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May 25, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o FBI, Customs Agents Shut Down BitTorrent Server Offering "Star Wars"
o Actors' Unions to Vote on Strike Over Video Game Payments
o Reuters: Sony BMG, AOL Close to Music Video Deal
o Former NBC Exec Sassa Resigns As CEO of Friendster
o Report: Digital Video Recorder Shipments, Subscriptions Rise Sharply
o Activision Acquires Canadian Game Developer Beenox
o Magnum Semiconductor Acquires Cirrus Logic Digital Video Assets

> DMW Announcements:
--Digital Media Conference - June 17, 2005

> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: Blu-ray Disc Association, Yahoo - ChoiceStream, Ballantyne of Omaha - NEC, MediaBay - OverDrive, Loudeye - Planet Internet, SmartVideo - E! Entertainment, Activision - "Madagascar The Game," Creative - "Game Star," XM Satellite Radio - Indianapolis 500
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Channel Sales Director
--IT Solutions and Services Sales - Financial/Insurance Vertical
--Information Architect
--Senior Java Developer
--Systems Engineer
--Sr. J2EE Developer
--Director, IT Planning and Program Management - Biotech
--Telecommunications Marketing Associate
--Business Intelligence Consultants
--Video Games Producer, MTV.com
--Director - Product Marketing, Visa USA
--Online Marketing Manager
--Web Designer/E-Advocate
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
--iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum
 


o FBI, Customs Agents Shut Down BitTorrent Server Offering "Star Wars"

Washington -- U.S. authorities announced on Wednesday that they have shut down a BitTorrent file-sharing server that was offering copies of "Revenge of the Sith" and other copyrighted movies and software for download. The FBI and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) executed ten warrants in eight states and seized the main server for Elite Torrents, a network with 133,000 members that offered 17,800 movie, music and software titles, which were collectively downloaded 2.1 million times. A message on the site today reads: "This site has been permanently shut down by the Federal Bureau of investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement." The latest "Star Wars" film was available on Elite Torrents six hours before it debuted in theaters, and had been downloaded more than 10,000 times, authorities said. "Through today's landmark enforcement actions, ICE and the FBI have shut down a group of online criminals who were using legitimate technology to create one-stop shopping for the illegal sharing of movies, games, software and music," said Michael J. Garcia, Homeland Security assistant secretary for ICE.
http://www.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel05/bittorrent052505.htm
http://tinyurl.com/7lkfp 
http://www.elitetorrents.org 
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o Actors' Unions to Vote on Strike Over Video Game Payments

Los Angeles -- The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), two unions that represent actors in labor negotiations, announced that they have asked their members to vote on whether to strike against the video game industry. Actors believe they should be compensated in accordance with game sales, in addition to lump sum advance payments, for the use of their voices and likenesses in video games. Negotiations between video game publishers and actors recently broke down, following the expiration of existing contracts in December. Members of the actors' unions picketed outside the video game industry's E3 Expo last week in Los Angeles. Under union rules, 75% of SAG members and two-thirds of AFTRA members must vote in favor to authorize a strike; results of the votes are expected on June 7.
http://tinyurl.com/7wzzd 
http://tinyurl.com/9e2he 
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o Reuters: Sony BMG, AOL Close to Music Video Deal

New York -- A source familiar with the deal tells Reuters that Sony BMG is close to signing a deal that would give America Online access to its music video library. The New York Post also reported that AOL could pay over $25 million for exclusive rights to the catalog, while Reuters said Sony BMG CEO Andrew Lack is considering "a certain amount of exclusivity" for AOL. Traditionally, the labels have openly licensed their video collections to multiple providers for free, but many have recently begun charging AOL, Yahoo, MSN and others fees, or taking a share of ad revenue, for the rights to offer their music videos online.
http://tinyurl.com/appdf 
http://www.nypost.com/business/47132.htm 
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o Former NBC Exec Sassa Resigns As CEO of Friendster

Los Angeles -- Scott Sassa, the former president of NBC Entertainment who accepted the job of chief executive of social networking site Friendster a little over a year ago, has resigned. "For his own reasons, it's just not a fit for him right now, and he's moving on," Russell Siegelman, a managing partner at Friendster investor Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, told CNET News.com. "It's unfortunate, but the company will move on." Sassa replaced Friendster founder Jonathan Abrams in the CEO post in June 2004, and will be replaced by Taek Kwon, executive vice president for products and technology at Citysearch.
http://tinyurl.com/75tey 
http://www.friendster.com 
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o Report: Digital Video Recorder Shipments, Subscriptions Rise Sharply

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- U.S. shipments of digital video recorders rose sharply during the past year, from 4.6 million in 2003 to 11.4 million in 2004, brought about by increased consumer awareness of the ability to time-shift TV programs, according to a report from Arizona-based market research firm In-Stat. Household subscriptions to digital video recorder services, such as those offered by TiVo and satellite and cable TV providers, also rose about 155% -- from 3.6 million in 2004 to 9.2 million in 2005. "The deployment of PVR products has been a success story for both pay-TV service providers and consumer electronics manufacturers," said In-Stat analyst Mike Paxton. "While the current growth of PVRs is being spurred by satellite TV set top box products and DVD recorders with built-in hard disk drives, other product segments like cable TV set top box-based PVRs are also flying off the shelves." Worldwide digital video recorder product revenues have also spiked, from $2.1 billion in 2003 to $4.3 billion in 2004; In-Stat noted that North America remains the largest digital video recorder market, followed by Japan.
http://www.instat.com/press.asp?ID=1340&sku=IN0501805ME 
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o Activision Acquires Canadian Game Developer Beenox

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Video game publisher Activision announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Quebec-based Beenox, the developer of Activision titles such as "Shrek 2," "Tony Hawk's Underground 2" and the upcoming "Fantastic Four." Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Beenox's management team and key employees from its 32-member team have signed long-term employment contracts, and will remain based in Quebec City, Canada. Santa Monica, Calif.-based Activision said the transaction will give it a foothold in Quebec, which it called "one of the fastest growing development talent pools in North America." Activision has also recently acquired New York-based developer Vicarious Visions and Novato, Calif.-based Toys for Bob.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050525/law051.html 
http://www.activision.com 
http://www.beenox.com 
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o Magnum Semiconductor Acquires Cirrus Logic Digital Video Assets

Austin, Texas -- Cirrus Logic, a manufacturer of chips for consumer and commercial audio, automotive entertainment and industrial applications, announced on Wednesday that it has sold its digital video product line to Magnum Semiconductor, a company formed by an investment group led by Investcorp and August Capital. Although financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Cirrus said it will maintain a minority equity stake in Magnum, and record a charge of $7 million associated with exiting existing facility leases, and professional fees related to the deal. Austin-based Cirrus will now focus on its product lines for audio and industrial markets, while Magnum Semiconductor will focus on digital video chips for consumer applications such as DVD recorders, hard disk-drive-based camcorders and network media adapters; Cirrus customers included LG, Samsung and Sony.
http://www.cirrus.com 
http://www.investcorp.com 
http://www.augustcap.com 

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>DMW Events:
 



2nd Annual Digital Media Conference
June 17, 2005 | McLean, VA
www.digitalmediaconference.com

Mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Digital Media Conference is set for Friday, June 17, 2005 at the Hilton McLean in Tysons Corner, McLean, Virginia. This is a must-attend event for media, entertainment and technology businesses, educational institutions and government agencies involved in the digital distribution of media, including information, education & entertainment products.

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Copyrights v. Technology: The Battle Heats Up
  • Digital Living:  Entertainment for the Connected Consumer
  • The "New" FCC and the Future of Digital Media
  • Video Games: An Industry Going Mainstream?
  • The Evolution of Radio: Satellite, Wireless & the Internet
  • The Changing Face of Television: Exploring Digital Frontiers
  • Mobile Entertainment: Wireless Technologies Shaping the Future of Entertainment
  • Online Publishing 2.0: Blogs, RSS & Other Innovations Driving the Industry

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Pre-Registration: $295 (until June 1)
Registration:$395 (after June 1)

Register online at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1101

Phone registration: 323-852-7130


To submit speakers or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: heather@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Hollywood) The Blu-ray Disc Association, a consortium of companies that support Sony's next-generation DVD format, announced on Wednesday that it has completed design on a mass production process to master BD-ROM discs. The first two commercial machines, for Technicolor and Cinram, are due for installation in the second quarter of 2005. The group also said that Blu-ray companies have successfully demonstrated 200GB discs in a laboratory environment.
http://www.blu-raydisc.com 

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Yahoo announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with ChoiceStream to launch a personalized movie recommendation feature on its Yahoo Movies destination. The feature will recommend both current and past films to check out in theaters, on TV or on DVD/video, based on a user's past preferences, and also link to reviews and recommendations from other fans. Cambridge, Mass.-based ChoiceStream's software is also used by AOL TV and the Columbia House DVD Store.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050525/255348.html
http://www.choicestream.com
http://movies.yahoo.com/recommendations

(Omaha, Neb.) Ballantyne of Omaha, a manufacturer of digital cinema projection equipment, announced on Wednesday that it has signed a three-year agreement with the U.S. unit of Japanese electronics maker NEC, to distribute NEC's line of digital cinema and in-theater advertising products in North America. NEC is one of three licensees of Texas Instruments' DLP digital cinema technology, and manufactures digital projectors, LCD and plasma displays, servers and software.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050525/255631.html
http://www.ballantyne-omaha.com
http://www.necsam.com
http://www.strong-cinema.com

(Cedar Knolls, N.J.) MediaBay, a distributor of spoken word audio content, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with OverDrive, a provider of audiobook and e-book lending technology to libraries, to bring selections from MediaBay's 50,000-hour library of classic radio programs to U.S. libraries. Programs such as "The Jack Benny Show," "Abbott & Costello" and "The Shadow" will be offered for download to patrons of OverDrive's partner libraries, which include the New York Public Library, San Jose Public Library, Phoenix Public Library and Cleveland Public Library.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050525/nyw126.html
http://www.mediabay.com
http://www.overdrive.com

(London) Loudeye, a provider of branded digital music stores and other digital media services, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Dutch ISP Planet Internet, to launch a digital music service for the company's ADSL subscribers. The service will offer Planet Internet subscribers free music for a year, in the form of promotional credits that can be spent to stream or download individual tracks and full albums.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050525/sfw025.html
http://www.loudeye.com
http://www.planet.nl 

(Atlanta) SmartVideo Technologies, a provider of mobile TV programming for cell phones, said on Wednesday that it has added content from E! Entertainment to its streaming video service. Atlanta-based SmartVideo also offers video content for cell phones from ABC News, NBC Universal, Fox Sports and others, starting at $12.95 per month.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050525/255150.html
http://www.smartvideo.com 

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Game publisher Activision on Wednesday shipped its "Madagascar The Game" title, based on the DreamWorks Animation digitally-animated feature film. Activision's Toys for Bob studio created the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube versions of the title, while Vicarious Visions developed the title for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, and Beenox made the version for PC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050525/law048.html
http://www.activision.com 

(Milpitas) Consumer electronics firm Creative on Wednesday introduced a suite of children's PC games that utilize a USB camera accessory to capture body movements and integrate them into the games. The $40 "Game Star" package includes ten titles developed by Eye Games for children ages 3-12, and a Creative WebCam Instant entry-level Web camera. The offering is similar to the games offered for Sony's EyeToy USB camera for PlayStation 2.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050525/sfw068.html
http://www.eyegames.com
http://www.us.creative.com 

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio, a satellite-delivered subscription radio service, announced on Wednesday that it will provide the first satellite broadcast of the Indianapolis 500 race on Sunday. Washington-based XM recently signed a multi-year agreement to serve as official satellite radio partner of the Indy Racing League (IRL).
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050525/dcw013.html
http://www.irl.xmradio.com

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Channel Sales Director

ExtenDB is searching for a Channel Sales Director to be responsible for developing and implementing partner strategies to grow company revenue through resellers, system integrators, and technology partners. The ideal candidate has experience in channel management or business development within the Business Intelligence or database markets. About us: ExtenDB leverages open source and commodity computing to offer exceptional value for BI solutions. Send resumes to jobs@extendb.com
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> IT Solutions and Services Sales - Financial/Insurance Vertical

Software AG seeks an Account Executive to sell IT Solutions and Professional Services in the New York City/NJ/Philadelphia area. Qualified candidates will have previous experience selling Integration/middleware solutions and Services within Insurance and Financial Services companies. Familiarity with XML and integration platforms essential. Visit http://www.softwareagusa.com/ or email resume to kim.burger@softwareagusa.com
_________________

> Information Architect

This exciting role is an opportunity for a seasoned Application Developer with Java and Websphere experience. Must have five or more years exp. in systems engineering with a large business enterprise with revenues of $100 million reqd. Candidate must demonstrate proficiency and exp. in any of J2EE (4 years), EAI (Websphere Family), Unix, and Oracle. Require financial/accounting applications, Network operating systems and client/server systems environments. Please submit your resume to vbhatia@hirestrategy.com, or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire266.asp
_________________

> Senior Java Developer

Looking for software engineers interested in helping us build a worldwide info mgmt system. Our preferred candidate is someone with demonstrated application development/software engineering exp. creating web-based applications using Java, JSP, EJB, JDBC, Struts, Hibernate, Spring, Ant, and WebLogic. Knowledge of Oracle DBMS and Plumtree Portal Server is also desired. A solid understanding of n-tiered application architecture and enterprise design patterns is essential. Must be a U.S. citizen and hold a B.S. or M.S. degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems, or a similar degree. Send inquiries to careers@nearinfinity.com
_________________

> Systems Engineer

Solutions System Engineer to support sales team in Md/Va and East. Canada. Must be expert in X86/VME/cPCI technology. Req. 1-2 certifications. Project oriented - may lead assigned project(s) from beginning to end. Must have integration experience. Send resumes to talent.acquisition@avnet.com
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> Sr. J2EE Developer - Washington, DC

Senior level position providing highest level of technical support and leadership on projects, business development initiatives, and internal programs. Min. 5 years of professional exp. designing and implementing enterprise level J2EE transactional applications. Candidate must have demonstrable expertise using the following APIs: Servlet/JSP, EJB, RMI, JNDI, JDBC, JTA. Candidate must have demonstrable expertise with Java application servers such as WebLogic, WebSphere, Oracle Application Server, JBoss, etc. Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen. Active Security Clearance preferred. Send resumes to sshmia@1-sc.com
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> Director, IT Planning and Program Management - Biotech

Key member of IT organization, rotational assignment intended to prepare incumbent for subsequent, major management position within IT. Manage a staff of 3-4 professionals; partner with CIO in managing IT planning and administration for the organization. Prepare and track IT budget; determine performance measures; lead program management across all business functions; establish standards; prepare presentations to BOD and senior management. Send resumes to fsltd@earthlink.net
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> Telecommunications Marketing Associate

Develop and execute telecom lead generation programs. Manage and implement major promotional events. Provide strategic guidance and marketing support to the Client Service Partners and their teams that serve several large telecom clients. Gather/provide client and market intelligence for our wireline affinity group. Initiate marketing tactics and implement activities according to plan and within budget parameters. Require: BA degree in Mkt. 5 plus years in the telecommunications industry. Send resumes to sboulos@deloitte.com
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> Business Intelligence Consultants

Data Management Group, the mid-Atlantic leader in Business Intelligence consulting, is looking for great people to join our growing team. We are looking for energetic and outgoing self-starters with experience in any of the following tools and applications: Cognos, Crystal Reports, Oracle, Business Objects, J2EE, .NET. We are also looking for Top Secret cleared candidates for positions at Fort Meade, MD. Join the exciting world of consulting. Send resumes to resumes@datamanagementgroup.com
_________________

> Video Games Producer, MTV.com

Video Games Producer serves as production team lead for MTV.com's video games area & editorial coverage. Responsible for seamless execution & creative vision for area, including design, editorial & video production, wireframes, func. specs, production sched, resource alloctn, must have 4-8 years of exp building web content for major brands and/or video games content. Ideal: knows MS Visio, HTML editing tools (Homesite) & strong affinity to MTV brand (on-air and online), pc and console, gaming culture.  Contact careers@mtv.com
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> Director - Product Marketing, Visa USA - Foster City, CA

As a Director, the candidate will supervise staff at the Senior Marketing Manager level who have day-to-day responsibility for specific promotional programs for Visa Card usage, and he/she will have overall program and budget accountability. College degree and 10-15 years of marketing exp., including promotions and co-marketing experience. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, creative as well as strategic thinker, flexible, resourceful, good at setting priorities and managing complexity, a good decision-maker.  Submit your resume online: http://usa.visa.com/about_visa/careers/jobsearch/USA_6432.html
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> Online Marketing Manager - NYC

Develop and manage the execution of Internet marketing campaigns to acquire new registered users for our media properties and grow online revenues and profits, develop and execute web acquisition campaigns including email, banner, newsletter and other emerging online media tools. 2-5 years exp. in online sales and marketing, Knowledge of performance based marketing and email marketing. Excellent copywriting skills and creativity. Strong quantitative /analytical skills to analyze campaign data and provide implications, recommendations and testing plan; solid understanding of Excel required. BS/BA required. Email your resume as a word document to richardb@silvercarrot.com
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> Web Designer/E-Advocate - Alexandria, VA

National non-profit highway safety group seeks Web Designer/Manager of E- advocacy in Alexandria, VA. Experience (3-4 yrs) online journalism or designing and developing websites required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package including 401k. Email resume to: hiring@go21.org
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> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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> iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum

iPath Technologies, Inc., has added a new offering to its Juniper networking courses entitled Implementing Netscreen Security Gateways. INSG is valuable to network engineers, support personnel, resellers, and others who implement NetScreen products. For the latest course dates and locations, please visit http://www.ipath.net For information contact training@ipath.net
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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.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. 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, Thames Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

More information:
www.digitalmediawire.com, www.potomactechwire.com, www.newenglandtechwire.com, www.bayareatechwire.com, www.tristatetechwire.com, www.southeasttechwire.com, www.thamestechwire.com, www.europeantechwire.com


Executive & Editorial Team
CEO & Publisher: Ned Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Heather Nicolaides

Editor: Mark Hefflinger


Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions - comments@digitalmediawire.com

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