archives

o Music Software Played Role in Breakdown of AOL-Microsoft Talks
o Clear Channel Using Web-Only Ads to Resume Radio Webcasts
o Streaming Previews Provider FirstLook.com Lays Off 43% of Staff
o Microsoft Settles Trademark Dispute with Xbox Technologies
o Secure File-Sharing Exchange CenterSpan Raises $5.4 Million
o Audio Fingerprinting Developer Audible Magic Raises $3 Million
o Yellowbrix to Acquire Web Content Distributor iSyndicate
o Report: Streaming Ads Will Grow to $3.1 Billion by 2005
o Salon.com to Appeal Nasdaq Delisting
o Open Source MP3 Alternative Ogg Vorbis Available for Download
> Wednesday: DMW & socalTECH Seminar: Digital Asia -- June 20 | Los Angeles
> Digital Media Wire Seminar: iTV -- June 27 | San Francisco
o Briefly Noted: Microsoft - Capitol Records - Paul McCartney, PacketVideo
- Siemens, Liberate Technologies - Optus, Liquid Audio - Roadrunner
Records, A&E Television - RadioCentral, Webcam privacy
_____________________________________________

> Job Postings: Web Designer, Dir. of Internet Advertising,
Sr. Software Engineer, Project Manager, New Media Designer

> Events/Services: "Free WebCast Series: Delivering Results in Today's
Changing Environment," "The Corporate Venture Capital Conference"

Full Job/Event/Services 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/Service: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html
_____________________________________________

o Music Software Played Role in Breakdown of AOL-Microsoft Talks

New York -- Negotiations between Microsoft and AOL over the terms by which
AOL's Internet access software would be included with Microsoft's new XP
operating system have broken down, according to published reports. Among
the issues that the two companies could not agree on, which included how
to deal with their competing instant messaging software, was Microsoft's
plans for its Windows Media audio and video technologies in the new
operating system. "The issue was Microsoft's intention to gain as much
control over music on the Internet as they have over operating systems on
the computer desktop, and we couldn't accept that," AOL corporate vice
president John Buckley told The Wall Street Journal. AOL currently has an
exclusive deal with Seattle-based RealNetworks to provide audio and video
delivery software to its users.
http://public.wsj.com/sn/y/SB992819841855498241.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1003-200-6295416.html
http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,27232,00.html
_____________________________________________

o Clear Channel Using Web-Only Ads to Resume Radio Webcasts

Los Angeles -- Radio broadcaster Clear Channel announced on Monday that it
will use streaming media technology to insert Web-only advertising into
the online simulcasts of its radio stations' broadcasts, according to a
Reuters report. Clear Channel pulled the online versions of over 1,000 of
its stations two months ago when it was told that actors who did voice
work in advertisements would have to be paid additional fees if the ads
were streamed online. The company will resume streaming 250 of the
channels starting in July. Clear Channel is using technology from Los
Angeles-based Hiwire to insert Web-only ads that cover up the broadcast
ads to avoid paying the additional actors' fees.
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010618/wr/leisure_clearchannel_dc_1.html
http://content.clearchannel.com/corporate/article/CCIG-Audio_Streaming.doc
http://www.hiwire.com
http://www.clearchannel.com
_____________________________________________

o Streaming Previews Provider FirstLook.com Lays Off 43% of Staff

Sherman Oaks, Calif. -- FirstLook.com, a provider of streaming movie,
music and video game samples to websites, has laid off 43 percent of its
staff, or 22 employees, VentureWire reported Monday. The layoffs are an
effort to conserve cash while the company seeks a merger or buyout.
Sherman Oaks-based FirstLook said that the move will reduce its burn rate
from $4 million to $2 million; the company still holds $9 million of the
$36 million in funding it raised in April 2000.The company offers 3.5
million streaming video previews of movies, TV shows, video game samples
and music.
http://www.firstlook.com
_____________________________________________

o Microsoft Settles Trademark Dispute with Xbox Technologies

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft said that it has settled its trademark dispute
with Xbox Technologies over the use of the term "xbox" as the name of
Microsoft's video game console. Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Xbox
Technologies, a holding company for technology-related businesses, has
agreed to change its corporate name in due course. Specific terms of the
settlement were not disclosed. Microsoft plans to release the Xbox
commercially on November 8, three days after Nintendo will start selling
its rival GameCube console.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010615/2363.html
http://www.xboxtechnologies.com
_____________________________________________

o Secure File-Sharing Exchange CenterSpan Raises $5.4 Million

Hillsboro, Ore. -- CenterSpan Communications, the provider of a secure
peer-to-peer file-sharing exchange using Microsoft's digital rights
management technology, announced on Monday that it has raised $5.4 million
in equity financing from new and existing institutional investors. The
investment comes in the form of a private stock placement at a share price
of $11.21. Oregon-based CenterSpan is currently beta testing its re-launch
of Scour Exchange, a popular file-trading application it bought at auction
for $9 million. It has integrated Microsoft technology to prevent
unauthorized copying of the music and movies on the file-sharing service.
The re-launched Scour currently offers music and video content from
providers including EMusic and Filmspeed. The company will use the funds
to continue its roll-out of Scour and to pursue strategic partnerships
with providers.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgibin/f_headline.cgi?bw.061801/211692290&ticker=CSCC
http://www.centerspan.com
_____________________________________________

o Audio Fingerprinting Developer Audible Magic Raises $3 Million

Los Gatos, Calif. -- Audible Magic, a developer of "fingerprinting"
identification technology for digital audio, announced that it has raised
$3 million in its third round of venture capital financing. Florida
Silicon Partners led the investment round, in which a number of individual
investors also participated. Los Gatos-based Audible Magic's software
automatically generates a playlist of songs or ad content played on a Web
radio station by electronically "listening" to the station. This data is
then marketed to websites as a means of logging statistics to pay
royalties and track the popularity of songs. It is also used in a music
player that can create automatic playlists for consumers. The company will
use the funds to customize its products for a number of specific markets
and for general operating expenses.
http://www.audiblemagic.com
_____________________________________________

o Yellowbrix to Acquire Web Content Distributor iSyndicate

Alexandria, Va. -- Yellowbrix, a provider of content management and
distribution to corporate clients, announced on Monday that it will
acquire iSyndicate, a syndicator of Web-based editorial content. Terms of
the transaction were not disclosed, but the deal is expected to close
within 60 days and is subject to the completion of San Francisco-based
iSyndicate's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Virginia-based Yellowbrix
said that previous investor Quantum Industrial Partners -- owned by
billionaire George Soros -- will fund the cash aspect of the acquisition,
and will also provide an undisclosed amount of funding to the new company.
The combined company will maintain the Yellowbrix and iSyndicate product
lines, but will begin to offer integrated services in the near future.
http://www.yellowbrix.com/pages/www/ybx.nsp?id=pr&date=06182001
http://www.isyndicate.com
_____________________________________________

o Report: Streaming Ads Will Grow to $3.1 Billion by 2005

Boston -- More consumers adoption of broadband and new forms of
advertising will spur sales of streaming media ads to grow from $44
million last year to $3.1 billion by 2005, according to a report released
Monday by Boston-based analyst firm Yankee Group. Streaming media ads will
develop into infomercial-type offerings, where consumers have on-demand
access to "a broad array of videos providing information on cars,
computers, vacations, and other big-ticket items," said Yankee Group
analyst Steve Vonder Haar. "[Streaming advertising] represents how the Web
is best suited for delivering video with a purpose rather than video for
couch potatoes."
http://www.yankeegroup.com/webfolder/yg21a.nsf/press/FE310C24F9DFA93E85256A6F00490633?OpenDocument
_____________________________________________

o Salon.com to Appeal Nasdaq Delisting

San Francisco -- Online magazine Salon.com has requested an oral hearing
before the Nasdaq Qualifications Panel to appeal the exchange's
determination that the company is not meeting the minimum requirements for
listing. The company's stock has traded below the Nasdaq $1 share price
minimum since January. San Francisco-based Salon said it is considering a
reverse stock split to meet the requirements. The company's stock price
was $0.25 on Monday and will continue trading on the Nasdaq until the
hearing.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010616/sfsa002.html
http://www.salon.com
_____________________________________________

o Open Source MP3 Alternative Ogg Vorbis Available for Download

San Francisco -- Xiph.org, a group of software developers working on the
open source Ogg Vorbis audio codec, announced on Monday that the first
full version of the software is available for download. The software is
used to encode audio in the same sense as MP3, but claims better sound
quality than MP3. Also, Ogg Vorbis users do not have to pay licensing fees
for use of the software. Currently, those who distribute MP3 players must
pay licensing fees to German developer Fraunhofer, which created the MP3
file compression format. Similarly, those who use Microsoft's Windows
Media Audio and RealNetworks' RealAudio must pay royalties to license the
software. Ogg Vorbis files can be played using software like Winamp and
created using software from Sonic Foundry.
http://www.vorbis.com/news.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-6291401.html?tag=cd_mh
_____________________________________________

> Digital Media Wire & socalTECH Present a Panel Discussion:
"Digital Asia: Recent Developments & New Business Opportunities"

Los Angeles | Wednesday, June 20th at the Wyndham Bel Age

SPONSORS:
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue, Loyola Marymount Int'l MBA in Media

This panel of executives, investors and professionals will discuss the
latest developments in digital media, with a focus on business
opportunities, strategies and ventures being created between the United
States and China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
For more information and to register:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=14674&Referrer_id=4074

SPEAKERS:
Ravin Agrawal - Partner | EastWest VentureGroup
Bryan Biniak - COO | Premium Wireless Services & YourMobile Network
Eric Choi - Senior Business Development Manager (Asia Pacific) | Akamai
James Hsu - Attorney | Jones Day Reavis & Pogue (LA - Taipei)
Stuart Levy - Co-Founder & CEO | TOKYOPOP
Beth Minehart - SVP Business Development | Universal Studios Television

MODERATOR:
Stephen Liu
Co-Founder & President | Reelplay, Founder & Chairman | APEX

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Asian Business League, AINT, Asian Professional Exchange, Asia Society,
larta
_____________________________________________

> Digital Media Wire Presents a Panel Discussion:
"iTV: Defining the New Face of Television"

San Francisco | Wednesday, June 27th at The City Club

SPONSOR: UBS Warburg

This panel of players ranging from content developers to investment
bankers will discuss the new face of television, which will include an
amalgam of services like email, IPGs (interactive program guides), PVRs
(personal video recorders), enhanced TV, etc., and what it means for
Hollywood, the tech industry and most importantly, the consumer.
For more information and to register:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=14770&Referrer_id=4074

MODERATOR:
Michael Kline - Senior Manager | Deloitte Consulting

SPEAKERS:
Derek Footer - Director of Programming | OpenTV
David Higley - Exec. Director Technology Investment Banking | UBS Warburg
Bill Niemeyer - Director of Strategic Development | Spiderdance
Jonathon Spatz - Chief Financial Officer | Wink Communications
Nicholas Wodtke - SVP Interactive Television | Sony Pictures Entertainment
_____________________________________________

o Briefly Noted:

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft said on Monday that it has partnered with Paul
McCartney and label Capitol Records to offer previously unreleased audio
and video footage from McCartney's post-Beatles band, Wings. The site will
offer a newly edited video for "Maybe I'm Amazed," contests and home video
footage of Paul and Linda McCartney.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010618/sfm095.html
http://music.msn.com
http://www.paulmccartney.com

(San Diego) Wireless streaming video developer PacketVideo announced on
Monday that Siemens IC Mobile has licensed its technology to integrate it
into its own mobile content offerings. Siemens will test San Diego-based
PacketVideo's technology with 19 mobile operators this year.
http://www.packetvideo.com/press/view.asp?id=134
http://www.siemens.com/page/1,3771,224235-1-999_2_226200-0,00.html

(San Carlos, Calif.) Interactive TV software provider Liberate
Technologies announced on Monday that it has launched a pilot of its iTV
service with Optus, an Australia-based digital cable provider. Email,
video-on-demand and Web surfing utilizing San Calros-based Liberate's
technology will eventually be available to all of Optus' 2.2 million
subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010618/hsm024.html
http://www.liberate.com
http://www.optus.com.au

(Redwood City, Calif.) Downloadable music distributor Liquid Audio said on
Monday that Roadrunner Records will distribute previously unreleased
tracks by hard rock bands Sepultura and Spineshank through its network of
online retailers. The songs include unreleased live, demo, remixes and
B-side tracks. Redwood City-based Liquid Audio provides the technology for
labels to sell downloads through its network of retailers like Amazon.com
and Yahoo.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010618/sfm007.html
http://www.liquidaudio.com

(New York) A&E Television Networks announced on Monday that it has
partnered with San Francisco-based custom Internet audio provider
RadioCentral to design a branded Web radio station for the cable channel's
website. The site offers CD-quality soft rock, classic rock and smooth
jazz stations with DJ voice-overs similar to traditional radio.
http://www.aande.com
http://www.radiocentral.com

(San Francisco) Salon.com featured an article on Monday that takes a look
at what Web-connected video cameras in public places have done to the
level of privacy afforded the public. The piece focuses on webcams placed
in Madison Street Jail in Maricopa County in Phoenix, where inmates are
shown during their intakes without their express permission on Crime.com.
Recently, a nonprofit group has attempted to start a class action suit
against the jail on behalf of videotaped inmates, seeking damages of
$1.375 billion.
http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2001/06/18/webcam_privacy/index.html
http://www.crime.com/info/jailcam_redirect.html

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

> Leisure Time Entertainment, Web Designer - Los Angeles

A San Fernando Valley based adult company, 20 years in the business, seeks
a web designer to design front-end graphics for many websites. The
applicant must possess strong understanding of HTML & Javascript.
Photoshop & graphics skills are required. Flash is a big plus as well. The
ability to create great looking graphics & incorporate them into web pages
quickly is necessary.
Send resume to: jfishman@lte.net
______________________

> NextCard, Director of Internet Advertising - San Francisco

Internet advertiser & direct marketing firm seeks candidate w/ strong
advertising contract negotiating skills, an understanding of the Internet
market-place & the credit card business to research & acquire NextCard’s
advertising relationships, source new strategic accounts & negotiate
favorable cost-per-action contracts. 5+ yrs. BizDev or Internet
advertising exp. MBA preferred. Send resumes to: jobs@nextcard.com
http://www.nextcard.com
______________________

> Digitas, Senior Software Engineer - San Francisco

3-5 years of Web Development experience plus 1 year working knowledge of
Java, Javascript, CGI and ideally C++. Ability to work in both Unix and
Windows environments. Understand importance of client delivery and has
good presentation skills. Helps mentor all levels of Programmer Analysts
in their technical skills, when possible. Helps build "team" environment.
Send resumes to: jobs@digitas.com
http://www.digitas.com
______________________

> Bluewave, Project Manager - New York City

Seeking seasoned project manager with experience at a web design agency or
in the interactive department of a large company who has strong
interpersonal skills, good design sense and knowledge of database
technology. As one of Bluewave's key production people in NYC, you will
play a lead role in growing the company's business in the US. Apply
directly to the 'careers' section of www.bluewave.com
http://www.bluewave.com
______________________

> CCBN, New Media Designer - Boston

Designer needed to conceptualize, design and develop visual interfaces
utilizing user-centered design principles. Ideal candidate will be
detail-oriented, extremely organized, highly creative and aware of tight
deadlines. BA or BFA -or- 2-4+ yrs. exp. in related field. Proficiency in
Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, DreamWeaver, as well as graphic design
principles. Send resumes to: jobs@ccbn.com
http://www.ccbn.com 

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

> Free WebCast Series: Delivering Results in Today's Changing Environment

Pacific Edge Software, an enterprise solution provider of project
portfolio management, is joined by webcast speakers Geoffrey Moore, Bill
Rosser & Jim Highsmith to address challenges you face as an executive in
today's uncertain environment. Get expert advice & learn how Pacific
Edge's solution of software & services enables organizations to manage
project portfolios & measure progress toward strategic goals.
SIGN-UP at http://www.pacificedge.com/campaigns/DigitalMedia
or email info@pacificedge.com
______________________

> The Corporate Venture Capital Conference, June 22 - McLean, VA

Attendees of "The Corporate Venture Capital" conference will learn about
the investment criteria and processes of corporate sponsored venture funds
and how they have adapted to today's private equity environment. They will
also discover how corporations can work with technology start-ups besides
equity investments, including business development and strategic
partnerships. 7:30am Registration; 8-9:30am Program.
http://www.nvtc.org/calendar/jun22form.htm
______________________

To subscribe, go to:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com

Questions or comments? Send email to:
mark@digitalmediawire.com

News tips, press releases. Send email to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com