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August 11, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o Report: 61% of All Peer-to-Peer Traffic Now Video Content
o Yahoo to Invest $1 Billion in China's Alibaba.com
o Shares of TiVo Plunge on Report of DirecTV Pull-Out
o Rupert Murdoch Says News Corp. Will Spends $1-$2 Billion on Internet
o Spanish Authorities Make 4 Arrests, Shutter Pirate Movie Download Site
o Microsoft to Seek Royalties from Xbox 360 Accessories Manufacturers
o Rockstar Games Releases "No More Hot Coffee" Patch
o StreamCast to Launch Peer Response Legal P2P Platform
o Photo Sharing Software Firm Simple Star Raises $6.3 Million


> Featured Advertisement:
--2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing
 

o Briefly Noted: Nick Arcade - 1.6 million downloads, Peer Impact - indie label payments, Independent Online Distribution Alliance - Naxos of America, Sirius Satellite Radio - Richard Simmons, Magix Webradio Recorder, Nielsen Media Research - product placement measurement, Answers.com - Opera, "NBA 2K6" soundtrack, THQ Wireless - 2ThumbZ Entertainment, Server-based casino slot machines
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director Integrated Marketing & Brand Development
--Director, Business Development
--Senior Consultant/Project 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
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 


o Report: 61% of All Peer-to-Peer Traffic Now Video Content

Cambridge, England -- A study of worldwide peer-to-peer traffic found that video now accounts for 61.4% of all files shared, followed by audio (11.3%) and "other" files (27.2%), such as games or software. Conducted by U.K.-based CacheLogic, which provides peer-to-peer traffic management software, the study culled findings from actual packet data and traffic levels from Internet service providers worldwide. The study tracked the four leading peer-to-peer applications, including eDonkey and BitTorrent, and found that eDonkey is now "the network of choice for video file trading," while BitTorrent "is increasingly being used for the distribution of legitimate content." Additional revelations from the study include that Microsoft video formats now represent 46% of aggregate worldwide peer-to-peer traffic, and that while 65% of all audio traffic is in MP3 format, a surprising 12.3% consisted of open-source OGG audio files.
http://www.cachelogic.com/news/pr090805.php 
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o Yahoo to Invest $1 Billion in China's Alibaba.com

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Attempting to tap the enormous potential of the burgeoning Chinese market, Yahoo on Thursday said that it will pay $1 billion to acquire a 40% stake in Alibaba.com, the country's largest e-commerce company. Under the terms of the agreement, Yahoo will add its Yahoo China brands to Alibaba.com , and the two companies will work together to grow the Yahoo brand in China. "Yahoo's investment underscores our long-term commitment to the Chinese market," said Terry Semel, the chairman and chief executive officer of Yahoo. "We believe the combination of Yahoo and Alibaba is the best approach for Yahoo to win in this region." The deal comes just days after the wildly successful IPO of Chinese search firm Baidu.com.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050811/105946.html
http://china.alibaba.com
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o Shares of TiVo Plunge on Report of DirecTV Pull-Out

Alviso, Calif. -- Shares of TiVo closed down 6% on Thursday following a report that satellite television operator DirecTV, its largest customer, plans to stop marketing the company's digital video recorders later this year. Chase Carey, the CEO of DirecTV, told Reuters that his company -- which accounts for roughly two-thirds of TiVo's subscriber base -- plans to instead begin offering technology developed by News Corp., which holds a 34% stake in the company. Analysts believe that the move could be a big blow to TiVo, whose DVRs allow subscribers to record programs onto a hard disc, and pause and rewind live TV.
http://tinyurl.com/aljvy
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o Rupert Murdoch Says News Corp. Will Spends $1-$2 Billion on Internet

New York -- Rupert Murdoch, the chairman and CEO of News Corp, said during a conference call with stock analysts that News Corp., the large media conglomerate, plans to spend between $1 billion and $2 billion to build a major network of Internet sites. Murdoch said the Internet will become an increasingly important driver for growth at News Corp. in the coming years. The company recently announced that it would acquire Intermix Media, which owns various Internet sites, including social-networking site MySpace.com. During the conference call, Murdoch also hinted that News Corp. is in the final stages of a deal to invest in an Internet search firm, but he did not provide the name of the company.
http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=8344
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o Spanish Authorities Make 4 Arrests, Shutter Pirate Movie Download Site

Madrid -- Spanish authorities have shut down a website that offered pirated movies for download, and arrested four people associated with the site, the Associated Press reported. The site, Cvcdgo.com, had attracted some 11.2 million users since its launch in February 2004, according to Spain's recording industry trade group. Police told AP the site was ad-supported and made "substantial" advertising revenue.
http://tinyurl.com/b2qay
http://www.cvcdgo.com
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o Microsoft to Seek Royalties from Xbox 360 Accessories Manufacturers

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft plans to seek royalties from third-party makers of game controllers, steering wheels and other accessories for its forthcoming Xbox 360 video game console, according to published reports. The reports cite a contract between Microsoft and accessories maker Mad Catz Interactive, which shows Microsoft will get a cut of the revenue from each Xbox 360 accessory sold by Mad Catz. Microsoft plans to ensure that only royalty-bearing accessories work with the Xbox 360, by implementing new security software that enables only approved products to function with the game console, scheduled for release in the fall.
http://tinyurl.com/9fngj
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=10728
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o Rockstar Games Releases "No More Hot Coffee" Patch

New York -- Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive's Rockstar Games studio has released a patch for its "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" game that prevents access to a sexually explicit mini-game hidden in the game's source code. The revelation of an Internet key called "Hot Coffee" that unlocks the mini-game caused an uproar, resulting in a ratings change that prompted the removal of the title from many U.S. retailers' shelves, condemnation from Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), an FTC probe and an outright ban of the game in Australia. "The 'Hot Coffee' scenes were not intended to be part of the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas experience," reads a note on a company website set up to distribute the "No More Hot Coffee" patch.
http://www.take2games.com
http://www.nomorehotcoffee.com  ____________________________________________

o StreamCast to Launch Peer Response Legal P2P Platform

Los Angeles -- Following a Supreme Court ruling that found file-sharing software providers liable for copyright infringement committed by users of their applications, StreamCast Networks, which distributes the Morpheus peer-to-peer application, has announced plans to launch a platform that will compensate artists and copyright holders for works downloaded on the network. Peer Response will feature properly licensed music, games and video content, and expects to add over a million titles in coming months. The company partnered with Media Global Infrastructure to process online payments, while content providers will include Softwrap, Intent Media Works, Trymedia, Weed and Gametrailers.com. "'Morpheus' Peer Response is a boon to the tens of thousands of small and independent musicians, software developers, video producers and podcasters who do not have deals with major record labels, studios, or other distribution channels, said Elizabeth Cowley, StreamCast vice president of business development. Following the Supreme Court's ruling, StreamCast stated that it "did not, does not and will not promote or encourage copyright infringement," adding that it will continue to distribute its Morpheus application.
http://www.streamcastnetworks.com/08_09_05_morpheus5.html
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o Photo Sharing Software Firm Simple Star Raises $6.3 Million

San Francisco -- Simple Star, a developer of software that lets users share photos on the PC, television and portable devices, announced on Thursday that it has raised $6.3 million in financing from Venrock Associates. Simple Star's PhotoShow Circle lets users share their photos online, and enables viewers to order custom DVDs of online photos. The company has licensed its software and services to firms including Kodak, Comcast, Snapfish and Shockwave. "Simple Star will use the financing to expand our leadership position for easy-to-use imaging software and services, with a particular focus on providing consumers with the best experience when they want to share their photos to TV," said Simple Star CEO Chad Richard.
http://www.simplestar.com

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> Featured Advertisement:

                                     
 
> 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing

With over 10,000 names and titles of entertainment, media and technology executives, the 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory is the most comprehensive database of company listings exclusively covering the digital and mobile entertainment and media industries. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to submit your free listing for inclusion in the 2006 directory. To submit your listing online now, please visit http://www.digitalentertainmentdirectory.com

The Directory is available for a limited time at the special introductory rate of $299 (Hard Copy). Also available on compact disk for $699 (Hard Copy and CD), the database is in Microsoft Excel format, easily exportable to Microsoft Access and other database programs. The Directory is a "must have" for companies working in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment and media industries and is a valuable tool for business development, mass mailings, sales leads, partnerships, market research, competitive analysis, event invitations and recruitment.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(New York) Viacom's Nickelodeon announced on Thursday that its Nick Arcade downloadable game service served up 1.6 million downloads during July, its first month of operation. The site offers over 60 family-friendly game titles, developed by Big Fish Games, allowing users to try out games before buying them for about $20 each. The Nick Arcade Pass also gives unlimited access to all games for $7.99 per month.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050811/nyth091.html
http://www.bigfishgames.com
http://www.nick.com/arcade

(Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) Peer Impact, a legal peer-to-peer file-sharing service, said on Thursday that it will increase the amount it pays to independent labels whose works are downloaded on its network, to bring fees in line with what the company pays major labels. Independent distributors offering tracks on Peer Impact include IODA (Independent Online Distribution Alliance), The Orchard and KOCH Records. "A number of the major digital music services, including Peer Impact -- have correctly concluded that the previous pricing structure, which benefited the major label oligopoly, was fundamentally flawed and unfair," said Orchard CEO Greg Scholl.
http://www.peerimpact.com 

(San Diego) The Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA), a digital distribution provider for independent labels and artists, announced on Thursday that classical music distributor Naxos of America will use its distribution technology. Naxos will use IODA's Digital Distribution Dashboard to manage digital distribution of some 70,000 tracks to digital music retailers.
http://www.naxos.com 
http://www.iodalliance.com 

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio said on Thursday that it has signed an agreement with fitness personality Richard Simmons, who will host a weekly three-hour talk show on Sirius beginning on Oct. 2. Sirius said the show will often be broadcast live from Slimmons, the workout guru's exercise and motivational center in Beverly Hills.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050811/nyth084.html
http://www.siriusradio.com 

(Miami, Fla.) Magix, a developer of photo, video and audio software, on Thursday introduced its Magix Webradio Recorder, which allows users to record multiple Internet radio shows, automatically name tracks, and burn them onto CD. The software will feature 2,000 present Internet radio channels, as well as an active background recording cache that ensures each song is recorded start to finish, even if recording begins in the middle. The $29 application will be available online beginning Aug. 18.
http://www.magix.com

(New York) Nielsen Media Research announced on Thursday that it plans to launch a research study to assess the effectiveness of product placement on television. Nielsen said it has been tracking the physical characteristics of product placement since the 2003-04 broadcast season; the initial study's participants will include CBS, UPN, Discovery, Sprint and The Weather Channel.
http://www.nielsenmedia.com

(Oslo, Norway) -- GuruNet, the creator of Answers.com, and Oslo-based Opera Software ASA, a developer of browser technology, announced on Thursday a partnership to incorporate Answers.com content directly into Opera's browser and web portal.
http://www.gurunet.com/press08112005.jsp 

(New York) Video game publisher 2K Sports, a unit of Take-Two Interactive, said on Thursday that its upcoming "NBA 2K6" title will feature a hip-hop soundtrack and a mode that lets gamers play as their favorite rappers in a street ball game. The in-game soundrack, which will see its own release on Decon Records, will feature 14 original tracks from artists including The Roots, Common, RJD2, Jean Grae and Aceyalone. Developed by Take-Two's Visual Concepts studio, the game is slated for release in the fall for PlayStation 2, Xbox 360 and Xbox.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050811/115629.html
http://www.2ksports.com 

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) THQ Wireless said on Thursday that it has signed an agreement with 2ThumbZ Entertainment, to distribute the company's line of college sports-themed wallpapers and college fight song ringtones across major U.S. wireless networks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050811/lath011.html
http://www.thqwireless.com
http://www.2thumbz.com 

(San Francisco) CNET News.com on Thursday reported on new server-based slot machine technology that casino operators are eager to employ. The new slot machines will each be able to become any popular slot game, such as "Wheel of Fortune" or "Monopoly," after a speedy download from a secure on-site server. The server-based gaming technology will be on display next month at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, and is expected to begin rolling out in Vegas casinos shortly thereafter.
http://tinyurl.com/9wj5h
   
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Director Integrated Marketing & Brand Development

Billboard, a VNU Publication, is currently seeking a Director of Integrated Marketing & Brand Development. This person will direct the public relations, marketing, and promotional efforts for the Billboard Information Group portfolio of products. Also responsible for developing new business opportunities working in conjunction with Billboard's eMedia & Licensing departments. Will manage the Billboard brand market message by utilizing both internal and external media as well as through the development of partnerships and event promotions. The qualified candidate will be responsible for developing sales tools for the Billboard world-wide sales team as well as assisting the development of new revenue generating ventures by the brand, eMedia and Licensing departments. Must be adept at managing numerous projects simultaneously, able to manage a team of 3 reports, has a strong knowledge of emerging and traditional media, able to maneuver in both creative and business environments, knows advertising and marketing industry operations, is a skilled copywriter and has a strong knowledge of media sales. Minimum of 5-7 years experience. Pplease send resume and a cover letter including salary requirements to entertainrecruit@vnubuspubs.com. Visit our website: www.vnubusinessmedia.com. No phone calls or agencies please.
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> Director, Business Development - New York, NY

Build the company's channel program, integration partnerships, and licensing agreements. Secure 2 strategic partnerships within 6 months. Build revenue from licensing and channel sales in line with executive goals. Qualifications - have a strong resume, with multiple examples of strategic partnership development. Have 10-20 years exp. selling technology, building channel programs and cementing strategic partnership agreements. Send resumes to cdwyre@gridapp.com
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> Senior Consultant/Project Manager

LTU Technologies has developed groundbreaking image recognition technologies that can automatically analyze and describe the content of images. Our key markets include Homeland Security, Intelligence, IP, Media. LTU Technologies is based in Paris, France and Washington D.C, USA. Join an exciting company with a unique, exciting technology and a bright future. Visit http://www.ltutech.com/en/company.PS-Senior-Consultant-US.html
 Send resumes to jobs@ltutech.com, ref is "PS Senior Consultant DC"
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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 experienced 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 519.963.7200 or email martin.cserhati@clearite.com, you can also visit us online at www.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
 _________________

> 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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> 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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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.

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Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
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