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August 01, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o Australia Bans "Grand Theft Auto" Game Over Hidden Sexual Content
o ArtistDirect Buys Anti-Piracy Firm MediaDefender for $42.5 Million
o Report: 95% of Mobile Users too Afraid to Download Games
o Nokia Names Kallasvuo as New CEO
o 3D Graphics Developer Lucid Raises $4 Million
o Report: TV Viewing Losing Appeal Among Tweens, Young Teens


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

o Briefly Noted: Yahoo - CNN - ABC News, TiVo - National Cable Television Cooperative, Sirius Satellite Radio - Ford, XM Satellite Radio - USTA, Avid - Face Robot, C-SPAN - podcasts, SmartVideo - Court TV, Private Media Group - MindMatics, Square Enix - "Final Fantasy XII," Khronos Group - COLLADA, Hotel TV - infrared hack, "Darknets"
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Analytics Manager
--Web Development Firm Looking For Projects
--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
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o Australia Bans "Grand Theft Auto" Game Over Hidden Sexual Content

Sydney -- The Australian government's Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) has withdrawn the 15+ rating it gave to Take-Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" -- effectively banning the video game in Australia -- after it was revealed that the title shipped with sexually explicit content hidden in the source code. The content can be unlocked from the game's disc by downloading a modification called "Hot Coffee" off of the Internet. "Businesses that sell or hire computer games should remove existing stocks of this game from their shelves immediately," said OFLC director Des Clark. "Parents are strongly advised to exercise caution in allowing children continued access to the game, particularly if they might have access to the 'Hot Coffee' modification." The OFLC has also in the past banned Take-Two's "Grand Theft Auto III" and "Manhunt" titles in Australia, in addition to games from other publishers, including "BMX XXX," "NARC" and "Postal 2".
http://www.oflc.gov.au/resource.html?resource=544&filename=544.pdf
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=10473
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o ArtistDirect Buys Anti-Piracy Firm MediaDefender for $42.5 Million

Los Angeles -- ArtistDirect, an independent online music site that claims 13 million visitors per month, announced on Monday that it has acquired Internet anti-piracy software developer MediaDefender, for $42.5 million. Marina del Rey, Calif.-based MediaDefender seeds popular peer-to-peer file-sharing networks with "spoofed" versions of copyrighted songs and other media files, frustrating prospective downloaders with bogus files, on behalf of the major record labels and movie studios. "We believe that MediaDefender holds enormous potential to become the ubiquitous gold standard for the customized protection on the Internet of all forms of digital content," said ArtistDirect CEO Jon Diamond. Los Angeles-based ArtistDirect foresees expanding the use of MediaDefender's technology to protect straight-to-DVD movies, video games, software and e-books.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050801/nym100.html
http://www.mediadefender.com
http://www.artistdirect.com
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o Report: 95% of Mobile Users too Afraid to Download Games

London -- According to a new survey by mobile game publisher I-Play, about 95% of "virgin" mobile phone users are too afraid to download video games on their handsets. The survey of more than 2,500 mobile users in Germany, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and the U.K. found that 33% of respondents did not even know whether their handsets could play games, while about 17.5% admitted to not even knowing how to download a game. Only 5% of the survey's respondents said have ever downloaded a game. "The mobile games market is essentially only five percent penetrated," said I-Play COO David Gosen. "The good news is that we now know what's limiting market growth -- the industry must improve accessibility to mobile games and, more importantly, educate consumers on how and where to obtain mobile games."
http://about.iplay.com/article.jsp?NID=89&NYID=2005
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o Nokia Names Kallasvuo as New CEO

Helsinki -- Finland-based Nokia, the largest mobile-handset maker in the world, announced on Monday that Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, who currently heads the company's mobile phone business unit, will be appointed as its next president and chief operating officer on Oct. 1, and as chief executive officer next June. Nokia said acting CEO Jorma Ollila, who has served as CEO for 13 years and chairman for six years, would continue as chairman and CEO until June 1, 2006, at which time he will become non-executive chairman of Nokia's board. "We are pleased that (Ollila) has agreed to remain as the chairman of the board," said Nokia Vice Chairman Paul Collins. "This will provide for an orderly transition while giving the company access to his understanding of our business, our industry and its challenges and opportunities."
http://press.nokia.com/PR/200508/1004430_5.html
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o 3D Graphics Developer Lucid Raises $4 Million

Tel Aviv -- Lucid, an Israel-based developer of advanced processing for 3D graphics, announced that it has raised $4 million in venture capital financing. Genesis Partners and Giza Venture Capital led the round. "In a world of high-definition, flat screens and photo-realistic games, the performance demands from the graphic processors increase immensely," said Giza Vice President Eyal Niv. "The technology developed by Lucid will enable linear improvement through usage of several graphic processors simultaneously, thus facilitating a dramatic breakthrough in computer graphic performance." Lucid also announced that it has appointed as Moshe Steiner, former co-general manager of Marvell Israel, as its new chief executive officer and hired George Haber, founder and CEO of Giga Pixel, as its new chairman.
http://www.lucidlogix.com
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o Report: TV Viewing Losing Appeal Among Tweens, Young Teens

New York -- As they get older, American kids ages 8-14 become increasingly disinterested in watching television, and more and more distracted when they do watch it, according to a new report from Packaged Facts. While nearly 80% of younger "tweens" say that they "love" watching television, according to research conducted by Simmons
Market Research Bureau, that number drops to 60% when kids reach their early teen years. And many tweens and young teens often do something else while watching TV, such as read, listen to music or use a computer. "Tweens and young teens are mastering the adult art of multi-tasking," said Don Montuori, the acquisitions editor of Packaged Facts. "The Internet, in particular, offers a compelling alternative to TV programming, and this is a significant development for marketers in their efforts to target these consumers."
http://www.packagedfacts.com/corporate/press/press_view.asp?Article=561

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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:

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Yahoo announced on Monday that it has signed agreements with CNN.com and ABC News that will lead to the inclusion of daily video news feeds on Yahoo News. The free, ad-supported video clips are due to launch on Yahoo in September.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050801/15440.html
http://news.yahoo.com 

(Alviso, Calif.) TiVo announced on Monday that the National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), an organization of independent cable TV providers with a combined 14 million subscribers, to offer TiVo service to their subscribers. The NCTC's network of more than 1,000 cable operators will be able to independently market TiVo in areas where digital video recording technology was not previously available. Separately, Alviso, Calif.-based TiVo said that five more advertisers -- Ameriquest, E*Trade, Nautilus, Novartis and Tylenol -- have signed on to use its new interactive ads that let them insert a branded "tag" into their commercial spots to direct viewers to more information and special offers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050801/sfm045.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050801/sfm033a.html
http://www.cabletvco-op.org
http://www.tivo.com

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio said on Monday that automakers Ford and Lincoln Mercury will offer Sirius as a factory-installed option on their 2006 Ford F150, Ford Explorer, Lincoln Mark LT and Mercury Mountaineer models. The $195 option will include a six-month subscription to Sirius. Ford plans to offer factory-installed Sirius on up to 21 models in the next two years; the company estimates adding up to a million new Sirius subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050801/nym020a.html
http://www.siriusradio.com

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio said on Monday that it has signed a three-year deal with the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) to broadcast the US Open. Under the deal, XM will have exclusive satellite radio rights to the tennis event through 2007. It plans to broadcast the men's and women's singles semifinals and finals; the 2005 US Open will be held August 29-September 11. The deal also includes weekly reports from the US Open Series, the North American summer season of 10 tournaments linked to the US Open, to air across several of XM's sports, news, and talk channels.
http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/pr_2005_08_01a.html 

(Los Angeles) Avid Technology, a maker of professional video editing equipment, on Monday introduced its new Softimage Face Robot software, which it says allows 3D artists to create realistic, lifelike facial animation for high-end film, postproduction and video game projects. Massachusetts-based Avid said the technology will be shown publicly for the first time during this week's SIGGRAPH convention in Los Angeles.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050801/15464.html
http://www.softimage.com/facerobot

(Washington, DC) Political cable network C-SPAN said that it has begun offering three of its programs -- "After Words," "Q & A" and segments from "American Perspectives" -- as podcasts. They are the first C-SPAN programs to leverage the new podcasting technology, which allows users to download audio over the Internet and listen to them at their convenience.
http://www.c-span.org/podcast

(New York) SmartVideo, a provider of mobile TV delivery technology, announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with Court TV to deliver four channels of video content for cell phones, including a live network feed. Separately, Atlanta-based SmartVideo said it signed a deal with online personals site TheDateZone.com to offer access to its dating service on mobile phones. The agreement gives subscribers the ability to audio and video conference with singles both online and via cell phone.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050801/15187.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050801/15517.html
http://www.courttv.com
http://www.thedatezone.com
http://www.smartvideo.com

(Barcelona, Spain) Adult entertainment provider Private Media Group announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with German mobile messaging services provider MindMatics, to market Private's content to 220 million European wireless subscribers. The deal will bring Private-branded personalized chat, wallpapers, video clips, erotic games and other applications to cell phones.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050801/lam070.html
http://www.mindmatics.co.uk
http://www.private.com 

(Tokyo) Japanese video game publisher Square Enix said on Monday that it plans to ship its "Final Fantasy XII" title for PlayStation 2 in Japan on March 16, 2006. The franchise has sold over 63 million units since its debut in 1987. A North American release for the game is slated for later in 2006.
http://www.square-enix.com 

(Los Angeles) The Khronos Group, a member-funded industry consortium developing open standards for media authoring, announced on Monday that the COLLADA project has joined its efforts to create an open standard for 3D authoring. COLLADA ("COLLAborative Design Activity") was initiated by Sony to create open 3D authoring applications for the forthcoming PlayStation 3. Companies supporting COLLADA include 3Dlabs, Alias, Aegia, ATI, Nvidia and Softimage.
http://www.collada.org
http://www.khronos.org 

(San Francisco) Wired News and CNET News.com on Monday reported on a hack that can enable someone to gain access to guest e-mail, room bills and free adult films on the infrared television systems used by many hotels. Adam Laurie, of U.K.-based security firm The Bunker, developed the hack to expose the lack of password protection and authentication on the systems, which can be compromised using a laptop running Linux, an infrared transmitter and a USB TV tuner.
http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,68370,00.html
http://tinyurl.com/bl28o 

(New York) The New York Times on Monday reported on a new crop of "darknet" peer-to-peer file-sharing applications that incorporate technology to conceal the identities of users and what they are trading with one another. A recent Supreme Court ruling found file-sharing companies could be found liable for infringement committed by users of their software. The article mentions Irish programmer Ian Clarke's Freenet -- introduced in 2000 as a tool for political dissidents to securely share ideas over the Internet -- in addition to another "darknet" project in the works at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/01/technology/01file.html
 
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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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> Web Development Firm Looking For Projects - Fast Results

CleariteCommunications is a highly-focused web development firm that is looking for both large and small projects. We have very fast turnaround. Because we are expierenced and versatile, we value each project and can generally offer some of the most cost-effective work in the industry. We have deep experience in a wide variety of technical areas, ranging from web development to email campaigns to desktop publishing. Our approach is simple: No tech talk and no sales mumbo jumbo. For the Month of August we are offering a large discount for Digital Media Wire subscribers only, please inquire to receive your discount. For consultations, please call Martin Cserhati at 519-685-7143 or email martin.cserhati@clearite.com
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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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> 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:
www.digitalmediawire.com, www.potomactechwire.com, www.newenglandtechwire.com, www.bayareatechwire.com, www.tristatetechwire.com, www.southeasttechwire.com, www.thamestechwire.com, www.europeantechwire.com


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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