archives

o Microsoft Sets November 8 Release Date for $299 Xbox
o Nintendo to Release GameCube 3 Days Before Microsoft's Xbox
o RealNetworks, Macromedia Software to Accompany Sony PlayStation 2
o Streaming Media Services Firm Eyecast Lays Off 50% of Staff
o Briefly Noted: MusicNet, Hague Convention, MP3Pro, Capcom - Constantin
Film - "Resident Evil," Nokia - Loki Software, "Shrek" digital screenings,
RealNetworks - Nokia, Grandmaster Flash, Gracenote - Pioneer
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> Job Postings: Senior Analyst, Media Analyst, Account Manager, Internet
Development Manager

> Events/Services: "Press Conference: Britney Spears/Interactive Entertainment,"
"Email Newsletter Tactics," "The SIBL Project Songwriting Contest,"
"SpyWorm's SEX* Awards," "Sensory Circus"

Full Job/Event descriptions listed below "Briefly Noted" section or at
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/postings.html

To Post a Job: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html
To Post an Event: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html
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o Microsoft Sets November 8 Release Date for $299 Xbox

Los Angeles -- Microsoft announced on Wednesday that its Xbox video game
console will be shipped to retail outlets on November 8th and sold for a
suggested retail price of $299 -- the same price Sony is currently asking
for its rival PlayStation 2 console. Sega is among 27 companies designing
games for Xbox that will take advantage of its ability to connect to the
Internet. Microsoft has also partnered with Warner Bros. and Universal
Interactive Services to create movie-related titles. The company will
release three games based on Steven Spielberg's upcoming film "A.I.,"
which Microsoft says are "considered interactive sequels to the movie."
Two will be released along with the console in November. Microsoft will
also develop a game for Universal based on the films of martial arts actor
Bruce Lee.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010516/sfw041.html
http://www.xbox.com
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o Nintendo to Release GameCube 3 Days Before Microsoft's Xbox

Los Angeles -- Nintendo announced on Wednesday that it will release its
GameCube video game console in the U.S. on November 5th -- three days
before Microsoft is due to ship its own Xbox console to retailers.
GameCube will be available in Japan beginning September 14th. The company
did not release pricing information, and is not expected to announce such
details at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which kicks off in Los
Angeles on Thursday. Microsoft has priced its Xbox at $299 to match what
Sony is charging for its PlayStation 2. GameCube titles will be written on
DVD discs instead of silicon-based cartridges, which means that games for
older Nintendo consoles like its Nintendo 64 cannot be played on the
GameCube. Sony's PlayStation 2, by contrast, plays all the original
PlayStation titles, as well as DVDs and CDs. Nintendo contracted
electronics manufacturer Matsushita to develop encryption for the GameCube
DVDs that is stronger than the current industry standard and easily-hacked
CSS (Content Scramble System).
http://www.nintendo.com/news/news_articles.jsp?articleID=3921
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o RealNetworks, Macromedia Software to Accompany Sony PlayStation 2

Los Angeles -- Sony announced on Wednesday that media player software
developed by RealNetworks and Macromedia will be implemented into its
Internet-connected PlayStation 2 (PS2) video game console. Seattle-based
RealNetworks' RealPlayer and Macromedia's FLASH program will be loaded
onto future shipments of the PS2. The software will allow PS2 gamers who
connect to the Internet to access streaming audio and video. It will also
allow Sony to update any streaming advertisements it embeds into PS2
games, as FLASH and RealPlayer software are two of the current methods
used to deliver ads to websites. Sony also announced that it will
implement new Internet protocol (IP) technology developed by Cisco Systems
that will address the inevitable shortage of IP addresses currently being
created by the growing number of non-PC, Internet-connected devices.
http://www.scea.com/news/press_example.asp?ReleaseID=9621
http://www.scea.com/news/press_example.asp?ReleaseID=9622
http://www.scea.com/news/press_example.asp?ReleaseID=9623
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o Streaming Media Services Firm Eyecast Lays Off 50% of Staff

Herndon, Va. -- Eyecast, a provider of streaming media services for
businesses, has laid off about 50 percent of its staff of 65, VentureWire
reported on Wednesday. The company said it is realigning its business in
light of current market conditions. Eyecast's latest layoffs follow a
round in March when it laid off 30 workers -- at the time about a quarter
of its staff -- and a round in January that also terminated about 30
employees. Virginia-based Eyecast provides Web-based security video
monitoring of corporate facilities.
http://www.eyecast.com
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o Briefly Noted:

(Cambridge, Mass.) Webnoize reported on Wednesday that RealNetworks will
give the first public preview of its MusicNet digital music platform on
Thursday. Seattle-based RealNetworks has been developing MusicNet with AOL
Time Warner, Bertelsmann and EMI Group and will use the service to license
songs for distribution online. The company said that the technology behind
MusicNet will be available this summer to partners who are looking to
create subscription services.
http://news.webnoize.com/item.rs?ID=13093
http://www.musicnet.com

(San Francisco) Wired News reported on Wednesday about the Hague
Convention, an international treaty being proposed that would compel
countries like the U.S. to enforce the copyright law judgments of foreign
countries. If passed, it could affect the availability of free software,
and also revisit the prospect of prosecuting people who operate Napster
servers in countries that do not recognize U.S. copyrights.
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,43820,00.html

(San Francisco) CNET featured an article on Wednesday about the new
digital audio file format being developed by the makers of MP3, called
MP3Pro. The slimmer MP3Pro might have a difficult time attracting support
though, as major labels are choosing more secure formats such as
Microsoft's Windows Media to distribute their music online.
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-5949536.html?tag=cd_pr

(Los Angeles) Game developer Capcom announced on Wednesday that Constantin
Film and Impact Pictures will produce a feature-length film based on its
"Resident Evil" line of video games, which have sold 18 million units
worldwide. The zombie film will be written, directed and produced by Paul
W.S. Anderson ("Event Horizon," "Mortal Kombat") and star Milla Jovovich
("The Fifth Element," "The Messenger") and Michelle Rodriguez
("Girlfight").
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/211360037&ticker=
http://www.videogames.com/features/universal/res_evil/page2.html
http://www.capcom.com

(Los Angeles) Wireless technology developer Nokia announced on Wednesday
that games based on the Linux operating system are will come embedded with
its Nokia Media Terminal. The device was created based on "open
standards," meaning that its base software code is freely available to any
developers that wish to study it, fix flaws and further its development.
California-based Loki Software will provide the Linux games.
http://press.nokia.com/PR/200105/821338_5.html
http://www.lokigames.com

(Los Angeles) DreamWorks Pictures announced that it will show its upcoming
digitally animated film "Shrek" on eleven screens with digital projection
nationwide. Most theaters will be showing a version of the original that
has been transferred from digital to film. The digital "Shrek" will be
screened at theaters including Loews E-Walk in
New York, AMC Van Ness 14 in San Francisco and AMC Media Center North in Burbank.
http://www.dreamworks.com

(Seattle) RealNetworks announced on Wednesday that its media player
software will be included with Nokia's Media Terminal, a home
entertainment device that combines digital video broadcast, gaming,
streaming and downloadable digital media, Internet access and personal
video recorder (PVR) technology. The Finland-based wireless technology
provider is also using Seattle-based RealNetworks' media delivery software
in its cell phones.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010516/2348.html
http://www.nokia.com/multimedia/mediaterminal.html

(San Francisco) Wired News is currently offering an audio interview with
pioneering rapper Grandmaster Flash, during which he discusses the digital
distribution of music. The artist was part of the Bronx-based group the
Furious Five, best known for its track "The Message."
http://www.wired.com/news/radio/0,1665,43693,00.html
http://www.grandmasterflash.com/start.html

(Berkeley, Calif.) Digital music database provider Gracenote has partnered
with consumer electronics manufacturer Pioneer to develop a music
recognition service for car stereos. Several Pioneer car stereo models
will come embedded with the Gracenote CDDB database, which provides
artist, album and track information for CDs; drivers will also be able to
update the database by connecting the stereo to a cell phone and accessing
CDDB online.
http://www.gracenote.com/press/2001051400.html
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com

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Job Postings:
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To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html

> Universal Music Group, Senior Analyst - Los Angeles

eLabs, the strategy and R&D center for Universal Music Group, is looking
to fill a junior business development position. Ideal candidate will
have1-2 yrs exp. in I-banking, Management Consulting or strategy/bizdev
for top entertainment or media company. Must have solid analytical and
comm. skills, and a strong interest in music. Industry exp. or technology
background a plus. Send resumes to roy.kosuge@umusic.com
http://www.umusic.com
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> Circle.com, Media Analyst - New York City

Circle.com, a leading Internet solutions provider to Fortune 1000
companies, is currently seeking a Media Analyst to develop sophisticated
reports & recommendations for a top 10 advertiser, based on cost per
acquisition in media placements & creative ad units. Must have online
media planning & DART experience, as well as Excel, Access & AdKnowledge,
etc. Send resumes to nyjobs@circle.com
http://www.circle.com
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> Globix, Account Manager - New York City

Top-tier Internet solutions provider seeks Acct. Mgr. with 1-3 yrs.
outside sales exp. in a broadband, ISP or telco envioronment. Must be able
to maintain a high level of prospecting and have the service skills to
retain a business base. Team players only! Excellent time management &
communication skills. BS/ BA Degree prefered.
Send resumes to abc@globix.com
http://www.globix.com
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> WWZZ Radio, Internet Development Manager - Washington, D.C.

Produce & manage the daily tasks necessary to continue the outward growth
of Z104's web site. This will include daily, weekly & monthly updating of
the site, reporting statistics & coordination of sales projects w/ sales
people. Also responsible for updating databases. Minimum 2 yrs. Internet
design exp. DreamWeaver, PhotoShop, Fireworks & Flash a must. Send resumes
to ccruz@thez.com
http://www.thez.com

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Event Postings:
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To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html

> Press Conference: Britney Spears/Interactive Entertainment - Los Angeles

Press conference to announce Britney Spears' first foray into the
interactive entertainment industry. Thursday, May 17 at 10 a.m.; E3 Expo,
Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall Room 501A. Who: Paul Cha,
Enroute; Johnny Wright, co-manager, Britney Spears; Mark Steverson,
Rudolph and Beer. Credentialed press only.
Contact: Jonalyn Morris, Bender/Helper Impact, 310-473-4147.
jonalyn_morris@bhimpact.com
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> E-mail Newsletter Tactics, June 14-15th - Reston, VA

Learn how to profit from e-mail newsletters! If you already produce one or
several e-mail newsletters, or are thinking about launching one, E-mail
Newsletter Tactics is a must-attend event. For an agenda, go to:
http://seminars.internet.com/email/va01/index.html Special offer for
DigitalMediaWire subscribers -- SAVE 15% off the full conference price.
For details and to sign up, call 203-662-2857
or email aalessio@internet.com
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> The SIBL Project Songwriting Contest, May 1 - August 8

The SIBL Project launches a national and international songwriting contest
on May 1st 2001. If you've written a song inspired by a book, poem or
play, submit it to The SIBL Project Songwriting Competition. Deadline for
entries is September 8, 2001. All proceeds benefit adult literacy
programs.
For more information: annie@mentlmusic.com
http://www.siblproject.org
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> SpyWorm's SEX* Awards, September 13 - Los Angeles

Webcasting production house SpyWorm is recruiting 30 filmmakers to each
create a 5-minute "reality-based" short on SEX*. Each candidate gets DV
gear, $100 lunch money and 3 days of post-production services. All
interested filmmakers are encouraged to e-mail their resumes & best short
pitch about SEX* by June 15 to:
pitches@spyworm.tv
http://www.spyworm.tv
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> Sensory Circus, June 9 - Los Angeles

Art, fashion, music, technology and film come together for the debut of
Sensory Circus at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel. This electric and
sophisticated event will extend throughout every ballroom, terrace and
rooftop, showcasing new bands and DJ's, the latest fashions and visual,
technological and sculpture artists. To submit an artistic work, inquire
about sponsorship or register for the event, please visit:
http://www.sensorycircus.com
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