archives

o Report: Unauthorized Movie Downloads Up 20% Over Last Year
o Digital Video Firm Thomson Multimedia to Acquire Set-top Manufacturer
o Study: Consumer Broadband Prices Continuing to Rise
o SeaChange Postpones Earnings Statement Following Patent Case Ruling
> Digital Media Wire Panel: "Digital Asia" | Los Angeles | June 5
> Featured Event/Company: Jupiter Plug.IN
o Briefly Noted: Macromedia - software releases, Sony PlayStation 2 -
Ozzfest, Sirius Satellite Radio, Pocket PC Films - Generic Media, THQ -
"Star Wars," Sonic Solutions - Pioneer, Console price cuts - game
developers
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: Creative Services Mgr., Chief Technology Officer, Major Acct.
Executive, Acct. Executive, Dir. of Technology, Wireless Sales Exec.,
Acct. Director, Dir. of Product Management, Sr. Acct. Executive, Dir. of
Public Relations, Global Communications Mgr.

> Events: MBA Company Speaker Series

> Marketplace: Somedude's Website Design, Bender/Helper Impact, Digital
PCS Phone System, Digital Copying Machine

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

o Report: Unauthorized Movie Downloads Up 20% Over Last Year

Boston -- The number of unauthorized films downloaded each day from
file-sharing services and other online sources is estimated to be between
400,000 and 600,000, an increase of 20 percent over figures reported last
year, according to a recently published report from Boston-based Viant.
The surge is partially attributed to users going online to seek out copies
of the recently-released big budget productions "Spider-Man" and "Star
Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones." Viant said that of the estimated
10 million users who went to peer-to-peer file-sharing services like Kazaa
and Gnutella-based LimeWire, and other sources such as IRC (Internet Relay
Chat) rooms and Usenet to seek copies of one of the two films, only
between 2 and 3 million successfully downloaded a complete version. The
firm also noted that those using IRC were more likely to complete a
download of a whole movie, although the method is not nearly as
user-friendly as the peer-to-peer services. "Although IRC accounts for
only about 14 percent of the observable file-trading traffic online, we
estimate it accounts for 25-30 percent of observable file transfer
traffic. Put another way, an IRC user is more than twice as likely to
successfully complete a movie file download than a P2P network user,"
Viant said in its report.
http://www.viant.com/pages2/pages/frame_thought_copyright_2.html
http://www.viant.com/pages2/downloads/innovation_copyright_2.pdf
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o Digital Video Firm Thomson Multimedia to Acquire Set-top Manufacturer

Paris -- Thomson multimedia, a provider of digital video and interactive
television systems, announced on Thursday that it will acquire the digital
set-top box manufacturing business Digital Intermedia Systems (DIS), a
subsidiary of German firm Grundig AG. Financial terms of the transaction
were not disclosed. Paris-based Thomson will integrate DIS's set-top box
manufacturing facility, as well as the company's hardware and software
into its Broadband Access Products and Systems division. Grundig's DIS
business currently supplies set-top boxes to BskyB (British Sky
Broadcasting), the leading provider of digital TV in Britain and Ireland.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020530/302252_1.html
http://www.grundig.com/intermedia/index.html
http://www.thomson-multimedia.com
http://www.sky.com/skycom/home/
_____________________________________________

o Study: Consumer Broadband Prices Continuing to Rise

La Jolla, Calif. -- Overall consumer broadband Internet service rates
continued to rise in the first quarter of 2002, climbing to their highest
levels on record by the end of the quarter, according to a recently
released study from La Jolla, Calif.-based market research firm ARS. Cable
modem-based service prices rose 4 percent in the first quarter of 2002,
from an average of $43.21 per month in December 2001 to an average of
$44.95 per month in March 2002. Basic DSL service monthly prices increased
1.4 percent over the same time period, to an average of $51.82. ARS
estimates that high-speed cable services represent 62 percent of the
broadband market. "Ninety-one percent of all broadband service providers
that have been in business since the beginning of 2001 have raised their
rates since [last fall], indicating that industry consolidation that
ripped through the broadband market last year has left broadband consumers
with fewer choices and, ultimately, higher monthly prices," said ARS
broadband and cable industry analyst Mark Kersey.
http://www.ars1.com/press/pressreleases/Broadband052902.pdf
_____________________________________________

o SeaChange Postpones Earnings Statement Following Patent Case Ruling

Maynard, Mass. -- Following yesterday's announcement that the company had
lost in a patent dispute against rival video-on-demand system provider
NCube, SeaChange International announced that it will delay filing its
first quarter financial results until next week. Massachusetts-based
SeaChange was ordered to pay $2 million in damages and was assessed other
penalties in the patent case ruling. "While we are surprised and
disappointed by the jury's finding of willful infringement today, the
verdict will not materially affect the marketing and performance of our
VOD system. We expect the verdict will be set aside in further
proceedings," said SeaChange president and CEO Bill Styslinger. The
company also said it is awaiting a separate trial to determine damages
owed SeaChange resulting from a previous patent dispute where NCube was
found to be infringing on its proprietary technology. Six of the eight
largest cable operators in North America currently use SeaChange's servers
to deploy video-on-demand services to their subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020529/292539_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020529/292574_1.html
http://www.schange.com
http://www.ncube.com
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DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE PRESENTS:
"Wired and Mobile: How Far Ahead is Asia?"
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/LAasia2.html

Asia has embraced mobile phones and broadband services with an enthusiasm
that perhaps no other region can match. With so many wired and mobile
consumers in Asia, there are tremendous opportunities for distribution of
digital entertainment. This panel, led by tech-entertainment personality,
Ken Rutkowski, and composed of executives and professionals from
Microsoft, E! Networks, Moviso, EastWest VentureGroup, UCLA and Jones Day
will examine recent developments in Asia and discuss, among other things,
opportunities for U.S.-based companies to distribute content through
mobile and broadband services in Asia. For more information, contact Ned
Sherman at ned@digitalmediawire.com.

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Location: Four Seasons, Beverly Hills (Doheny and Burton Way)
Sponsored by: Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue and Bender/Helper Impact
To register: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/LAasia2.html

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

30 Reasons to Attend Jupiter Plug.IN -- July 8-9 - NYC

Reason #18: John Rose -- EMI Group EVP - is keynoting.
With artists like Lenny Kravitz and Kylie Minogue under contract, EMI is
accustomed to success. John Rose intends to keep it that way. Brought in
at the beginning of the year to lead EMI's Strategy, Business Development
and New Media initiatives, he faces some of the toughest decisions in the
firm's history. Hear his plans on how he'll address what he calls a
"defining point in the industry's history."
**To register or for more info: http://www.jmm.com/plugin
**For all 30 reasons and $200 off, email PluginReasons@jmm.com

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______________________

o Briefly Noted:

(San Francisco) Macromedia, a developer of Web publishing, digital
animation and other multimedia software, has released upgrades to a number
of its products. The "MX" product upgrades are now available for its
ColdFusion application server software, Dreamweaver Web publishing
software and Fireworks animation software, following the March release of
Flash MX, an upgrade to its ubiquitous Web software.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020529/sfw066_1.html
http://www.macromedia.com

(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America announced on
Thursday that its PlayStation 2 video game console brand will be the title
sponsor for this summer's Ozzfest 2002 concert tour. The tour, featuring
Ozzy Osbourne and other metal acts performing, is being produced by Clear
Channel Entertainment and will reach 28 markets in the U.S. Sony will
travel with its "PlayStation 2 Touring Attraction," a 68-foot
custom-designed vehicle with terminals allowing concertgoers to play newly
released games. The PlayStation 2 will also be a sponsor of the Vans
Warped Tour 2002, which features.
http://www.scea.com/news/press.asp
http://www.ozzfest.com/

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered
digital radio programming, announced on Thursday that its signal will
become available in nine additional states and the District of Columbia
this week. New York-based Sirius Satellite Radio's service will be
available June 1 in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, upstate New
York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and
Washington, D.C. The company's signal now covers 37 states, and is
expected to be available nationwide by July 1.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020530/nyth011_1.html
http://www.siriusradio.com

(Sherman Oaks, Calif.) Pocket PC Films, a distributor of multimedia
content for handheld devices, announced on Thursday that it has partnered
with Generic Media to add Palm OS-based devices to the range of devices on
which its films may be viewed. Under the agreement, Menlo Park,
Calif.-based Generic Media's gMovie Player, which enables viewing of video
content on Palm OS-based devices, will be included with Pocket PC Films
content distributed on CD-ROM. Pocket PC Films also distributes its
library of 25,000 films and other programming in Microsoft's Pocket PC
format.
http://www.genericmedia.com
http://www.pocketpcfilms.com

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Game developer THQ announced on Thursday the
release of its "Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones" title for
Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. The game was developed in conjunction with
San Rafael, Calif.-based LucasArts, the interactive entertainment unit of
director George Lucas's Lucas group.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020530/300102_1.html
http://www.thq.com

(Novato, Calif.) Sonic Solutions, a provider of DVD creation and editing
software, said on Thursday that its MyDVD software will be included along
with the latest DVD-R and DVD-RW drives manufactured by consumer
electronics firm Pioneer. Other licensees of Novato, Calif.-based Sonic's
DVD software include Microsoft, Sony, Hitachi, Fujitsu and HP.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020530/302023_1.html
http://www.sonic.com
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com

(San Jose, Calif.) The San Jose Business Journal recently featured a
report on how the recent price cuts for the major video game consoles are
affecting video game sales and the bottom lines of the companies that
develop and publish them. "[Game publishers] are ecstatic," said
Electronic Arts spokesman Jeff Brown. "The early word from retailers is
that they can't keep these game machines on the shelves. We're going to be
selling a lot more software a lot sooner than we thought. Trip Hawkins,
CEO of developer 3DO, concurred. "This is a big win for consumers; these
are really outstanding pieces of consumer hardware, and now they're
dirt-cheap," Hawkins told The San Jose Business Journal. "But mainly, it's
great for software publishers. It accelerates the growth of the installed
base and expands the demographics."
http://www.msnbc.com/news/758473.asp?0dm=C17UB
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/
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===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================

Creative Services Manager - Universal Studios Home Video - Universal City,
CA

You will be the glue that holds us together, taking print projects such as
key art development, packaging, and trade/consumer advertising and
promotional materials from concept to production. This will include
creative direction, sourcing artwork, assigning vendors and negotiating
prices. BA in Advertising, Design, or related field. Experience in account
management, art direction or graphic design in a creative services group
at a major studio, design or advertising agency. For prompt consideration,
visit us at http://www.universalstudios.com/jobs and submit your interest
for Requisition
#132HS.
_____________________________________________

Chief Technology Officer - Fandango - Santa Monica, CA

As the premiere remote source movie ticketing and information service,
FANDANGO is positioned to become the ultimate way to plan a night out to
the movies. As the Chief Technology Officer, you will act as the technical
leader and member of the executive management team, responsible for the
overall technical strategy, design, development and ongoing maintenance of
hardware and software systems. BA/BS in Computer Science and/or related
area. 7-9 years experience in a technical leadership role. Send your
resume to: jobs@fandango.com, indicating position title in subject
heading.
_____________________________________________

Major Account Executive - XO Communications - Los Angeles, CA

Proactively pursue potential large prospects by offering our
telecommunications products and services as customer solutions. Attain a
monthly sales quota; prospect new accounts through cold-calling,
telemarketing, networking, etc. for lead generation; assess customers'
telecommunications needs and recommend appropriate XO product solutions;
and prepare and present professional proposals specific to customer's
needs. Bachelor's degree preferred and 5 years telecommunications sales
experience required. Send resume and cover letter to: sales.resumes@xo.com
and reference LA-MAE for Los Angeles.
_____________________________________________

Account Executive - Vocus - Lanham, MD

Vocus is a leading provider of Web-based public relations automation (PRA)
software to the Global 2000. Build and maintain relationships; make
follow-up calls to existing clients; and provide product demos on request.
5 years of sales experience with min. 1 year of application software
sales. Located in Lanham, MD convenient commuting from Washington, DC. Pre
IPO, Venture Capitol Backing, Medical, Dental, 401k, 3 weeks Vacation,
Stock Options, and more. Please submit resume in Word with salary
requirements to: Cal Shilling, cshilling@vocus.com.
_____________________________________________

Director of Technology - Igicom - New York, NY

Igicom is a dynamic, Internet professional services firm looking to grow
its staff with talented, smart, and hard-working individuals who are
highly committed to quality. We seek a full-time Director of Technology to
work within multi-disciplinary teams to lead the development and strategy
of large-scale Web applications such as information/content management,
direct marketing/personalization and publishing systems, e-commerce sites,
and personalized user experiences. Send your resume and salary
requirements to jobs@igicom.com. Salary requirements are a MUST.
_____________________________________________

Wireless Sales Executive - Arch Wireless - San Francisco, CA

As the world's largest wireless data service company, Arch Wireless offers
our customers the latest technology in 2-way services for the mobile
professional. In this key role, you will generate new business selling
advanced messaging and wireless data services in a designated territory
while enhancing the products and services. B2B and some strategic selling
experience a must with selling wireless services or software solutions a
plus. Send resume and salary history to: ckjenkins@arch.com, Recruiting
Manager (Western Division).
_____________________________________________

Account Director - Edmunds.com - Santa Monica, CA

Edmunds.com, the authoritative Internet resource for automotive-related
content, is seeking an Account Director. Position plays a key role in the
development, support and management of the business relationships with OEM
managers and executives. You will develop a profitable business for
Edmunds.com and execute superior client satisfaction. 5 - 7 yrs of
automotive industry experience particular focus on marketing and sales at
the manufacturer level. Fax/email your resume & salary history: fax (310)
309-6466, email jobs@edmunds.com.
_____________________________________________

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

Responsible For Development and Implementation of Marketing Campaigns for
Selected Artists; Management of All Marketing Expenditures; Supervision of
Package Development and Management of the Production Process; Scheduling &
Follow Through of Various Project Components; and Long-Term Artist
Development & Marketing Strategies; Development of Artist And Product
Promotion Strategies and Campaigns; 3-5 Years Hands-On Record Business
Experience, incl. Pop Marketing, Sales & Promotion. Submit cover letter,
resume and salary requirement to: elena_avila@sonymusic.com
_____________________________________________

Senior Account Executive - D'Arcy Advertising - Los Angeles, CA

D'Arcy Los Angeles has created a group that specializes in acquiring and
retaining customers through sophisticated direct and online marketing
techniques. We now need a Senior Account Executive to take day-to-day
responsibility for client and program management. You need to be
intimately familiar with direct and online marketing processes from
concept to delivery. You should also have 2-5 years experience, a healthy
obsession for results, and the ability to guide clients with a firm but
diplomatic hand. E-mail your resume to carol.cave@darcyww.com
_____________________________________________

Director of Public Relations - Walt Disney Consumer Products - Los
Angeles, CA

Reports directly to the VP Marketing. Responsible for managing development
of communications strategy to improve and enhance the company's image;
all communications materials; working with ad agencies; serving as
company's spokesperson and media contact; and developing presentations for
executive management. 8+ years of relevant experience required. Email
cp.careers@Disney.com with your resume and Job Code# 02-0001616-02 in the
body of the email. No attachments.
_____________________________________________

Manager, Global Communications & Synergy - Walt Disney Consumer Products -
Los Angeles, CA

Responsible for global business communications - a central point of
contact for regional/country offices; importer of regional/country
information & creative assets; facilitate product development on new film
& Pixar properties; oversee content for intranet & B2B extranet; maintain
marketing calendar; and supervise Asset Management department. 8 yrs.
experience in launching leading consumer brands. Email
cp.careers@Disney.com with your resume and Job Code# 02-0002003-02 in the
body of the email. No attachments.
_____________________________________________

====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================

The MBA Company, "Building a Lighthouse Identity", Ten locations

The MBA Company, a nationwide business club for MBAs and other executives,
cordially invites you to join us for the next installment of our 2002
Speaker Series. Using videoconference technology, The MBA Company will
broadcast "Building a Lighthouse Identity", presented by Roger Gray,
President and Founder of GKV Communications. This evening event features
stimulating discussion and high-quality networking. Please contact us at
info@thembacompany.com or at 607/266-000 with questions or visit
http://www.thembacompany.com/events.shtml?p=Events_Calendar
_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================

Need a New Look? - Get A Website Facelift - Touch Your Customers In New
Ways!

Somedude's Website Design specializes in high impact and cost-effective
ways to bring your website up-to-date, whether its creating a new look and
feel; adding a simple, easy-to-use content management system or creating
applications that give your customers real value online. With a fraction
of the overhead that large web development companies have, we offer
customized solutions designed to meet your specific needs (and budget). We
work with a wide variety of companies, including Digital Media Wire, which
have directly benefited from our work. For more information, contact
mark@somedude.com
_____________________________________________

Bender/Helper Impact - Public Relations Agency

Bender/Helper Impact is a full-service, mid-sized public relations agency
with offices in Los Angeles 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,
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
_____________________________________________

Samsung DCS Digital Phone System - Complete - $4500

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 contact djpeebs@aol.com.
_____________________________________________

Sharp AR-5132 Digital Copier - Excellent! - $899

Used for a year, this copier is in great shape and priced to sell.
Everything work fine - all internal mechanisms, paper feeders, trays, and
optional 20-bin sorter - and it produces clean, professional copies.
Instructions Manuals included. This workhorse 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. 110k/600k copies. Must pick-up or arrange delivery (LA). For
further details contact djpeebs@aol.com.
______________________

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Copyright 2002 Digital Media Wire