archives

o Digimarc Settles Patent Dispute, Licenses Technology to Rival Verance
o Storage Media Firm DataPlay Lays Off Half of Staff
o Pressplay 2.0 Offers Unlimited Downloads, Transfer to Portable Players
o Hollywood Media Launches Video-on-Demand Digital TV Channels
o Musicmaker.com Drops Merger-Blocking Lawsuit Against Liquid Audio

o Briefly Noted: TiVo - retailers, Vivendi Universal Publishing - Simon &
Schuster Interactive, 3DO - Simon Bisley, Sierra Entertainment - Intel -
IGames, Empire Interactive - Microsoft Game Studios, InterTrust
Technologies patent, Wi-Fi movie piracy, "Mash-ups"
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: VP Product Development, Dir. of Communications, VP
Marketing/Product Development, Creative Director, PR Coordinator,
Management Supervisor, Accounting Manager, Sr. Program Manager

> Events: MBDA Business Plan Competition

> Marketplace: Free PR Report, High-Tech Marketing

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o Digimarc Settles Patent Dispute, Licenses Technology to Rival Verance

Tualatin, Ore. -- Digimarc, a developer of digital watermarking
technology, announced on Thursday that it has issued a license of its
technology to rival watermarking developer Verance, and has settled all
pending patent litigation with the company. Oregon-based Digimarc had
filed three patent infringement claims against San Diego-based Verance,
which had also filed counterclaims for patent infringement and antitrust
violations. Under the terms of the settlement, Verance will pay Digimarc a
license initiation fee and will pay certain minimum guaranteed amounts
during the term of the license, in excess of $2 million. "The growth and
maturation in Digimarc's patent portfolio that has occurred over the
course of our litigation is impressive and has convinced us that entering
a licensing agreement is the right move for Verance, its shareholders and
customers," said Verance president and CEO Bob Cerasoli. "We view this
settlement as the first step in what we expect to be a long-term,
constructive relationship between Verance and Digimarc."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020801/10314_1.html
http://www.verance.com
http://www.digimarc.com
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o Storage Media Firm DataPlay Lays Off Half of Staff

Boulder, Colo. -- DataPlay, a manufacturer of quarter-sized optical discs
for digital media, confirmed on Thursday that it has laid off
approximately 50 percent of its 240 employees, due to current financial
market conditions. Company spokeswoman Suzanne Stephens said that the
company found it difficult to raise enough new capital to sustain its
current level of operations, and "plans to utilize its partners to better
fit within today's economic climate." The company last raised $55 million
in June 2001. Colorado-based DataPlay has developed a new storage format
that record labels including Universal, BMG, EMI and Zomba will use to
release albums; the 250MB and 500MB recordable discs can also hold video,
text, software or other data. Consumer electronics firms including Toshiba
and Samsung have co-developed devices capable of playing DataPlay discs.
http://www.dataplay.com
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o Pressplay 2.0 Offers Unlimited Downloads, Transfer to Portable Players

Los Angeles -- Pressplay, a digital music subscription service joint
venture between Sony Music and Universal Music Group, announced on
Thursday the launch of version 2.0 of its service, now offering
subscribers unlimited streaming and unlimited downloading of songs. The
"vast majority" of Pressplay's 100,000-song catalog -- from artists on
labels including Universal, Sony, EMI, Zomba and a number of independent
labels -- will now be burnable to CD and transferable to portable devices
including Sony's Net MD and others that support Microsoft's digital rights
management, like SonicBlue's Rio line, CreativeLabs' Nomad line and
Compaq's iPAQ. A newly created annual membership term costs $179.40 up
front, offering 120 downloads that can be burned or transferred to
portable devices. Pressplay also launched 18 new pre-programmed streaming
radio stations for its subscribers, offering the ability to instantly
download any song heard on a station. "During our first six months of
service, we have focused on learning what our members want so that we
could refine Pressplay to meet their demands," said Pressplay CEO Michael
Bebel. "Beyond the ability to burn CDs, which we offered from the start,
our subscribers clearly told us they wanted more flexibility, permanence
and portability options."
http://www.pressplay.com/pressroom/pr_20020801.html
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-947507.html
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o Hollywood Media Launches Video-on-Demand Digital TV Channels

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Hollywood Media, an entertainment company that
operates Hollywood.com and Broadway.com, and holds a minority interest in
MovieTickets.com, announced on Thursday the launch of two new digital
cable TV channels. "Totally Hollywood TV" and "Totally Broadway TV" will
offer on-demand video clips of premieres, movie trailers, reviews,
behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and other content. Initially, the
channels will be available to cable TV operator Cablevision's subscribers
in the Long Island, Warwick Valley, N.Y. and Morris County, N.J. regions;
Florida-based Hollywood Media also plans to roll-out the networks on a
national basis. The management of Hollywood Media does have experience
launching a cable network, having previously founded the Sci-Fi Channel in
1989, which was later acquired by USA Networks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020801/nyth035_1.html
http://www.hollywood.com
http://www.broadway.com
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o Musicmaker.com Drops Merger-Blocking Lawsuit Against Liquid Audio

Redwood City, Calif. -- Liquid Audio, a provider of digital music
distribution services, announced on Thursday that a group of its
shareholders -- Musicmaker.com -- has dropped its lawsuit challenging the
company's proposed merger with Alliance Entertainment. Redwood City,
Calif.-based Liquid Audio's stockholders will now vote on the proposed
merger with Alliance at the company's September 26, 2002 annual meeting.
"We are pleased by musicmaker's decision to drop this frivolous motion,"
said Liquid Audio CEO Gerry Kearby. "We believe that this was just a
self-serving legal maneuver by musicmaker.com, designed to keep our
stockholders from voting on a transaction with Alliance that we believe
will deliver maximum value to all Liquid Audio stockholders."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020801/sfth048_1.html
http://www.aent.com
http://www.liquidaudio.com
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Briefly Noted:

(San Jose, Calif.) TiVo, a manufacturer of digital video recorders, said
on Thursday it will expand the retail distribution of its TiVo Series2
Digital Video Recorder. In addition to its existing relationship with
retailer Best Buy, San Jose, Calif.-based TiVo said its product will also
now be available at The Good Guys and Abt Electronics stores. The company
said it expects to announce additional retail partners in the coming
weeks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020801/sfth021_1.html
http://www.tivo.com

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Publishing announced that it has signed an
exclusive North American distribution agreement with Viacom's digital
entertainment unit Simon & Schuster Interactive. Under the agreement, VU
Games will distribute interactive products published by New York-based
Simon & Schuster Interactive over the next two years, including the
massively multiplayer title "Eve Online" for PC, "Darkened Skye" for
GameCube and "Outlaw Golf" for Xbox and GameCube.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020731/law012_1.html
http://www.vivendiuniversalpublishing.com/english_index.html
http://www.ssinteractive.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer 3DO announced on Thursday that it
has signed an agreement with fantasy and comic book artist Simon Bisley,
to develop his "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" for Sony PlayStation 2,
Nintendo GameCube, Microsoft Xbox and the PC. The action games, featuring
the voice talents of actors Tim Curry, Lance Henriksen and Traci Lords,
are due for release in the fall of 2003.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020801/10155_1.html
http://www.3do.com
http://www.hksquad.com

(Bellevue, Wash.) Game developer Sierra Entertainment, a studio of Vivendi
Universal Publishing, announced on Thursday that it has partnered with
chipmaker Intel and IGames, an organization of independent and franchised
game centers, to co-sponsor an "Empire Earth" World Championship video
game tournament. The September tournament will award a grand prize of
$20,000 and will highlight Washington-based Sierra's new expansion pack
for the game, "Empire Earth: The Art of Conquest."
http://www.sierra.com
http://www.igames.org
http://www.empireearth.com

(London) Video game publisher Empire Interactive said on Thursday that it
has reached an agreement with Microsoft Game Studios to publish classic
Microsoft PC game titles in the U.K. and Ireland, under its Xplosiv budget
brand. Games including "Flight Simulator 98," "Age of Empires Gold
Edition," "Midtown Madness" and "Links LS Classic" will be offered for
between $7 and $15. San Francisco-based Empire has similar deals to
publish budget titles for developers including Take2, Sega, Ubisoft,
Taito, Activision and Europress.
http://us.empireinteractive.com
http://www.xplosiv.net/landing.htm

(Santa Clara, Calif.) InterTrust Technologies, a developer of digital
rights management technology, announced on Thursday that it has been
granted its 25th patent. The newly issued patent relates to Santa Clara,
Calif.-based InterTrust's "trusted computing" technology, and describes
"inventive work on electronic negotiation and reconciliation of multiple
rule sets." The company did not say if it will add the patent to its
continuing litigation against Microsoft, which the company has sued
alleging infringement of its digital rights management and trusted
computing technologies.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020731/sfw086_1.html
http://www.intertrust.com

(San Francisco) CNET News.com recently reported on an AT&T Broadband
Internet access subscriber whose home wireless ("Wi-Fi") network was
surreptitiously used by his next-door neighbor to transmit a pirated movie
over the Internet. AT&T received a complaint from an agency representing
the undisclosed movie's producers, which prompted the investigation. AT&T
Broadband told News.com the incident has prompted an educational effort to
inform its subscribers who choose to set up wireless home networks that
they must encrypt their networks or else be susceptible to such outside
interference.
http://news.com.com/2100-1033-947496.html?tag=fd_top
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Wi_Fi.html

(San Francisco) Online magazine Salon.com on Thursday published a feature
story on "mash-ups," or songs compiled by amateur producers by mixing two
or more existing recordings together in a new way, such as a current track
created by Freelance Hellraiser that mixes Christina Aguilera singing over
an instrumental version of a song by the Strokes. Such recordings have
become easy to produce, using modern software like Madison, Wisc.-based
Sonic Foundry's Acid and Daly City, Calif.-based Digidesign's ProTools.
"It's about demolishing the myth that there has to be a special class of
creators, and flattening out the creative curve so we can all contribute
to our creative environment," New York University assistant professor Siva
Vaidhyanthan told Salon.com. However, the new trend is sometimes frowned
upon by the music's original creators, some of whom deny permission to
mash-up creators looking to release their remixes commercially.
http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2002/08/01/bootlegs/index.html
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===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
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To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm
Special Summer Discount: 5-day ad: $75; 10-day ad: $125

Vice President, Product Development - Warner Bros. - Burbank, CA

VP to oversees all aspects of customer management, project management,
creative development, and technical development for the delivery of Web
sites and on-line collateral for WBOL clients. Set Product development
organization strategy and priorities. Build Customer relationships. BA
from an accredited university and preferably an MBA or MA in a field
related to the production of on-line marketing services, including a
strong understanding of creative and technology issues. 5-10 years
experience in creative customer service businesses (e.g., advertising),
with 2-3 years of web experience. If you are interested in this position,
please submit your resume to: wbjobs@alexus.com. Also, please use
reference #: WWHJ_VPProdDev in the text of your resume.
_____________________________________________

Director, Communications - Warner Bros. - Burbank, CA

WB seeks a Director of Communications for the Online Marketing & Promotion
department. Position responsible for creating, managing, and executing B2B
marketing online services. Develop strategic initiatives to promote WB
Online as a business communication service and PR strategies and campaigns
for B2B marketing online services, targeting broadcast, print, and online
media outlets. Produces all press kit contents. BA degree required. Proven
success in pitching stories required. Must have existing relationships
with press contacts. 5 yrs. general PR and 2 yrs. Internet PR experience
required. Please visit www.wbjobs.com, go to the Job Search page and enter
#004038 in the keyword search field. Submit your resume by creating a
Career Cart. Please reference code: WWHJ4038 in the text of your resume.
_____________________________________________

VP Marketing & Product Development - Fandango - Santa Monica, CA

As the premiere remote source movie ticketing service, Fandango is
positioned to become the ultimate way to plan a night out to the movies.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the VP, Marketing & Product
Development, is responsible for leading all marketing and product
initiatives for Fandango's remote ticketing service offerings. Will
develop, direct and execute the total business marketing strategy
including positioning, brand awareness, usability, promotion/advertising
campaigns and customer loyalty programs. BA/BS in Marketing or Business
with 7-10 years of marketing experience. 3-5 years in a senior management
role in entertainment, internet, or consumer products. Resume to:
jobs@fandango.com and indicate position title in the subject.
http://www.fandango.com.
_____________________________________________

Creative Director - CareersFromHome.com - Los Angeles, CA

Oversees all creative aspects of the company. Develops creative briefs and
designs applicable concepts to meet the strategic objectives of the
company. Requires a Masters Degree plus at least 5 years experience
working as a Creative Director. To apply, please visit:
http://www.CareersFromHome.com/internal.asp
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Public Relations Coordinator - Gartner - San Jose, CA

Responsible for handling daily media inquiries in a timely manner and
supporting the
PR team, based in both Stamford, CT and San Jose, CA. This position will
be responsible for directing members of the press to the appropriate
analyst, supplying company research for reporter's stories, as well as
administrative projects for the VP of PR and rest of PR team. Handle daily
media inquiries (average of 30 call per day) in a timely manner. Locate
proper research material as well as direct reporter's to the appropriate
analyst. Handle any broadcast requests from CNN, CNBC and other broadcast
media. Someone who exudes the high energy needed in a news environment.
Apply at:
http://cutnpost.hiresystems.com/apply1.cfm?clientid=245&codes=1567HS,WHTJ&siteid=83
_____________________________________________

Management Supervisor - Grey Interactive - New York, NY

Award winning interactive agency seeks seasoned Management Supervisor with
Strong
Management skills. The ideal candidate will have consumer packaged goods,
CRM, interactive and traditional agency experience. Beauty and/or fashion
category experience a must. Are you the type who will roll up your
sleeves, be a strategic thinker, able to build business models on the web
and bring clients to the next level? If so, please e-mail us your resume
for immediate consideration: Jobs@greyinteractive.com
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Accounting Manager - Public Company - Washington DC

Washington DC based public company involved in technology venture
investing and business services seeks an Accounting Manager. Experience
should include: daily accounting management, corporate cash management,
SEC financial reporting, external audit coordination, and supervision of
small staff. Email resume and salary requirements to rsc672@hotmail.com
_____________________________________________

Senior Program Manager - HireStrategy - Washington DC

One of the world's largest systems integrators is seeking a Senior Program
Manager from the federal services space to lead an organization
responsible for systems modernization initiatives. The Senior PM will have
an extremely critical and highly visible role managing multiple programs.
Must have 15+ years professional technology experience.
Apply on-line or send resumes to lbedard@hirestrategy.com
Visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire60.asp for details.
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====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
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Call for Applicants - MBDA Business Plan Competition - Ends Aug 9

The U.S. Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
and the Emerging Venture Network (EVN) continue their call for applicants
for the MBDA Equity Capital Access Program. MBDA and EVN will identify up
to 200 entrepreneurs nationally to assess and give a scored evaluation of
their business plan with written comments on strengths, weaknesses and
areas for improvement. Entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in an
intensive "boot camp," where they will be drilled in the fundamentals of
obtaining venture capital. Contact: mgarcia@evn.org
http://www.evn.org/MBDA/index.html
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CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
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always hear about are doing and how you can do the same. Send request to:
getpublicitynow@aweber.com
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Fortune High-Tech Marketing is the leader in network marketing. Our
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