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

Main Stories
o Illinois Enacts Ban on Violent Game Sales; Game Industry Sues to Overturn
o Report: 2004 U.S. Consumer Home Video Spending Hit $24 Million
o Microsoft to Release Xbox 360 in Japan, Europe in Fall of 2005
o Electronic Arts Adds Game Rights to "Lord of the Rings" Book
o Online Dating Site Engage.com Raises First Round of Venture Capital
o British Man Fined $870 for Using Neighbor's Wireless Network


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

o Briefly Noted: Microsoft - Virtual Earth, Avid Technology - Fox TV, XM Satellite Radio - Harley-Davidson, Access Integrated Technologies - DreamWorks, DirecTV - network VOD previews, ntl - VOD, WWE - Spanish-language VOD, Findaway - audiobook publishers, Studiocom, Konami - "American Idol," Majesco - DreamWorks, "NRA High Power Competition," I-play - Fox's "24," Mount Eerie - Internet Archive EP
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Marketing Manager
--Paid Search Analytics Manager
--Telecom/Network Sales Executives
--Research Analyst
--Integrated Marketing Account Manager
--Business Strategy Consultant - Telecom, Energy, Utilities
--eBay Marketing Executive
--Advertising And Marketing Position
--Marketing Communications Manager
--Director of Marketing Analytics
--Project Manager
--Database Warehouse Architect
--Senior SAP Application Architect
--Online Advertising Manager
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o Illinois Enacts Ban on Violent Game Sales; Game Industry Sues to Overturn

Aurora, Ill. -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday signed the Safe Game Illinois Act into law, which prohibits the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors in the state. "For the same reason we don't allow kids to buy pornography, for the same reason we don't allow kids to buy cigarettes, for the same reason we don't allow kids to buy alcohol, we shouldn’t allow them to go to stores and buy violent and sexually explicit video games -- games that teach them to do the very things we put people in jail for," said Blagojevich. In addition to fining retailers who break the ban $1,000, it requires them to create their own parental warning labels to place on game packaging, and post signs explaining the industry's game ratings system in their stores. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the large video game industry trade group, announced on Monday that it will file suit in Illinois to have the law thrown out. "In similar cases in St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Washington State, virtually identical bills were struck down, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees," the ESA said in a statement. The ESA was joined in its complaint by the Video Software Dealers Association, a rental industry trade group, and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. ESA president Doug Lowenstein added, "This law will have a chilling effect on free speech. It will limit First Amendment rights not only for Illinois' residents, but for game developers and publishers, and for retailers who won't know what games can and cannot be sold or rented under this vague new statute."
http://tinyurl.com/9vk5y
http://www.theesa.com/archives/2005/07/video_game_indu_1.php
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o Report: 2004 U.S. Consumer Home Video Spending Hit $24 Million

Encino, Calif. -- Consumers spent $24 billion buying and renting DVD and VHS titles in 2004, more than twice as much as they did buying tickets at movie theater box offices, according to the Video Software Dealers Association's (VSDA) 2005 Annual Report. The major studios generated $21 billion from home video in 2004, representing 47% of their combined worldwide film revenues. Estimates of consumer spending on used DVDs and videocassettes for 2004 ranged from $658 million to $2 billion. The VSDA said that 73% of U.S. households had the capacity to view a DVD by the end of 2004, while VCR penetration declined for the first time during the period. The group also said that 2004 video game rentals totaled $700 million, adding that 53% of all games rented were rated "E" (Everyone).
http://www.idealink.org/Resource.phx/public/press/vsda/july05/july25-05.htx
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o Microsoft to Release Xbox 360 in Japan, Europe in Fall of 2005

Tokyo -- Microsoft announced on Monday that it plans to ship its forthcoming Xbox 360 video game console in Japan and Europe in time for the 2005 holiday shopping season. The company already plans to release the Xbox 360 in the U.S. ahead of the holiday shopping season -- part of its plan to gain an early sales lead on Sony's PlayStation 3, which won't ship until the spring of 2006.
http://tinyurl.com/9e7zz
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o Electronic Arts Adds Game Rights to "Lord of the Rings" Book

Redwood City, Calif. -- Video game publisher Electronic Arts announced on Monday that it has secured additional rights from Tolkien Enterprises to develop games based on author J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." To this point, EA had only secured rights to develop titles based on director Peter Jackson's film trilogy adaptation of the novels; the new games will include characters, environments and battles not depicted in the films. Redwood City, Calif.-based Electronic Arts said it will release "The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II" for PC and "The Lord of the Rings: Tactics" for Sony PSP based on the new license.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050725/255323.html
http://www.tolkien-ent.com
http://www.bfme2.ea.com
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o Online Dating Site Engage.com Raises First Round of Venture Capital

San Francisco -- Engage.com, an online "relationship community" site that encourages friends and family to play matchmaker for singles, announced on Monday that it has raised an undisclosed amount in its first round of venture capital financing. The round was co-led by Revolution Ventures and The Founders Fund, comprised of PayPal co-founders Peter Thiel and Ken Howery. San Francisco-based Engage.com was founded by Suneet Wadhwa, who also co-founded recent HP acquisition Snapfish.com. "By developing a relationship community more authentically tied to how relationships form in the real world, Engage.com has a chance to permanently change the market as well as the lives of millions in a short period of time," said Revolution Ventures partner Robert J. Hutter.
http://www.engage.com
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o British Man Fined $870 for Using Neighbor's Wireless Network

London -- According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Gregory Straszkiewicz, a 24-year-old British man, has been fined $870 and given 12 months' conditional discharge for using his neighbor's wireless Internet connection without permission. In the first conviction of its kind, a jury in Middlesex found Straszkiewicz -- who was nabbed by police for using his Wi-Fi-enabled laptop outside a residential building -- guilty of dishonestly obtaining an electronic communications service and possessing equipment for fraudulent use of a communications service. Straszkiewicz was tried under sections 125 and 126 of the Communication Act 2003.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B2AD25E7B
http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/news.php?id=66432

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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:

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft on Monday launched a beta test of its "Virtual Earth" online maps service, which combines localized search data and online maps with aerial imagery. The free service includes aerial imagery from TerraServer-USA, and licensed yellow pages content on local businesses. A similar map feature recently launched by Google incorporates satellite imagery provided through its acquisition of Keyhole. Microsoft's Virtual Earth includes a feature that can automatically determine a user's location using Wi-Fi access points, and then center the user's present location on a map.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050725/sfm051.html
http://virtualearth.msn.com

(Tewksbury, Mass.) Avid Technology, a provider of video postproduction technology, said on Monday that Fox Television Stations Inc. has chosen Avid to convert six of its 27 news-generating stations from analog-based systems to digital production environments for ingest, editing, storage, and playout. Installation has begun at all six stations and is expected to be completed by the end of 2005, Avid said. Exact terms of the multimillion dollar deal were not disclosed.
http://www.avid.com/company/releases/2005/050725_fox_corp.html 

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio said on Monday that it has entered the motorcycle market with the availability of Harley-Davidson's 2006 FLHTCUSE Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide, the first motorcycle to come with XM as a standard feature. An XM receiver may also be added an accessory to a number of Harley models with Harman Kardon audio systems.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050725/dcm006a.html
http://www.xmradio.com 

(Morristown, N.J.) Access Integrated Technologies announced on Monday that DreamWorks SKG used its services to digitally deliver and project its new film "The Island" to 16 digitally-equipped U.S. movie theaters. New Jersey-based AccessIT said the delivery marked the fourth film for which it has provided digital content management and secure delivery via satellite directly to theaters for DreamWorks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050725/nym026.html
http://www.accessitx.com 

(El Segundo, Calif.) Satellite TV provider DirecTV announced on Monday that it will provide a sneak preview of upcoming network primetime fall programming to its subscribers. ABC, CBS, Fox, HBO, NBC, Showtime, UPN and The WB will each offer a 30-minute preview of their fall lineup on a special DirecTV channel beginning in August. The previews will also be pushed to the more than 2 million DirecTV TiVo subscribers' hard drives, with each network's preview exclusively available for one week.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050725/255655.html
http://www.directv.com 

(London) NTL, the U.K.'s largest cable TV provider, on Monday announced plans to launch video-on-demand service for an additional 100,000 subscribers over the next week. Following the roll out, NTL's video-on-demand service will be available to 1.67 million of its 7.9 million subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050725/255550.html
http://www.ntl.com 

(Stamford, Conn.) World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced on Monday the launch of a Spanish-language video-on-demand offering for satellite, cable and IPTV providers. The WWE currently provides Spanish-language SAP broadcasts of a number of its weekly and pay-per-view programs.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050725/255545.html
http://www.wwe.com

(Cleveland) Findaway World said on Monday that it has signed several publishers to provide texts for its forthcoming Playaway, a portable audiobook player device that will come pre-loaded with audiobook titles. Cleveland-based Findaway said that HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Penton Overseas and Brilliance Audio will initially provide over 40 titles from authors including C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, Dan Brown and Rick Warren for inclusion on Playaway devices, which will go on sale in October.
http://www.playawaydigital.com 

(Atlanta) Studiocom announced on Monday that it has created a website to promote its Fusion Flash Concerts, a partnership with Sony Music that produces "flash mob" impromptu concerts that fans are notified of via e-mail and text-messages. The site offers video from the performances, from artists including The Roots, Fat Joe, Yellowcard and Pete Yorn, in addition to a mash-up remix contest and song downloads from Sony Connect. Atlanta-based Studiocom also plans to distribute a compilation disc featuring Fusion Flash Concert performances at Target retail stores.
http://www.studiocom.com

(Los Angeles) Japanese video game publisher Konami announced on Monday that it has signed a multi-year agreement with FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, for the exclusive rights to develop video games based on the top-rated "American Idol" TV series. The license was previously held by U.K.-based developer Codemasters. Konami said details on its "American Idol" titles for current and next-generation consoles will be released later.
http://www.konami.com/gs 

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco said on Monday that it signed a licensing deal with DreamWorks SKG, to publish Nintendo Game Boy Advance versions of its titles based on the studio's "Shrek," "Shrek 2" and "Shark Tale." The titles will also be released for Nintendo DS and the upcoming Game Boy Micro.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050725/nym140.html
http://www.majescoentertainment.com 

(Grapevine, Texas) PC game developer Interactive Sports Entertainment and Marketing (ISE) -- formerly Speedco Shooting Sports -- on Monday released its "NRA High Power Competition," the second title in its NRA Shooting Sports Game Series. The game allows players to shoot highly detailed civilian versions of three military service rifles (M-16, M-14, M-1 Garand) as well as other match rifles.
http://www.isegames.com 

(San Mateo, Calif.) Mobile game publisher I-play said on Monday that it has signed a license agreement with Fox Mobile Entertainment to develop, publish and distribute cell phone games based on Fox's "24" TV series. The first game based on "24"will launch in the first quarter of 2006, alongside the premiere of the fifth season of the TV series.
http://www.iplay.com 

(Anacortes, Washington) Independent label band Mount Eerie have posted a new seven-song EP for free download from the Internet Archive, under a Creative Commons license that allows for free redistribution and re-use of the tracks. The EP was originally distributed on tour in a limited edition of less than 200 copies. The band, musician Phil Elverum's project following his stint recording as The Microphones, is also slated to release a new full-length album in August.
http://tinyurl.com/aeyte
http://www.pwelverumandsun.com

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Marketing Manager - San Diego or Los Angeles

Nine Systems seeks Marketing Manager with minimum of 3 years of Internet infrastructure or Web-based marketing experience. Applicant will execute and manage lead generations campaigns and help create marketing materials. Applicant should be experienced with list management, lead capture, direct marketing, search keywords, online advertising, special customer events, customer co-marketing and other lead generation tactics. If interested, please submit resume to opportunities@ninesystems.com and include job title in the subject line or visit http://ninesystems.com/company/careers.html#job6.
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> Paid Search Analytics Manager

Requires demonstrated skills in fact-based analysis, presentation, and interpersonal interaction that refine the Internet Marketing business plan. Manage cross functional projects working with Product Mgmt, Information Management, and Finance. 5 -7 years of exp in managing highly quantitative and analytical projects, with extensive experience in the field of Data-Mining or Quantitative Analysis. BA/BS in Statistics, Economics, Business, or other related field. Masters or MBA preferred. Proficient using SAS, SQL, Business Objects, Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. A passion for understanding and serving the unique community of eBay. Send resumes to R3845115104234@PostTrak.com
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> Telecom/Network Sales Executives

XIF Networks (http://www.xif.net) is a master agent for many of the top US carriers and provides telecom consulting services to area businesses and organizations. Full and part-time positions are available in inside sales, as well as subagent opportunities. We are seeking sales executives with 3-4 plus years experience selling network and carrier services to small and medium sized businesses. We are seeking aggressive sales people with an ability to target markets, reach decision makers, and generate quality leads through grass roots efforts, personal contacts, and assertive sales tactics. This position would be in direct support of the VP of Sales. Send your resume, interest (sales career or agent opportunity), and cover letter to jobs@xif.net. No recruiters.
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> Research Analyst

Join a rapidly growing Online and Full Service market research company. Privately held, profitable, Fortune 500 accounts. Require: 7-10 years marketing research exp., particularly on the supplier side, experience with Fortune 500 marketing research clients highly desirable, Client side marketing research experience desirable, prior experience with writing effective proposals, survey writing knowledge, Strong communication skills, oral and written, Able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Quantitative Analysis or related field. MBA a strong plus. Compensation: $80-100K. Send resumes to ktaylor@talentplanet.com
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> Integrated Marketing Account Manager

Avenue A Razorfish has an immediate opening for an Integrated Marketing Analyst in our Atlanta or Fort Lauderdale office. Require: 4 plus years exp. working in the areas of marketing or analytics for a professional services company. At least 2 years exp. with online marketing analytics related to web site and media-based performance. Email marketing exp. a plus. Detail-oriented, with excellent writing and analysis skills. Familiarity with online analytics measures, terminology, benchmarks and tracking technology (Atlas desired), Proven skills with Access and Excel with strong presentation skills. Submit a resume, cover letter via email to: se.recruiting@avenuea-razorfish.com
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> Business Strategy Consultant - Telecom, Energy, Utilities

Fortune 1000 Firm/Qualified candidates must have experience and a prior background in Operations Strategy consulting to clients in the Energy or Utilities industry. Must have ability to work in a team environment. Salary 110,000 - 140,000 with Bonus Consulting experience to the Energy and Utilities industries (3-5 yrs for Consultant, 5-10 yrs for SR. Consultant) Tier 1 or top tier consulting firm experience highly preferred MBA. Send resumes to mark@allandavidrecruiters.com
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> eBay Marketing Executive

Entry level position in a growing e-commerce company. We are seeking a dynamic individual who can manage over 500 auctions per day on eBay. You will be provided with our customized software to manage the auctions. The software empowers you to run reports and analyze auction success. You will be trained well and work closely with our Marketing Manager for a month before you take complete responsibility on the project. Require good problem-solving skills, communications skills. Excellent time-management skills. Great team worker. Successful experience selling on eBay is a plus. Send resumes to jobscss@comcast.net
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> Advertising And Marketing Position

Morristown Agency Seeking Part-time/Full-time Employees in Advertising/Marketing Industry, Web Developer and Client Services Position with 1 to 2 years experience. Contact 201-486-7167 or send resumes to michelle.nelson@iideagroup.com
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> Marketing Communications Manager

Network World has a great opportunity for a creative project manager with a marketing background (including online marketing) to lead the Marketing Communications department producing innovative and effective ways to further promote the Network World brand. Great people and project management skills; effectively lead a quality team juggling many priorities in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Excellent communication (oral and written), copywriting, proofing and editing skills; a solid understanding of design processes and software applications. Must be competent with financial administration to manage a budget. Send resumes to hotjobs@nww.com
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> Director of Marketing Analytics

In this position, the Director will support the Marketing department by providing analytical reports, interpretations, and recommendations. The ideal candidate should have a fluent knowledge of SAS foundation products and some experience in Hyperion, ESRI or VB.NET. A min. of 10 yrs exp. in an analytics role with a background in direct marketing. Degree in Statistics or Mathematics, Base SAS, ODS, SAS/STAT, SAS/Graph, SAS/Access to ODBC, Basic knowledge of marketing terminology and concepts. Exp. in marketing analytics: ROI, LTV, Segmentation, etc. Send resumes to: bvklbell@comcast.net. Visit http://www.investools.com
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> Project Manager

Cauldron Solutions, a leading provider of technology solutions that manage the production, distribution and transaction exchange of on-demand content, is seeking an experienced Project Manager. The right candidate will possess a strong track record of delivering large-scale media or technology projects on time and on budget. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, PLC discipline, and strong client-relationship management skills are essential. Visit www.cauldronsolutions.com and send resumes to jobs@cauldronsolutions.com.
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> Database Warehouse Architect

This individual will lead in the design, modification, development and implementation of the company's database warehouse products and associated embedded and third party reports. He/she will lead in the testing process through test review and analysis, test witnessing and certification of software, research & employ commonly used concepts, procedures and best practices software development. Four plus years of overall software development experience is required as well as one plus years in Java. If interested, please submit your resume to vbhatia@hirestrategy.com, or visit, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire275.asp
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> Senior SAP Application Architect

2-3 Years SAP BW Implementation and Development Exp. 5 Years of total exp in full life cycle SAP Implementations, with focus on Basis installation and configuration. 3-4 Years exp with a 3rd Party BI tool such as Business Objects, Cognos focusing on Architecture, Implementation and Configuration. Ability to work with minimal direction yet keep all parties well informed Communication and writing skills. Send resumes to kathe.yamagata@claraview.com
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> Online Advertising Manager

Proffiliates, Inc is seeking a highly motivated individual to help grow a successful and profitable email marketing company. Reporting to the co- founders of the company, the Online Advertising Manager will assist in all day to day operations of the business. This is a tele-commuting position. Proficient with Excel and other Office applications, Working knowledge of HTML 2.0, Past experience in the email advertising and/or direct marketing space, Good overall business experience, Strong problem solving, organizational, interpersonal and motivational skills. Deadline oriented. Send resumes to general@proffiliates.com
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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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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.

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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


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