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July 28, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o XM Revenue Jumps 136%; Company Raises Subscriber Forecast
o Take-Two Faces Class-Action Suit Over Sex Content in "Grand Theft Auto"
o Report: Product Placements in "Other" Media to Grow 18% in 2005
o IPTV Technology Firm Tut Systems Raises $14.9 Million
o Shareholders Approve Avid Technology Acquisition of Pinnacle Systems
o Peer-to-Peer Communications Firm PeerMe Raises Another $1.5 Million  


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

o Briefly Noted: AOL - ABC News, Yahoo Video Search - "The Yammys," BBC - online soap opera, TVEyes - podcasts, MP3.com - Universal Music Group, Expo Communications, MovieTickets.com - IMAX, MediaBay - Brilliance Audio, Sony - Portable TV, Taito, Namco, LeapFrog, HD Radio
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Analytics 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 XM Revenue Jumps 136%; Company Raises Subscriber Forecast

Washington, DC -- XM Satellite Radio, the provider of satellite radio services, said that it added nearly 650,000 new subscribers last quarter, helping the company post a 136% jump in revenue as it slowly moves toward breakeven. XM reported revenue of $125 million, up from $53 million a year ago, and a net loss of $146.6 million, down from $166.1 million. Just as importantly, the company said that it now expects to finish this year with 6 million subscribers, up from its previous forecast of 5.5 million, following a quarter of torrid subscriber growth. The company ended the quarter with just over 4.4 million subscribers.
http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/pr_2005_07_28.html
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o Take-Two Faces Class-Action Suit Over Sex Content in "Grand Theft Auto"

New York -- Take-Two Interactive, publisher of the "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" game that is being investigated by the FTC over the inclusion of a sexually explicit mini-game, is now also facing a federal class-action lawsuit in the matter. The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York by 85-year-old Florence Cohen, who purchased the game for her 14-year-old grandson, but claims in the suit that Take-Two engaged in consumer deception, false advertising and unfair business practices by including the hidden sex content in the game. The title was pulled from many store shelves last week after the video game ratings board withdrew its "M" (Mature) rating and replaced it with a 18+ rating of "AO" (Adults Only). "The least this company can do is offer refunds," attorney Laurence D. Paskowitz, who is representing Cohen, told The Associated Press.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050727/video_game_lawsuit.html
http://www.take2games.com
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o Report: Product Placements in "Other" Media to Grow 18% in 2005

Stamford, Conn. -- Television and films still account for more than 90% of so-called product placement spending -- where a company pays to have its product featured within the content of a story -- but Stamford-based media research firm PQ Media projects the category of "other" media to grow 18% to $384.9 million in 2005. The category of other media includes magazines, newspapers, videogames, the Internet, recorded music, consumer books and radio, to reach target audiences. "The strong growth of product placement spending in 'other media' is being fueled mainly by solid expansion in videogames, the Internet and recorded music, although magazines, newspapers, consumer books and radio are also expected to post double-digit growth in 2005," PQ Media said in a release.
http://productplacement.notlong.com
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o IPTV Technology Firm Tut Systems Raises $14.9 Million

Lake Oswego, Ore. -- Tut Systems, a provider of technology for delivering TV over broadband networks (IPTV), announced that it has raised $14.9 million through a private sale of its stock and warrants to institutional investors. "This financing provides Tut Systems with a fully funded business plan, which we believe will enable us to turn cash flow positive in the second half of 2006," said Tut chairman and CEO Sal D'Auria. "This funding provides us with the capital to expand our leadership position in our core IPTV markets, and to pursue top tier carrier opportunities around the world with our content video processing and FTTH edge modulation solutions."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050722/sff044.html
http://www.tutsys.com
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o Shareholders Approve Avid Technology Acquisition of Pinnacle Systems

Mountain View, Calif. -- Avid Technology, a maker of audio and video editing systems, and competitor Pinnacle Systems said that shareholders from both companies have approved Avid's acquisition of Pinnacle. In March, Avid agreed to pay $462 million in cash and stock for Pinnacle. The closing of the deal remains subject to approval by European regulators.
http://www.avid.com/company/releases/2005/050727_pinnacle_corp.html
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o Peer-to-Peer Communications Firm PeerMe Raises Another $1.5 Million

Mountain View, Calif. -- PeerMe, a peer-to-peer communications technology company, said on Wednesday that it has secured an additional $1.5 million in new financing from Japanese and North American angel investors. The company said that it has now raised more than $2.5 million over the past year. "We view this financing, with participation from all of our existing investors, as a strong vote of confidence," said Tom Lasater, PeerMe's founder and CEO. PeerMe has developed an instant messaging environment that supports Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) PC-to-PC and PC-to-handheld voice communications, as well as instant messaging and peer-to-peer file transfer fully encrypted over public internet connections.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050727/daw003.html
http://www.peerme.com

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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:

(Dulles, Va.) Looking to increase the amount of content on its new AOL.com portal, America Online said on Thursday that it has renewed and expanded its news content and video programming deal with ABC News. Under the agreement ABC News will provide AOL with such content as breaking news updates, multiple live video streams and interactive programming. "Our audiences have shown that they want the best in video online, as well as on TV," said David Westin, the president of ABC News. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050728/285609.html?.v=1 

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Yahoo on Thursday announced a call for entries for its first annual Yahoo Video Search Awards -- The Yammys -- which will recognize the best in amateur-produced web videos. The contest will accept videos under five categories: bloopers, pets, road trips, office humor and "I can't believe it!". Users can vote for their favorite semi-finalist videos online beginning on Aug. 30; celebrity judges including Jenny McCarthy, Kelly Monaco and Pauly Shore will then choose a grand prize winner.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050728/285452.html
http://video.search.yahoo.com

(London) The BBC World Service announced that it is planning to launch its first online soap opera. Called "Flatmates," the show will feature a multicultural cast of young people and target English-language learners. What's more, visitors to the program's website will be able to listen to the last episode online and even vote on what happens next to the characters. "Online is a fantastic way of learning English because people can go at their own pace and interact with the web in a way they want to, at a time that suits them," said "Flatmates" producer Nuala O'Sullivan. The BBC plans to launch the show on Aug. 1.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?E2A13348B 

(Fairfield, Conn.) TVEyes, a provider of indexing services for television and radio broadcasts, said on Tuesday that its new Podscope service is on track to cover every known podcast -- downloadable radio programs that can be played on a digital media music player or PC -- by the end of August. Podscope already indexes more than 20,000 podcasts from more than 3,500 sites, the company said.
http://www.podscope.com 

(San Francisco) MP3.com, a digital music resource site operated by CNET Networks, said it recently hosted the exclusive online premiere of Universal Music artist 50 Cent's new video. The exclusive content is part of a deal that will result in MP3.com hosting hundreds of new and back catalog music videos from Universal.
http://www.mp3.com 

(New York) Expo Communications, which operates a video-on-demand marketplace, announced on Thursday that it has signed carriage agreements with cable TV providers Charter and Mediacom, which will begin offering the service by Aug. 1. The Expo TV service features on-demand product demonstrations for merchandise ranging from electronics and technology to beauty, fitness and entertainment.
http://www.expotv.com 

(Los Angeles) MovieTickets.com, a provider of advance online movie ticket sales, said on Thursday that it has partnered with IMAX to launch a co-branded site to purchase tickets online for select IMAX theaters. The site will be directly linked from IMAX.com.
http://www.movietickets.com
http://www.imax.com 

(Cedar Knolls, N.J.) MediaBay, a distributor of spoken word audio content, announced on Thursday that it has signed an agreement with independent audiobook publisher Brilliance Audio, to offer nearly 1,000 of its downloadable audiobook titles. The deal includes the children's series "Pendragon," in addition to unabridged versions of "Little Women" and "Great Expectations," and a faith-based line of fiction and nonfiction titles. Brilliance Audio's audiobooks will be available as part of MediaBay's distribution deal with MSN Music.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050728/nyth073.html
http://www.mediabay.com
http://www.brillianceaudio.com
http://www.music.msn.com 

(Tokyo) Sony has launched a downloadable content portal in Japan for its PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld game. Portable TV, operated by Sony's So-net ISP, is initially offering 100 free titles, with plans to expand the library to include for-pay episodes of TV shows and music videos.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=10399

(Burlingame, Calif.) Video game publisher HOT-B announced on Thursday that its "Graffiti Kingdom" title for PlayStation 2 has shipped to retailers. The title was developed by Taito Japan.
http://www.taito.co.jp/eng
http://www.hotb.com/graffitikingdom 

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Japanese video game publisher Namco said on Thursday that its "Namco Museum 50th Anniversary" title will feature a soundtrack of classic 80's songs, including "Come On Eileen," "Working for the Weekend" and "She Drives Me Crazy." The title for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and the PC is a compilation of 14 classic Namco titles, such as "Pac Man," "Galaga," "Dig Dug" and "Pole Position."
http://www.namco.com 

(Emeryville, Calif.) LeapFrog, a developer of technology-based educational products, on Thursday introduced its Leapster L-MAX, a combination TV console and handheld learning game system. The device connects to a TV for large-screen game play, and also supports more than 20 games developed for the previously released Leapster handheld gaming system. The Leapster L-MAX will sell for $99 at Wal-Mart, Target and Toys R Us, with new software titles available for $29.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050727/sfw029.html
http://www.leapfrog.com 

(New York) The New York Times on Thursday reported on HD Radio, Maryland-based iBiquity Digital's technology that lets radio stations transmit a digital signal alongside their traditional analog broadcasts. Currently, 450 U.S. radio stations are currently using HD Radio and at least 2,000 more are committed to adopting the new format. While lawmakers are hounding the TV industry to switch to digital broadcasting as soon as possible, iBiquity CEO Robert Strubble doesn't foresee an analog shutdown for radio for at least 12 years.
http://tech.nytimes.com/2005/07/28/technology/circuits/28basics.html
http://www.ibiquity.com/hdradio

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Analytics Manager @ Simple Star, Inc.

The Analytics Manager will serve as principal on all data collection, analysis and reporting initiatives. Responsibilities include identifying and reporting on KPIs on an on-going basis, designing and implementing tests to locate areas of improvement all around, and a variety of other crucial tasks. Must have 2-4 years' experience working in an analytics role for a major web property or consumer software business, experience with Omniture or like service provider, a strong understanding of SQL database structure, and working knowledge of query creation. More details can be found at: http://www.simplestar.com/careers/description.php?position=7.
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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.

More information:
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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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