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August 11, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Blockbuster Launches Online Mail-Order DVD Rental Service
o Gay Online Media Firm PlanetOut Delays IPO Plans
o Streaming Patent Holder Acacia Targets Universities With Licensing Campaign
o Napster Offers Discounted Digital Music Service to U.S. Military
o Chinese Mobile Firm TOM Online Acquires Treasure Base for $66.4 Million

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Future of Television: Next Generation - November 19, 2004

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Sr Manager, Digital Media Portal Content - NEXTEL
 --Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards - Nov. 4-5
 

o Briefly Noted: Cox Radio - digital transition, Nvidia - USC School of Cinema-Television, Digital 5 - Gracenote, LodgeNet - The Fitness Suite, Acotel Group - Associated Press, Disc Live, Ubisoft - "Alexander," Electronic Arts - Club Pogo, WorldWinner - E-Bridge, Mobliss, Majesco, PhotoStamps
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Affordable Corporate Wireless Email - Register to Win a Free Treo 600
--Product Manager
--Sr Manager, Digital Media Portal Content - NEXTEL
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
--Sales Directors
--Director of CRM
--Media Buyer - Online
--Strategic Planning Associate 
--Java Developers - Northern VA - Fortune 100
--National Sales Manager - Online Advertising
--Major Account Manager
--Solutions Marketing Manager
--VPTC Wireless Networking Symposium - Sept. 15
 


o Blockbuster Launches Online Mail-Order DVD Rental Service

Dallas -- Video rental giant Blockbuster announced on Wednesday its entry into the online DVD rental marketplace, with the launch of Blockbuster Online. "We think now is the opportune time for Blockbuster to enter the online rental business, and we plan to quickly establish ourselves in this arena by aggressively marketing, pricing and combining our online program and in-store capabilities," said Blockbuster Online general manager Shane Evangelist. The service's terms are nearly identical to rival and industry leader Netflix, offering up to three movies out at a time for $19.99 per month. To take advantage of its retail presence, the company will also provide subscribers with two free in-store movie rental coupons each month. Blockbuster launched a store-based movie subscription service in May 2004, and said it plans to combine the in-store and recently launched mail order service next year. The company said it formed marketing alliances with MSN and AOL, which will promote the movie service, in addition to enabling subscribers to manage their movie queues from a secondary location.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040811/daw018_1.html
http://www.blockbuster.com        
_____________________________________________

o Gay Online Media Firm PlanetOut Delays IPO Plans

San Francisco -- Gay online media company PlanetOut announced on Wednesday that it has chosen to postpone its planned $75 million IPO until a later date, citing "recent adverse market conditions." The company, which announced IPO plans on April 29, reduced the price range for the offering on Aug. 4 from $12 to $14 per share to between $9 and $11 per share, but said today it has not withdrawn the offering and will continue to evaluate the timing. "Given the current difficult market for initial offerings, we feel the appropriate value of the company would not be realized through an IPO at this time." said PlanetOut chairman and CEO Lowell Selvin.
http://www.planetout.com          
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o Streaming Patent Holder Acacia Targets Universities With Licensing Campaign

Newport Beach, Calif. -- Acacia Research Technologies, a firm claiming patents on basic streaming media technology that have been licensed by companies including Disney and Playboy, has now sent letters to dozens of colleges, asking for license fees for distance learning and other video-related technology or else face litigation, Forbes.com reported. The company sent similar letters to several universities last year, with a couple of them agreeing to license fees. At least 48 schools had received letters from Acacia as of Friday, according to the American Council on Education. Washington College in Maryland was told a minimum annual license fee of $5,000 would cover use of Acacia's technology by its 1,400 students, who view streaming video of lectures and school sports highlights. "Acacia wants to extract a toll on each and every lesson that a student learns over the Internet," Electronic Frontier Foundation staff attorney Jason Scultz told Forbes.com. "I think that's despicable." The company recently suffered a setback when a judge ruled last month that several of Acacia's patents were indefinite, in a case between the company and adult websites it has pressured to license its technology.
http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2004/08/08/ap1495622.html
http://www.acaciaresearch.com     
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o Napster Offers Discounted Digital Music Service to U.S. Military

Los Angeles -- Napster announced an agreement on Wednesday with the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) that will give all branches of the U.S. military access to its digital music subscription service. Napster will be offered via CentricMall.com, a password-protected website accessible that offers products from 40 vendors only to authorized military personnel. The service will provide discounts on both Napster's subscription service and on individual downloads to over 11.5 million active, reserve and retired military personnel and their families. It will also accept the military's "Military Star Card" credit card as a payment option. "When we learned of the demand for digital music within the military community, particularly from overseas, we immediately dedicated resources to meeting that need," said Napster CEO Chris Gorog.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040811/law047_1.html 
http://www.napster.com 
http://www.centricmall.com 
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o Chinese Mobile Firm TOM Online Acquires Treasure Base for $66.4 Million

Beijing -- TOM Online, a provider of wireless multimedia services in China, announced on Wednesday that it will acquire Chinese wireless entertainment firm Treasure Base for $66.4 million in cash. Treasure Base develops sports and lifestyle interactive TV services for Chinese broadcasters. The acquisition will provide TOM Online with a new distribution and promotion channel of over 60 TV channels, with the coverage of approximate 100 million households in China, and will also bring the TOM Online's website 1.5 million paying subscribers. The companies plan to immediately integrate their Olympics and NBA coverage. TOM Online also recently made a strategic investment in wireless developer Sichuan Great Wall Software, alongside Qualcomm and IDGVC.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040811/cnw003_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040811/hongkong_tomonline_tomgroup_1.html
http://ir.tom.com   

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 > DMW Events:

Future of Television Forum: Next Generation
November 19, 2004  |  New York City

www.televisionconference.com
Phone Registration Available Now
323-822-0936

OVERVIEW
Last year 370+ attended Future of Television Forum, which included keynotes from Mark Cuban (Chairman, HDNet / Owner, Dallas Mavericks), Joshua Sapan (President & CEO Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.), and David Zaslav (President, NBC Cable). This year's event is scheduled for November 19, 2004 at NYU's Stern School of Business and will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and cutting-edge topics focused on the "Next Generation" of television.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $195 (until August 31)
Pre-Registration: $295
(until November 12)
Registration: $395 (after November 12 & at Door)
Online Registration: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1074

Phone: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

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> Featured Advertisement:

> Sr Manager, Digital Media Portal Content - NEXTEL

Manage Internet content acquisition and launch for various Digital Media products. Content may include WAP, JAVA, Ring Tones, Screen Savers, Wallpaper, SMS, MMS, and Location Based Services. Will coordinate with partners and Nextel Business Development to obtain Digital Media Content for catalog. Coordinate with marketing and partners for promotion of Digital Media products. Requires directly related experience. http://www.nextel.com/about/index.shtml
Contact: chris.allison@nextel.com


> Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards, November 4-5 

The Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards honor this vision, along with innovation, entrepreneurship and brand development in digital entertainment.

With awards in 30 unique categories honoring achievements involving games, music and film, television and video, Billboard recognizes the cutting-edge developments and forward thinkers shaping the future of entertainment.

The Conference will feature provocative panel sessions on current digital entertainment issues. For a complete list of speakers, panel and keynote addresses, visit the site below. Early bird registration ends August 31st!

For more information, please call 323-822-0936 or visit www.digitalentertainmentawards.com

For online awards submissions, conference registrations and purchasing Awards Gala Dinner tickets, please click here.

Deadline for Submissions: September 15, 2004

Conference & Awards Show: November 4 and 5, 2004

AWARDS CATEGORIES
(click here for category descriptions)
AWARDS ENTRY FORM
(click here to download entry form)

 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Atlanta) Cox Radio, the nation's third-largest radio broadcaster by revenue, announced that it plans to expand its roll-out of digital radio broadcasting technology at its owned stations, pledging to upgrade 80% of its stations over the next four years with HD Radio technology from iBiquity Digital. The company currently offers digital broadcasts from stations in Atlanta and Miami, and owns or operates a total of 78 stations in 18 markets.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040809/nym162_1.html 
http://www.coxradio.com

(Los Angeles) Graphics chipmaker Nvidia announced on Wednesday that it is collaborating with the USC School of Cinema-Television, to provide students with training on advanced 3D graphics technology used in filmmaking, visual effects and animation products. While Nvidia will provide the school with equipment, guest speakers and sponsorship of research projects, the school will facilitate the selection of students for Nvidia's internship program.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040811/sfw007_1.html 
http://www.nvidia.com 
http://www-cntv.usc.edu

(Lawrenceville, N.J.) Digital 5, a provider of home media networking software, on Wednesday announced a partnership with Gracenote, a provider of online music recognition services. Under the terms, New Jersey-based Digital 5 will integrate Berkeley, Calif.-based Gracenote's technology, which recognizes CDs and applies artist, song name and other data to music files, into its own technology that facilitates the streaming of music and other media to devices in the home.
http://www.gracenote.com 
http://www.digital5.com

(Sioux Falls, S.D.) LodgeNet, a provider of interactive TV and broadband services to hoteliers, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Denver-based The Fitness Suite to offer a variety of video-on-demand fitness programming on its hotel systems.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040811/cgw025_1.html 
http://www.lodgenet.com 
http://www.fitnesssuite.com

(New York) Italian wireless multimedia services provider Acotel Group announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with the Associated Press to distribute coverage of the Olympics, as well as sports-themed mobile entertainment content, to wireless subscribers. The Olympics coverage will provide event previews, photos, audio clips and interactive segments produced by the Associated Press.
http://www.ap.org 
http://www.acotel.com

(Dallas) Disc Live, a unit of Immediatek that provides live concert recording and CD distribution services, said on Wednesday that the Pixies will continue to use the company's services on their fall tour, following a successful partnership during the band's summer reunion tour. The company said that in addition to limited edition CDs, concerts from the tour will also be available through its NetBurn service, allowing consumers to instantly download and burn a CD of a concert after purchasing it online.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040811/115069_1.html 
http://www.disclive.com

(San Francisco) French video game publisher Ubisoft announced on Wednesday an agreement with Intermedia Films and Internationale Medien und Film GmbH & Co. 3 Produktions KG, to develop a PC game based on director Oliver Stone's upcoming film "Alexander," based on the life of Alexander the Great. The real-time strategy game will be released in the U.S. alongside the film in November, with the European release to follow.
http://www.ubi.com 
http://www.alexanderthemovie.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts said on Wednesday that its Club Pogo subscription-based online games service, launched a year ago, now counts over 500,000 subscribers. The company said 75% of subscribers are women with an average age of 35, and that subscribers average 50 hours of gameplay per month. The ad-free online games site costs $4.99 per month or $29.99 for an annual subscription.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040811/115159_1.html 
http://www.pogo.com

(Newton, Mass.) WorldWinner, a provider of online game competitions, announced on Wednesday that it plans to acquire E-Bridge, a provider of online bridge games. Financial details were not disclosed. "Given the increasing popularity of bridge among online audiences of all ages, we're pleased to make the game available to more than one million players visiting WorldWinner every month," said E-Bridge CEO Pinhas Romik.
http://www.e-bridgemaster.com 
http://www.worldwinner.com

(Seattle) Wireless entertainment publisher Mobliss said on Wednesday that its "Mobile Family Feud" title, based on a license from FremantleMedia, has now surpassed 100,000 subscribers. The game is accessible via WAP, SMS, J2ME and BREW-enabled phones.
http://www.mobliss.com

(Edison, N.J.) Game developer Majesco on Wednesday shipped three new value-priced titles for Nintendo Game Boy Advance to retailers. "Texas Hold 'Em Poker," "Monster Trucks" and "F-18 Super Hornet" will each sell for $19.99.
http://www.majescogames.com

(San Francisco) Wired News on Wednesday reported on a new trial service from Stamps.com that allows anyone to create their own image or logo that and have it printed on customized U.S. stamps. The PhotoStamps service requires approval of the submitted image, and charges about twice the price of the stamps' face value to print customized postage. "We don't really accept anything that as a private company we'd consider objectionable or controversial," Stamps.com CEO Ken McBride told News.com, referring to "nudity, violence, racism, sexism -- the standard list of things, not anything rude or obscene… The majority of stuff that's coming in is exactly what we intended. Pictures of babies is No. 1. Pictures of families or babies make up about two-thirds of what's come in."
http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,64538,00.html 
http://photo.stamps.com 

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> Affordable Corporate Wireless Email - Register to Win a Free Treo 600

Be productive anywhere, anytime; always stay connected to critical info. Email, calendar, contacts pushed from your corporate mail server. Affordable for organizations of all sizes. NO hardware or software to buy. Support for Palm (Treo 600!), Pocket PC and Symbian devices over any carrier. For more info about Aperture's Wireless Email Service or to register to win a Free Treo 600, go to http://www.apertureservices.com  Send inquiries to Info@ApertureServices.com
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> Product Manager

Leads and executes individual product initiatives within a business unit. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Graduate degree in business or engineering preferred. 3-5 years Product Mgmt experience within the service industry, high tech or advanced CRM applications preferred. Experience building and managing teams a plus. Strong project mgmt skills, detail-oriented with solid analytical skill. Ability to develop business relationships and partnerships as needed. Travel up to 20% of total time. Evening or weekend hours may be required. Compensation negotiable up to $95K. Send resumes to denise@iconstaff.com
_________________

> Sr Manager, Digital Media Portal Content - NEXTEL

Manage Internet content acquisition and launch for various Digital Media products.  For more information, see  Featured Advertisement.
_________________

> New Release: 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.
_________________

> Sales Directors

A high growth IT Systems Integrator with over 6 years of success is seeking senior level sales professionals for commercial and gov't sales. Only candidates who are motivated by prospecting, qualifying, and closing new business should apply. To qualify for an interview, you must have 3 yrs or more successful sales exp. in systems integration and/or professional services. An understanding of business processes and an ability to interact with all levels of sr. mgmt and technical staff is desired. Must possess the ability to objectively analyze a customer's projected needs and provide a solution that customers will buy. College degree or higher. Please send your resume and cover letter to ron@innovativeexecutivesearch.com
_________________

> Director of CRM

GTSI is a market-leading, $1B, 20+ year successful business. We have an immediate opening for a Director of CRM to develop and build CRM as one of the company's long-term core competencies and key differentiators. The successful candidate will be a strong proven leader with the ability to develop, communicate and drive a CRM vision, as well as effectively manage and be accountable for its implementation. You must have 5 plus yrs CRM mgmt, 10 plus yrs. total marketing exp, and a BS degree in Marketing or Business. Government industry knowledge essential. Please send resume to careers@gtsi.com  and reference CRM in the subject line.
_________________

> Media Buyer - Online

Our client located southwest of Boston looking for a smart and experienced marketing professional to serve as a Media Buyer-Online. The successful candidate will be responsible for hitting monthly and quarterly visitor and subscriber goals, work with designer to develop creative for each campaign/ad unit, set up and administer campaign tracking. Reconcile media invoices and work with sites to rectify any billing issues. Require: 2+ years in online media/marketing, BA/BS degree is reqd. Exp. required with $100,000+ monthly marketing budget. Very strong excel skills. Some HTML skill reqd. Excellent written communication; strong organization and analytic skills. Salary up to $75K. Send resumes to: denise@iconstaff.com
_________________

> Strategic Planning Associate

BuyerZone.com, the leading b2b e-marketplace for business purchasing is seeking a Strategic Planning Associate to join its team and continue its record growth pace. As a Strategic Planning Associate, you will help identify areas for future corporate expansion. This includes identifying potential markets and opportunities for expansion, assessing their feasibility through both qualitative and quantitative analyses, and recommending market entry strategies. Requirements: Recent college graduate with up to 3 years work exp, preferably with a major in the business, economics or marketing. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Send resumes to jobs@buyerzone.com 
_________________

> Java Developers - Northern VA - Fortune 100

Company Fortune 100 company is seeking to hire experienced Java developers. Multiple openings for candidates with security clearance. Two openings for candidates without clearance. Seeking Java developers with 3-5 years of experience in the salary range of $80 to $90k. The position is in the Northern Virginia area. Candidates must have J2E, JSP, Java Beans, Portal & Portlets experience. This is for full time positions. Referral fees considered. Send resumes to zkawash@ctww.com
_________________

> National Sales Manager - Online Advertising

goWholesale, a new search engine launched by Liquidity Services, Inc, has an exciting opportunity. We seek someone with 5+ years experience in Internet/online/print media sales. Responsibilities will include leading the execution of the sales plan and increasing revenue through consistent prospecting. Proven track record in meeting and exceeding revenue targets. Benefits include competitive salary plus attractive bonus structure, 401(k), and health. E-mail resume to jobs@gowholesale.com  or fax to 202-478-2795
_________________

> Major Account Manager

Consultative sales of videoconferencing, multimedia communications and network to commercial OR government clients. Proven and consistent sales success ideally in the conferencing industry - 2 years achieving quota of $1 mil+. Sales and technical experience with network, data or similar products. Excellent presentation skills and computer knowledge a must. Send resumes to bfleig@vsgi.com
_________________

> Solutions Marketing Manager

Software AG, a global leader in information integration, is seeking motivated marketing professionals to shape our go-to-market strategy. Define how our leading XML Business Integration portfolio can create business value for specific vertical market segments. Manage a cross-functional team, guiding its members toward successfully implementing and executing on your marketing plan. Experience in a solution marketing role with a technology company a plus. MBA a plus. Knowledge of XML, web services and/or service oriented integration a plus. Federal or State and Local Government experience a strong plus. Send resumes to maureen.brennan@softwareagusa.com
_________________

> VPTC Wireless Networking Symposium

The Virginia Piedmont Technology Council (VPTC) is presenting a wireless networking conference on September 15, 2004, at the Doubletree Hotel in Charlottesville, VA. This one-day statewide event offers information, demonstrations, keynotes, and workshops dedicated to wireless networking technology - the benefits, uses, deployment, and the future of the technology. To register or reserve your exhibit space, visit http://www.vptcfallsymposium.com  Send inquiries to events@vptc.org
 
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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. To subscribe for free, please click here.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state 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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