, including "Mortal Kombat: Deception," the latest title in the franchise that has spawned several spin-off movies, as well as "Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy," "Area 51," "MLB Slugfest: Loaded," "Shadow Hearts: Covenant" and "Midway Arcade Treasures 2."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040510/105034_1.html
http://www.midway.com

(Atlanta) Cingular Wireless said on Monday that it is sponsoring the text message voting element for "America's Tribal Council," a feature of CBS's "Survivor All-Stars" final that will enable viewers to choose one of the 18 losing contestants to win a second $1 million cash prize. Results from the voting, which may also be done via the CBS "Survivor" website, will be announced on Thursday.
http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor8/polls/viewers_choice/index.shtml

(Los Angeles) Cell phone maker Sony Ericsson announced on Monday that it has partnered with mobile games developer Sorrent to offer eleven of the company's titles on Sony Ericsson handsets. The available titles will include San Mateo, Calif.-based Sorrent's collaborations with Fox Sports, including "Yao Ming Basketball '04" and "Fox Sports Soccer '04."
http://www.sonyericsson.com 
http://www.sorrent.com

(Los Angeles) Video game publisher Ubisoft said on Monday that its Montreal studio is currently developing "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3," the next installment in its six million unit-selling franchise. The PC game is scheduled to launch in late 2004.
http://www.ubi.com/US/News/News_2004-05-10_splintercell3.htm

(San Diego) DivXNetworks, a developer of video compression technology, said on Monday that its DivX video compression technology has been used by a number of video game publishers to include DVD-quality in-game cinematics. Titles utilizing San Diego-based DivXNetworks' technology include Atari's "Enter the Matrix" and "Unreal Tournament 2004," Activision's "Tony Hawk Underground" and Electronic Arts' "James Bond 2004: Everything and Nothing."
http://www.divxnetworks.com/solutions/gaming

(Danville, Calif.) Computer peripherals developer R0R3 Devices announced on Monday that it is currently developing text and voice communication for video game consoles, including a controller that will be able to send and receive text and voice messages while games are running. Danville, Calif.-based R0R3 said the technology will be designed to support consoles that aren't online-capable, as well as non-online game titles.
http://www.r0r3.com

(San Francisco) CNET News.com reported on Monday that search engine giant Google plans to release tools that will automate the creation of keyword combinations for its keyword advertisers, in the hopes of boosting revenue derived from the lucrative service. ComScore estimates that currently only 40-45% of the 120 million daily Internet searches are linked to a keyword ad. Google's service would allow large advertisers like Amazon.com -- which bids on thousands of keywords -- to let Google's software automatically search its pages and generate keywords for ads.
http://news.com.com/2100-1024_3-5208492.html

(New York) The New York Post reports that all five major record labels have negotiated new song download pricing terms with Apple, which will result in increases on both some singles and full albums sold from the company's iTunes Store. The Post said that pricing for some of the most popular singles will rise from $0.99 to $1.25. Several albums have already been ratcheted up in price from the past standard of $9.99 to $16.99, the comparable price for a new release CD.
http://www.nypost.com/business/20309.htm 

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> Classifieds:

> 2-Day Workshop:"Developing Successful Products" Philadelphia-May 26-27

Learn unique approach to creating, developing, & launching products.
Includes: Market research, segmentation, value proposition, positioning,
requirements writing, business case, working with development, leading a
cross-functional product team, devising business cases, & orchestrating a
successful product launch, & post-launch audit. CALL Sequent Learning
Networks to register $995. Go to sequentlearning.com for FREE prod
mgmt/mktg/templates. Send inquiries to sjhaines@sequentlearning.com
___________________

> Account Manager: Technology Communications

Stanton Communications, The Holmes Report's 2003 Best Small Agency, seeks a professional with a proven ability to develop and retain media relationships, and can demonstrate success preparing written materials such as by-lined articles and speeches, and utilizing electronic tools for reaching the media. A minimum of 3-5 years experience communicating about technology products and services preferred. Agency experience a plus. Visit http://www.stantoncomm.com  Send resumes to pstanton@stantoncomm.com
_________________

> Director of Marketing & Communications - Washington, DC

This emerging homeland security company that provides products and services to first responders is looking for an experienced professional to build its marketing and communications capabilities. The position entails building the brand of the corporate parent and working with its subsidiaries to organize trade shows, advertising campaigns, public relations, marketing materials, and events. A min. of 10 years experience required with a strong background in developing, executing, and managing marketing strategies. Send resumes to: ldorrow@globalsecureholdings.com
___________________

> 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.
___________________

> HireStrategy - Treasury Manager

Candidate will oversee a staff of two and will perform servicing reports for 3 Lines of Credit, Cash allocations for the lines of credit, forecast using a cash mgmt model, oversee wire transfers/cash transfers, work with investment bankers and deal teams, and handle business loan trusts. Qualified candidates will have 4-7 years of exp. with an accounting foundation. Financial services experience is preferred. Please send resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire185.asp
_________________

> Account Executive

Account Executive and Inside Sales position available for highly motivated individuals with success selling software development services to private sector customers. Since 1982, Information Concepts (http://www.InfoConcepts.com) develops fixed-price, custom web-based, mission critical, database applications. Commissions based on gross sales with no limit on commission earnings. Send resumes to Resumes@InfoConcepts.com
_________________

> 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
____________________

> 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.
___________________

> 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
___________________

> Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004, June 21, Chicago, IL

The Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004 in Chicago is a forum for MWDVBEs and corporate supplier diversity teams to stay current on the latest business, political, regulatory and technical activities in the telecommunications industry. For more information on the summit, visit http://www.tiaonline.org/events/supplierdiv2004.cfm Send inquiries to lream@tiaonline.org

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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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