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XMOS 2004: Creative Imperatives, Sales Impact
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July 21, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o DreamWorks Animation Unit Files for $650 Million IPO
o Apple Licenses European Indie Record Labels for iTunes Music Store
o Israeli P2P Firm iMesh Pays RIAA $4.1 Million to Settle Copyright Suits
o Report: Global MP3 Player Sales Will Double in 2004 to 20 Million
o Gaming Console Developer Infinium Labs Gets $50 Million Credit Line
o Comcast, Disney Sign Broadband Content Distribution Deal
o iTouch Buys Jippi Mobile Entertainment for $37 Million

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Future of Television: Next Generation - November 19, 2004

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards - Nov. 4-5
 --New Media Attorney
 

o Briefly Noted: Acacia Research - LodgeNet, RCN - CEO - DVR service, Loudeye - new Overpeer customers, Jakks Pacific - Electronic Arts, TotalGaming.net, Topheavy Studios - "The Guy Game," Majesco - 4Kids Entertainment, Versaly Entertainment - Telemundo
_____________________________________________

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--New Media Attorney
--Managing Editor
--Director of Public Relations
--Java Server Pages Developer
--Controller
--Database Programmer
--Branch Manage: Boston, Richmond, Reston, Chicago, L.A., San Jose, Minn.
--VP of Sales - Web Hosting / Internetworking / Telecom Services
--VP - Ignition Strategic Communications
--Audio Conference - Homeland Security Contracting - July 27
--Leverage the India Advantage -- For Your Data Needs 
--Strategy Firm Offers Customer Perception Study - $1,595 
 


o DreamWorks Animation Unit Files for $650 Million IPO

Glendale, Calif. -- Movie studio DreamWorks, a joint venture between Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen, announced on Wednesday that its DreamWorks Animation unit has filed with the SEC for an initial public offering of shares that aims to raise $650 million. Katzenberg will become CEO of the new company, which produced the successful "Shrek" animated films, and expects the offering to double its production capabilities. The animation studio plans to use $175 million from the IPO for potential acquisitions and joint ventures, according to the SEC filing.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?L26062CD8 
http://www.dreamworks.com          
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o Apple Licenses European Indie Record Labels for iTunes Music Store

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple announced on Wednesday that it has signed licensing agreements with three large European independent record labels for its iTunes Music Stores in the U.K., France and Germany. Tens of thousands of songs from artists on labels controlled by Beggars Group, Sanctuary Records Group and V2 -- including Interpol, the Pixies, The Crystal Method and The White Stripes -- will now be available for purchase by European iTunes customers. Apple launched its European iTunes Stores without a deal in place with independent record labels, and has since worked to fill those gaps in its catalog. "We now have a standard agreement. It's a deal that all UK and European independent labels can get from Apple," Sam Sheptob, a spokesman for indie label trade group the Association of Independent Music, told Reuters.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/sfw072_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040721/media_music_apple_1.html
http://makeashorterlink.com/?D6C542CD8        
____________________________________________

o Israeli P2P Firm iMesh Pays RIAA $4.1 Million to Settle Copyright Suits

New York -- Israeli peer-to-peer file-sharing network iMesh announced on Wednesday that it has settled copyright infringement litigation filed against the company by the major record labels, agreeing to pay $4.1 million in damages to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The labels filed suit against iMesh, which claims 10 million users, in September 2003. iMesh now plans to launch a secure file-sharing network later this year, and said it will continue to operate its peer-to-peer network as a software distribution platform until the new service is launched. "Entering into this agreement with key players within the entertainment industry to put the lawsuit behind us will allow us the opportunity to migrate to a business model that will continue to provide users with the P2P experience that they have come to expect from iMesh," said iMesh chief operating officer Ofer Shabtai.
http://www.imesh.com/news_2004_07_21_1.shtml
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-imesh21jul21.story     
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o Report: Global MP3 Player Sales Will Double in 2004 to 20 Million

London -- Global sales of MP3 players are expected to double in 2004, to more than 20 million units, according to London-based market research firm Informa Media Group. Sales are also projected to grow at an average annual rate of almost 45% for the next six years, with sales of 194 million units predicted for 2010. "As legal downloading is in an early stage of development, incompatibility with some portable players is not an issue" said Informa senior research analyst Simon Dyson. "However, if recent forecasts for digital sales growth are accurate, incompatibility between some downloads and the most popular portable players could become an issue in the very near future." Currently, tracks purchased from Napster and other Microsoft-powered services are not compatible with Apple's iPod, and songs from Apple's iTunes Store aren't compatible with a number of portable devices.
http://www.informamedia.com 
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o Gaming Console Developer Infinium Labs Gets $50 Million Credit Line

Sarasota, Fla. -- Infinium Labs, developer of the Phantom PC-based broadband gaming console, announced that it has secured a new $50 million credit line from an institutional investor. The new line replaces an earlier equity investment of $46 million from SBI-USA, Trilogy Capital Partners, HaDavar HaNachon and Reich Capital, which the company has cancelled. Infinium CEO Timothy Roberts said the new deal is less dilutive to shareholders, provides better terms and is a better fit for the company's capital plan and budgetary needs. Florida-based Infinium said it plans to release its Phantom game console in the fall.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040720/205988_1.html 
http://www.phantom.net 
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o Comcast, Disney Sign Broadband Content Distribution Deal

Philadelphia -- Comcast, the nation's largest cable TV operator, announced on Wednesday that it has signed a deal with Walt Disney Internet Group and ABC News to provide broadband video and games on the Comcast.net portal it provides for its subscribers. Disney will provide Disney Connection, a broadband games site for kids 3-11, while ABC News will offer on-demand video and 24/7 live streaming news from ABC News Live to Comcast's 5.7 million broadband subscribers, at no additional cost. The deal includes access to episodes of "Nightline," "Good Morning America," "20/20" and "Primetime Live."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/phw013_1.html 
http://www.comcast.net  
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o iTouch Buys Jippi Mobile Entertainment for $37 Million

Dublin -- iTouch, a U.K.-based mobile services group, said on Wednesday that it would buy Jippii Mobile Entertainment, a unit of Finland-based telecommunications provider Saunalahti Group, for more than $37 million. Under the terms of the acquisition, iTouch will pay 5 million euro in cash and 7 million euro in iTouch shares. The remainder, which is dependent on Jiippi's financial performance, will also be paid in shares, iTouch said. iTouch said deal would give it access to new markets in Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Russia.
http://www.saunalahtigroup.fi/bulletin.php?index=1475
http://www.jippii.com/jsp/games/index.jsp 
http://www.itouch.co.uk 

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 > DMW Events:

Future of Television Forum: Next Generation
November 19, 2004  |  New York City

www.televisionconference.com
Phone Registration Available Now
323-822-0936

OVERVIEW
Last year 370+ attended Future of Television Forum, which included keynotes from Mark Cuban (Chairman, HDNet / Owner, Dallas Mavericks), Joshua Sapan (President & CEO Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.), and David Zaslav (President, NBC Cable). This year's event is scheduled for November 19, 2004 at NYU's Stern School of Business and will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and cutting-edge topics focused on the "Next Generation" of television.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $195 (until August 31)
Pre-Registration: $295
(until November 12)
Registration: $395 (after November 12 & at Door)
Online Registration: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1074

Phone: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004 conferences, 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:

> Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards, November 4-5 

The Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards honor this vision, along with innovation, entrepreneurship and brand development in digital entertainment.

With awards in 30 unique categories honoring achievements involving games, music and film, television and video, Billboard recognizes the cutting-edge developments and forward thinkers shaping the future of entertainment.

The Conference will feature provocative panel sessions on current digital entertainment issues. For a complete list of speakers, panel and keynote addresses, visit the site below. Early bird registration ends August 31st!

For more information, please call 323-822-0936 or visit www.digitalentertainmentawards.com

For online awards submissions, conference registrations and purchasing Awards Gala Dinner tickets, please click here.

Deadline for Submissions: September 15, 2004

Conference & Awards Show: November 4 and 5, 2004

AWARDS CATEGORIES
(click here for category descriptions)
AWARDS ENTRY FORM
(click here to download entry form)

> New Media Attorney

The online division of a multimedia global entertainment company has an exciting career opportunity for a New Media attorney with 4-6 years prior legal experience. In this key role, you will provide counseling and transactional support to various business units of the online division and work with the corporate legal department to monitor and enforce the company's editorial standards and protect its intellectual property. Primary responsibilities will include the drafting and negotiating of a wide variety of agreements related to: content development and distribution working closely with international group on a range of international Internet, broadband and wireless distribution agreements, strategic partnerships, vendor and technology service providers, advertising, marketing, and other commercial matters.

The successful candidate will have a JD with a minimum of 4-6 years prior legal experience with an emphasis on intellectual property and commercial transactions. An Internet background and in-house experience preferred. Must have excellent communication and organization skills, as well as the ability to problem solve in a business-friendly, creative manner. Looking for a fast-moving, sharp attorney with the ability to provide high quality legal support.

For immediate consideration, send your resume AND salary requirements to: Legalres58@yahoo.com.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Newport Beach, Calif.) Acacia Research, a company that claims patents on basic streaming media technology and recently sued the nation's cable and satellite TV firms for infringement, announced that it has acquired a new patent from LodgeNet, a provider of video-on-demand and other services to hoteliers. The new patent, which covers methods of redirecting users to a login page when accessing the Internet, is said to potentially cover DSL registrations, wireless hotspots and hotel high-speed Internet access. Acacia said that LodgeNet will split any licensing revenue with Acacia, and that LodgeNet retains the right to repurchase the patent if certain revenue benchmarks are not met.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040721/215181_1.html 
http://www.lodgenet.com 
http://www.acaciaresearch.com

(Princeton, N.J.) RCN Corp., a provider of bundled phone, cable and high speed Internet services, announced on Wednesday that CEO David C. McCourt will step down, and a search has been initiated for his successor. McCourt, who also founded the company, will retain his role as chairman. Separately, the company announced the launch of its digital video recorder service for subscribers in Boston and New York, with roll-out expected in all RCN markets by Oct. 1. The $11.95 per month service will feature set-tops capable of storing up to 50 hours of standard content or up to 10 hours of HDTV programming.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040720/nytu199_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040720/phtu036_1.html
http://www.rcn.com/cabletv/dvr/index.php

(Seattle) Loudeye Technologies, a provider of streaming song samples and other digital music services, announced on Wednesday that it has won 16 new customer contracts for its Overpeer anti-piracy unit, which together total several million dollars. The company said confidentiality agreements preclude it from disclosing the names of customers for Overpeer, which provides both digital asset protection and promotional services. "There are billions of illicit transactions occurring every month on peer-to-peer networks around the world and this number is growing weekly. That translates into billions of dollars of lost revenue and signals a critical demand for content owners to take immediate action to protect their content," said Loudeye CEO Jeff Cavins. Seattle-based Loudeye also recently acquired OD2, a leading provider of digital music distribution services in Europe.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/sfw038_1.html
http://www.loudeye.com/services/protection

(Malibu, Calif.) Toymaker Jakks Pacific said on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with game developer Electronic Arts, to create a "TV Games" plug-and-play portable game console featuring EA Sports game titles. The first EA Sports TV Games unit, expected to ship in the fall, will feature titles including "Madden NFL '95" and "NHL '95."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/law055_1.html 
http://www.easports.com 
http://www.jakkstvgames.com

(Livonia, Mich.) PC game developer Stardock Entertainment on Wednesday announced the launch of a new online games network, TotalGaming.net. Developer of a presidential campaign simulation game called "The Political Machine," Michigan-based Stardock said the new site will offer PC games for individual download and purchase for between $9 and $50, or a one-year subscription that includes all games offered, for $89.
http://www.stardock.com 
http://www.totalgaming.net

(Austin) Game developer Topheavy Studios, along with publisher Gathering -- a unit of Take-Two Interactive -- announced on Wednesday that they will release "The Guy Game" for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in August. The take-off on the "Girls Gone Wild" video series includes actual interviews, stunts and trivia games featuring co-ed participants filmed on South Padre Island during Spring Break.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040721/215132_1.html 
http://www.topheavystudios.com 
http://www.theguygame.com

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco on Wednesday shipped its "Yu-Gi-Oh! Vol. 1" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1" titles for its video accessory for Nintendo Game Boy Advance to retailers. The games are part of New Jersey-based Majesco's agreement with 4Kids Entertainment -- distributor of the animated series -- to publish a total of 12 episodes of 4Kids cartoons for use with the Game Boy video accessory.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040721/215119_1.html
http://www.4kidsentertainment.com 
http://www.gba-video.com

(Seattle) Mobile entertainment publisher Versaly Entertainment said on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with NBC Universal Television Distribution and Telemundo Network Group, to distribute music and images from various programs aired on the Telemundo Spanish-language network. Seattle-based Versaly said the mobile content will be sold from its ForFones.com mobile portal.
http://www.versaly.com 
http://www.telemundo.com 
http://www.forfones.com 
 
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> Classifieds -- Ad Postings

> New Media Attorney

The online division of a multimedia global entertainment company has an exciting career opportunity for a New Media attorney with 4-6 years prior legal experience.  For more information, see  Featured Advertisement.
_________________

> Managing Editor

Respected, profitable, Fairfax-based consumer news & advocacy site seeks Managing Editor. The successful candidate has a journalism degree (or equivalent experience) and knows or can quickly learn basic HTML (no FrontPage, Dreamweaver, etc.). Excellent pay, benefits, future. E-mail resume to jim.hood@gmail.com
_________________

> Director of Public Relations

Vocus has an opening for a Director of Public Relations. Responsibilities include press releases, media interviews, pitching stories, speaking opportunities, and product launches. Vocus is the leading provider of on-demand software for public relations and government relations. Our products help thousands of customers to plan, execute and measure communications programs. Join a company with 12yrs success celebrating its 19th straight quarter of growth. Send resumes to cshilling@vocus.com
_________________

> Java Server Pages Developer

Internet security product and services company is seeking an experienced JSP developer to join our product development team. Ideal candidate should be team/people oriented and clearable to Top Secret. 3 plus yrs of exp. in JSP, Java, and Oracle. Competitive salary, bonus, benefits, and stock options are available. Please send your resume and compensation requirements to careers@trustintegration.com  or contact Tri Phan at (703) 684-4845 or tphan@trustedintegration.com
_________________

> Controller

Join a well-established non-profit organization downtown DC as their Controller. This position will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the accounting department and financial reporting for the organization. This person will also provide monthly financial reports for the CFO's review, and will ensure compliance with all Federal and state reporting requirements. Qualified candidates will have: Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent, five or more years of nonprofit accounting experience, CPA required, proficient working with computerized accounting systems and spreadsheets, maintains the ability to fulfill all accounting functions during the absence of the Accounting Assistant, ability to develop and monitor budgets, experience hiring and supervising other employees. Please send resume to kstephens@hirestrategy.com  or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire202.asp
_________________

> Database Programmer 

Judy Diamond Associates, a leading provider of employee benefits databases located near the McPherson Square Metro station, is looking for a database and Internet savvy programmer to assemble its products. Candidates must be able to learn quickly, self-start, and follow through on projects without supervision. Two years experience and proficiency with FoxPro, Microsoft Excel, and SQL preferred. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and a thorough knowledge of database and Internet technologies. Benefits include competitive salary, 401(k), and health. E-mail resume to dcole@judydiamond.com, or fax 202-728-0845 (no phone calls, please).
_________________

> Branch Manage: Boston, Richmond, Reston, Chicago, L.A., San Jose, Minn.

Aquent, a global leader in the IT staffing industry, is seeking an experienced branch manager who has experience acting as a "player/coach" responsible for individual sales quotas, managing the day-to-day activities of the sales and recruiting staff, setting performance expectations, and assisting with the sales and recruiting process. We are looking for a seasoned manager who has experience developing deep relationships with clients. Candidates should also have several years of sales experience in the IT staffing industry, branch or regional management experience, and a track record in the local area Please email your resume to lisas@ren-network.com  Please visit http://www.aquent.com  for company information
_________________

> VP of Sales - Web Hosting / Internetworking / Telecom Services

XIF is an 8-year old Internetworking Solutions firm. We are a small firm with a start-up mentality, but with the luxury of having been a profitable entity since 1997 with a strong customer base and a stable source of revenue. We are currently seeking to hire a VP of Sales. We view this position as a critical component to our future growth, and are looking for a true equity partner. We are looking for someone with 8+ years experience in sales and sales management, preferably in Web Hosting and/or Telecom. Send inquiries to jobs@xif.com.
_________________

> VP - Ignition Strategic Communications

Ignition Strategic Communications is a fast-paced, fast-growing independently owned communications consulting firm with offices in Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas. The firm has a reputation for delivering sophisticated, highly successful public relations and public affairs campaigns. Ignition seeks talented people with at least a decade of experience. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience media relations and PR experience, management know-how and entrepreneurial expertise in growing a full-service agency. Journalism experience useful. Competitive salary and benefits. Send resumes to mediarelationsjob@hotmail.com.  No phone calls, please.
_________________

> Audio Conference - Homeland Security Contracting - July 27

Spending on homeland security is growing at an unprecedented pace at state, local and federal levels. During its first year, the Department of Homeland Security signed over 18,500 contracts for goods and services from US companies of all sizes. Join the Institute of Management and Administration (IOMA) and our panel of contracting experts in this 90-minute audio telephone conference to find out how proper marketing and product strategy can make all the difference in your DHS bid. Click the link below for information and to register: http://www.homeland-directory.com/contracting.html
_________________

> Leverage the India Advantage -- For Your Data Needs

DC-based outsourcing firm String Information Services offers online data collection & telephone verification solutions from its operations centers in India. String guarantees 30%-50% cost savings, world-class quality and quick turn-around. Our marquee client list includes firms from all over North America. To learn more, and to set up a free trial, contact Prashant Kothari at 1-888-3STRING, Box 702 or marketing@stringinfo.com
_________________

> Strategy Firm Offers Customer Perception Study - $1,595

How likely is it you will continue to purchase products/services from us? What can we do to earn more of your business? Would you recommend our products /services to a colleague? For a limited time, capture these and other critical customer perception indicators with Velociti Partners' Customer Perception Study for only $1,595 USD. This is not a canned service - Velociti will work directly with your team to develop the focus and methodology to capture important data that is currently slipping through the cracks. Contact sales@velocitipartners.com  today to discuss the opportunity with one of our consultants.
 
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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. 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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