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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- July 24, 2002
===================================================
Subscribe for free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com

o Interactive TV Firm Liberate to Acquire Sigma Systems for $62 Million
o Online Game Technology Firm Butterfly.net Raises $1.5 Million
o CNET: Draft Bill Would Let Movie, Music Industries Hack P2P Users' PCs
> Last Chance to Register: "Mobile Entertainment" Panel | NYC | July 25
o Briefly Noted: RealNetworks - Ogg Vorbis, Virgin Mobile USA - MTV
Networks, WebTV - 911 virus, 3DO - Xbox, Best Buy - Virgin Records,
Universal Music Publishing Group, DMX Music - Sony Music Entertainment,
Vivendi Universal Net USA - truSONIC, Acacia Research, TVGateway, UCLA
Radio
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: Manager, Internet Development, Client Strategy Mgr., VP Sales,
Financial Services, Dir. of Public Relations

> Events: "Career Power Seminar," "Wine Seminar Series," "NVTC's Titans of
Technology Breakfast," Free Event Listings

> Marketplace: Event Me!, Directory of Homeland Security, Bender/Helper
Impact, AlleyEvent

Full text of ads located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.

To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
or contact David Peebler at david@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o Interactive TV Firm Liberate to Acquire Sigma Systems for $62 Million

San Carlos, Calif. -- Liberate Technologies, a provider of operating
system software for set-top boxes used to deliver interactive TV services,
announced on Wednesday that it will acquire Toronto-based Sigma Systems
Group, a provider of service management solutions for cable system
operators, for $62 million in cash. San Carlos, Calif.-based Liberate said
that the deal will add Sigma's management and delivery of voice and
high-speed data services to its own strength in video-based, interactive
television services. Liberate also said that when the customer bases of
the two companies are combined, it will list more than 20 top tier cable
operators across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific as deployed
customers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020724/sfw067_1.html
http://www.sigma-systems.com
http://www.liberate.com
_____________________________________________

o Online Game Technology Firm Butterfly.net Raises $1.5 Million

Martinsburg, W. Va. -- Butterfly.net, an infrastructure technology
provider for massively multiplayer online games, announced on Wednesday
that it has closed its second round of venture capital financing, having
raised a total of $1.51 million. Adena Ventures and West Virginia Jobs
Investment Trust co-led the investment round; previous investors Walker
Ventures, Mount Washington Partners and company founders also
participated. West Virginia-based Butterfly.net provides "grid computing"
technology used to connect large numbers of online game players on PCs,
video game consoles and mobile devices.
http://www.butterfly.net/buzz/releases/index.html
_____________________________________________

o CNET: Draft Bill Would Let Movie, Music Industries Hack P2P Users' PCs

Washington -- A draft of a bill that is likely to be introduced this week
by Reps. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) and Howard Coble (R-N.C) would let
copyright holders use electronic hacking measures to disrupt peer-to-peer
network if they have a "reasonable basis" to suspect piracy is occurring,
CNET News.com reported. The bill does not detail any specific hacking
measures that would be made permissible for studios and labels looking to
thwart suspected media pirates, but does offer legal recourse for users
whose computers are damaged by any hacking measures. Although the bill is
not likely to come near the voting stage before Congress adjourns for the
year in just over a month, its high-ranking sponsors could prompt a warm
welcome when it is discussed in the fall, News.com reported.
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-945923.html?tag=fd_lede
_____________________________________________

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DMW Presents "The Future of Mobile Entertainment" - July 25, New York

LAST DAY TO REGISTER:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/wireless_NYC_072502/wireless_072502.htm

This discussion forum, to be held in New York on the evening of July 25,
features leaders from a broad spectrum of wireless-related industries who
will explore the future of mobile entertainment, technologies and
services. A cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception concludes what is sure
to be a worthwhile event for those wishing to explore where the next
generation of wireless technologies is headed and what it means for
consumers.

There are a limited number of seats remaining.

David Brudnicki - Senior Director, Mobile Multimedia, AT&T Wireless
Anders Evju - Vice President & General Manager, Digital Bridges
Fabrice Grinda - Founder & CEO, Zingy, Inc.
Nicholas Lehman - Vice President, Interactive Business Development, MTV
McAdory Lipscomb Jr. - Marketing & Communications Lead, Accenture
Raviv Pablo - Sr. Dir., Product Technologies & Marketing, Emblaze Systems
Patrick M. Walsh - VP, Wireless Data Business Development, iBiquity
Digital
Joe Lazslo - Senior Analyst, Jupiter Media Metrix (moderator)

Sponsored by: Emblaze Systems (www.emblaze.com)
Technology Demonstration by: iBiquity (www.ibiquity.com)

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_____________________________________________

Briefly Noted:

(Seattle) Media delivery technology provider RealNetworks said on
Wednesday that it will collaborate with the Xiph.org Foundation, a
collective of programmers, to integrate the open source, royalty-free Ogg
Vorbis audio format with its own RealPlayer software. The collaboration
will allow developers to create media players that use both the Ogg Vorbis
codec and the media engine that powers the RealOne Player. RealNetworks
and Xiph.org will also collaborate to develop Ogg Vorbis plug-ins for the
RealOne Player.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020724/sfw091_1.html
http://www.xiph.org

(New York) Wireless network operator Virgin Mobile USA announced a content
distribution agreement with MTV Networks, whereby Virgin Mobile
subscribers will have access to downloadable entertainment content from
MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon and CMT. In addition to games, ringtones and
graphics, subscribers will also be able to access features like voting for
their favorite videos on MTV's "TRL" program. The companies plan later in
the year to integrate m-commerce capabilities so that customers can buy
CDs through their cell phones.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020724/nyw075_1.html
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/

(Redmond, Wash.) Several media outlets have recently reported on a virus
infecting some WebTV users' hardware, which re-boots the set-top box and
then compels it to dial 911. Some users reported the problem to Microsoft
after having police officers respond to the false alarm and arrive at
their homes. Microsoft said the problem is affecting a limited number of
WebTV and MSNTV owners, and that it is in the process of investigating how
the virus is able to control the set-top box modem.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/TechTV/techtv_911virus020723.html
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-945911.html?tag=cd_mh
http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/MSNTV/default.asp

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer 3DO said on Wednesday that it has
entered into an agreement with Microsoft to develop games for the
company's Xbox video game console. Redwood City, Calif.-based 3DO, which
recently announced it would seek a one-for-eight reverse stock split to
maintain its listing on the Nasdaq, said it will create Xbox versions of
its popular titles as well as develop original titles for the Microsoft
game system.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020724/sfw083_1.html
http://www.3do.com

(Minneapolis) Music and electronics retail chain Best Buy said on
Wednesday that it partnered with Virgin Records to give consumers the
ability to preview and rate tracks from unreleased albums on its website.
The "You Be The Critic" offering will let users stream songs from
yet-to-be completed or just-completed CDs that are still more than a month
away from release; their ratings of the songs will then be reported as
feedback to the record label.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020724/242290_1.html
http://www.virginrecords.com
http://www.youbethecritic.com

(Los Angeles) Universal Music Publishing Group announced on Wednesday the
launch of a new website that offers biographies, audio and video clips,
links to labels and artists sites, as well as licensing information on
Universal artists. The site will also soon be integrated with
SynchExpress.com -- an online licensing and search engine that is due to
launch this winter.
http://www.universalmusicpublishing.com

(Los Angeles) DMX Music, a provider of digital music programming delivered
via digital cable, satellite, DVD and the Internet, announced on Wednesday
that it is now an affiliate partner of Sony Music Entertainment for the
sale of commercial digital downloads. Tracks are available in the Windows
Media Audio format for $1.49; the majority of songs are burnable to CD.
Los Angeles-based DMX Music said it also now offers 12 channels of
streaming audio on its site that display the programming it offers to
homes, businesses and airlines.
http://www.dmxmusic.com

(San Diego) Vivendi Universal Net USA, the U.S. Internet arm of French
media firm Vivendi Universal, announced that it has launched its truSONIC
business music service. Formerly part of MP3.com, which was acquired by
Vivendi Universal last year for $372 million, truSONIC provides a
Muzak-like music content delivery service for retail environments, using
the Internet to distribute music and audio advertising to small and large
businesses. The service was launched following licensing agreements
between truSONIC and VU's Universal Music Publishing Group and Universal
Music Enterprises.
http://www.trusonic.com

(Newport Beach, Calif.) Acacia Research, a developer of life science and
media technologies, said on Wednesday that it has been granted a patent
for its digital media transmission technology in Japan. Newport Beach,
Calif.-based Acacia's patent relates to audio and video transmission and
receiving systems, commonly known as audio-on-demand and video-on-demand,
used for distributing content via the Internet, cable television systems,
direct broadcast satellite systems and wireless systems.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020724/242032_1.html
http://www.acaciaresearch.com

(Trevose, Pa.) TVGateway, a provider of interactive program guide software
for digital television, announced that Ohio-based Massillon Cable TV will
deploy TVGateway as its interactive program guide. Massillon serves 45,000
cable TV and 15,000 ISP customers. TVGateway is a joint venture between
cable operators Adelphia, Charter, Comcast and Cox, and interactive TV
firm WorldGate.
http://www.massilloncabletv.com
http://www.wgate.com/company/products/platforms_tvgateway.html

(Los Angeles) The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) announced
that it will suspend webcasts at its UCLARadio.com online radio station in
light of the recent determination of royalty rates for streaming music
online. "We believe that the fee structure may still be exorbitant to
webcasters, most of whom do not generate profits… We also believe that the
reporting requirement -- with its dozens of pieces of information -- for
each song we play is unreasonable," reads a note on the site. "We
apologize to those of you who enjoy UCLA Radio and invite you to join us
in the fight to reverse this decision."
http://www.uclaradio.com
_____________________________________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm
Special Summer Discount: 5-day ad: $75; 10-day ad: $125

Manager, Internet Development - Network Telephone Services -
Woodland Hills, CA

Leading Telephony/Entertainment company is seeking a Manager of Internet
Development to coordinate, manage and implement the design, development
and completion of Internet projects and ensure they are completed with
minimum time and cost. Provide project management and coordination for the
full lifecycle of applications and projects. A min. of 5 years experience
in Internet related applications development within a client server
environment is required. Should have superior understanding of MS SQL
relational database systems. Submit resumes to: sjarett@nts.net
_____________________________________________

Client Strategy Manager - Sharpe Partners - New York, NY

Sharpe Partners is profitable and growing digital marketing services
company. We are looking for a Client Strategy Manager to develop marketing
plans, budgets and presentations for clients. Proactively identify and
pursue opportunities to expand client relationships. Oversee budgets,
billing and cost issues to clients. Manage and exceed clients'
expectations. 5 yrs. experience in advertising/marketing and 2 yrs.
account management at interactive agency or Internet professional services
co. working with a wide variety of clients including the Fortune 500.
Resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:
partners@sharpe-partners.com (reference: CS Manager). No phone calls.
_____________________________________________

VP Sales, Financial Services - Drumbeat Digital - New York, NY

Drumbeat Digital is a profitable, privately-owned Silicon Alley internet
services firm with blue chip clients, including Merck, Travelers and
MetLife. We need a top-flight sales person to expand existing
relationships and identify new business opportunities in financial
services. Create sales strategy and develop entry and penetration
strategies. Spend majority of time bringing in credible sales leads. Drive
rapid sales growth and meet aggressive revenue targets ($1.5 - $2
million/yr). 4+ yrs. sales for an e-business solutions company with
experience selling to Financial Services/Insurance industries. Resume as
MS Word attachment only to: jobs@drumbeatdigital.com.
_____________________________________________

Director of Public Relations - Salary: $130k + DOE - San Francisco, CA

One of my top consumer tech clients has created a big name for themselves.
The PR team has done a great job getting them into major publications, but
I'm looking for a very senior PR leader, who is both a strategic thinker
and excellent mentor - "The Master of Consumer Publicity"; someone who
loves media relations, but truly gets it when it comes to making these
happen in the world of building a BRAND. 16+ yrs PR experience (agency &
client) with major consumer brand/consumer tech. Proven track record of
consistently & proactively securing positive press coverage (print &
media). Resume to: heidij@ebizpeople.com
_____________________________________________

====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm
Special Summer Discount: 5-day ad: $75; 10-day ad: $125

"Career Power" Seminar -- learn what employers are looking for NOW!

If you're looking for a job, the "Career Power" seminar gives you specific
information and tested competitive strategies that can be used immediately
to help define, differentiate, and elevate yourself from the rest of
today's job-seeking crowd. Learn how to dramatically improve your chances
for getting a job in today's competitive environment. July 24, 2002, 6-8
pm, Lunaria Restaurant, Century City. Cost: $45. Info & registration:
http://www.lisacrane.com/careerpower.php For more info, contact
lisa@mediaventureadvisors.com.
_____________________________________________

Do you know your Reds vs. Whites? - Wine Seminar Series - Wash DC

The Washington Wine Academy is offering a special two-class seminar
series, the "ABC's of Wine" and our "Beyond the ABC's of Wine" presented
by Washington Post Wine Columnist - Michael Franz. Tasting series takes
place on July 25th and August 14th at the Grand Hyatt, Washington DC 7:00
PM, $65 for the series. Register and find event details online at
http://www.WashingtonWineAcademy.org
_____________________________________________

NVTC's Titans of Technology Breakfast: Connecting The Dots - McLean, VA

Homeland Security And Broadband Access featuring Alfred Mockett, Chairman
& CEO, AMS. Don't miss this chance to hear from this Titan of Technology!
Thursday, July 25, 2002, 7:00am Registration; 8:00 - 9:15am Program.
Hilton McLean, 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA. $40 Members/$80
Non-Members. To register:
http://online.nvtc.org/calendar/geteventinfo.cfm?event=JUL25-TITA
_____________________________________________

FREE Listing - Events Calendar

Digital Media Wire has launched a Digital Media Events Calendar at
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/Calendar/MainCalendar.html. As a
value-added service, event listings are free, however limited cyberspace
means that major industry events and those organized by our partners will
receive priority listings. All other event listing requests are accepted
at the above URL and will be handled on a first-come basis. Enhanced
listings are available. For further information, contact David Peebler at:
david@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm
Special Summer Discount: 5-day ad: $75; 10-day ad: $125

Event Invitation Service - Event Me!

Get invited to the hottest professional and fun events in town:
http://www.EventMe.com EventMe! is a great new service in New York that
can match you up with activities and events. You can sign up for free to
get personal invites to special events of your interest. Event planners
can send their invitations to a targeted and highly responsive audience.
More info: http://www.EventMe.com
_____________________________________________

50% Classified Ad Discount - Digital Media Wire - Summer Special

From today through August 30, Classifed Ads in Digital Media Wire will be
sold at half price. 5-day ads in the Jobs, Events and Marketplace sections
of the newsletter will run $15 per day, while 10-day ads will run $12.50
per day. Digital Media Wire is a proven and extremely cost-effective way
to reach the most influential decision makers in digital media. Companies
and individuals achieve the greatest success by consistently using Digital
Media Wire to supplement their primary advertising and marketing channels.
Post your ad now and receive the special summer discount at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
_____________________________________________

Directory of Homeland Security

The Directory of Homeland Security is the most complete resource of
Homeland Security contacts available. A 160-page book that lists all
federal & state agencies involved in homeland security. The directory
includes names of over 1,500 homeland security officials, profiles of 500
agencies and a detailed list of technology companies in the sector. To
purchase the Directory with optional database CD, go to:
http://www.tech-directories.com/dmw.htm
_____________________________________________

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
_____________________________________________

AlleyEvent: The Source for Local Business Events

Want to find opportunities for local networking and professional
development? Digital Media Wire readers get a free subscription to
AlleyEvent's customized weekly newsletter at
http://www.alleyevent.com/signup. Would you like to Speak at events, trade
shows or conferences? Subscribe to AlleyEvent's Speaker Alert, a Speaking
Opportunity announcement service. For information, email us at
info@alleyevent.com. Want to promote your Company's Seminar? Corporate
Event Sponsorship? or Speaker(s)? We help companies raise their visibility
locally.
_____________________________________________

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Copyright 2002 Digital Media Wire