archives

o Disney, News Corp. Launch Video-on-Demand Service
o Despite Napster's Absence, Three Billion Files Downloaded During August
o SportsLine.com to Acquire Sandbox.com for $2.4 Million
o Yahoo to Distribute E-Books from Four Publishers
o Census Bureau Survey Shows 42% of U.S. Homes Have Internet Access
o Sony Drops EVilla Internet Appliance, EMarker Music Device
o Peer-to-Peer Distribution Network Yaga Acquires Online Payments Firm
> DMW Panel Discussion: Microsoft vs. AOL | Sept. 28 | Los Angeles
o Briefly Noted: DivXNetworks - Strand Releasing, Sirius - XM - Porsche,
GetMusic - Much Music USA, SESAC, MIDI Manufacturers Assoc., Generic
Media, E-StudioLive, StileProject
_____________________________________________

> Job Postings: Sales Asst./International, Freelance Animator,
Internet Game Tester, Producer/Consultant

> Events/Services: "Digital Rights Management," "Cellheads Networking
Event - Sept. 11, L.A.," "Hi-Tech Mission to Israel, Oct. 20
- 28," "SHORTSPAN Film & Video Festival: SOUTHEAST Tour,
August 24- Sept. 22"

Full Job/Event/Services descriptions listed below "Briefly Noted" section
or at http://www.digitalmediawire.com/postings.html

To Post a Job: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html
To Post an Event/Service: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html
_____________________________________________

o Disney, News Corp. Launch Video-on-Demand Service

Burbank, Calif. -- The Walt Disney Company and News Corporation announced
that they will create a video-on-demand service for movies distributed by
Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox and Miramax Films. The new company will
be equally owned by Disney and News Corp., and will be available to some
cable subscribers as well as through a broadband connection at Movies.com
beginning early next year. Disney's animated features will not be part of
the offering, but the service will feature new releases and older films,
as well as promotional material and an online store. Movies will be
released through the service about two months after they come out on
video, but before they appear on pay-per-view cable and satellite systems.
Movies.com will compete with a similar joint venture recently announced
between Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Viacom's Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures
Entertainment, Vivendi Universal's Universal Studios and Warner Bros., a
unit of AOL Time Warner.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010905/50507.html
http://www.movies.com
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o Despite Napster's Absence, Three Billion Files Downloaded During August

Cambridge, Mass. -- Four of the most popular file-sharing networks to
emerge since Napster went offline on July 2nd of this year recorded a
total of over three billion file downloads during the month of August,
according to statistics released Thursday by analyst firm Webnoize. Users
accessed file-sharing services FastTrack, Audiogalaxy, iMesh and Gnutella
and downloaded a combined 3.05 billion files in August -- topping
Napster's peak activity of 2.79 billion files in February. Three of the
four services monitored for the report allow users to trade files other
than music, such as video, games or text. Of the four services monitored,
FastTrack -- which can be accessed using programs including Morpheus,
Kazaa and Grokster -- saw the most activity with 970 million downloads.
"Peer-to-peer users are getting more free content than they ever did
through Napster," said Webnoize analyst Matt Bailey. "Despite the millions
of dollars spent trying to kill off pirate networks, the popularity of
peer-to-peer file-sharing continues to grow."
http://www.webnoize.com
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o SportsLine.com to Acquire Sandbox.com for $2.4 Million

Reston, Va. -- SportsLine.com, one of the largest Internet sports media
companies, announced on Wednesday that it will acquire Sandbox.com, a
provider of online games, for up to $2.4 million in cash and stock. Last
year, Sandbox.com, which runs online fantasy sports games and has over
five million registered users, raised more than $20 million in venture
capital. "Fantasy players are very loyal, active and tend to spend much
more time on the Internet than the average user, and Sandbox's users
clearly fit that mold," said Michael Levy, CEO of SportsLine.com. "This
deal will add significant additional sponsorship and direct marketing
opportunities for SportsLine." Sandbox has strategic relationships with
CNNSI.com and Turner Sports Interactive, and licensing agreements with the
NFL, NHL, NBA and MLB.
http://www.newsalert.com/bin/story?StoryId=Co5rrWbWbrKXuvtaYmq
http://www.sandbox.com
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o Yahoo to Distribute E-Books from Four Publishers

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo announced that it has signed agreements with
four publishers to create an online e-book store to sell their titles.
Penguin Putnam, Simon and Schuster, Random House and HarperCollins
launched the service on Yahoo Shopping with around 1,000 titles available
for download in either Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader or Microsoft Reader
formats. "As technology enables consumers to access digital content more
conveniently, we anticipate that there will be increasing demand for
e-books," said Rob Solomon, vice president and general manager of Yahoo
Shopping. "Aggregating a broad collection of the most sought after titles
in multiple e-book formats positions us effectively to meet these needs
today and to meet growing consumer demand in the future."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010905/52099.html
http://shopping.yahoo.com/books/ebooks
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o Census Bureau Survey Shows 42% of U.S. Homes Have Internet Access

Washington, D.C. -- Forty-two percent of U.S. homes had a computer with an
Internet account, up from 18 percent just three years earlier, according
to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau. The report showed
that 54 million households, or 51 percent, had one or more computers in
the home. Email is the most common Internet application at home, used by
88 percent of adults and 73 percent of children who are online.
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01-147.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-7074632.html?tag=mn_hd
_____________________________________________

o Sony Drops EVilla Internet Appliance, EMarker Music Device

New York -- Sony Corporation has discontinued two digital media devices
that have been available for less than a year, and is offering refunds for
anyone who purchased either of them. The EVilla Network Entertainment
Center let users check email and access audio and video on the Web, as
well as download digital media using the company's removable Memory Stick
storage. Users were tied into a contract to receive ISP service from
EarthLink, which will be terminated on Sept. 13. Sony told CNET that the
device was cancelled due to "usability and stability problems." The
EMarker was a keychain fob that could be used by drivers to find out the
name of a song played on the radio by connecting to an online database.
The device only allowed three preset stations to be tracked, and these
were only available for mostly rock and pop stations in major U.S.
markets. A similar device called ITag, manufactured by a company called
Xenote was discontinued when the company shut down last September.
http://www.evilla.com/html/index.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1006-200-7013530.html
http://www.emarker.com/
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o Peer-to-Peer Distribution Network Yaga Acquires Online Payments Firm

Foster City, Calif. -- Yaga, provider of a peer-to-peer content
distribution network, announced that it has acquired MagnaCash, a
developer of online payments technology. Financial terms of the
transaction were not disclosed. Foster City-based Yaga said it will
integrate MagnaCash's technology -- which allows users to pre-pay for
transactions and accepts micro-payments of less than $10 -- into its
network that lets users share and download music, movies and other
encrypted content with one another. MagnaCash will retain its identity and
become a subsidiary of Yaga.
http://www.yaga.com/company/press/sep0501.html
http://www.magnacash.com
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> Digital Media Wire Presents a Panel Discussion:
"Microsoft vs. AOL: The Battle of the Internet Titans"

Los Angeles | Friday, September 28th at the Four Seasons Hotel

This panel of journalists, legal experts and others will discuss the
increasing rivalry between these two monolithic companies -- and how their
competition will affect the development of the Internet for years to come.

For more information and to register:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/LAbattle.html

FEATURED SPEAKERS:
Bob Badal - Attorney | Heller Ehrman
Mark Frauenfelder - Editor | WIRED
Jon Goodman - Executive Director | EC2 Incubator Project @ USC
Jim Griffin - Founder | The 'Pho' Group
***Additional Panelists TBA***

SPONSOR: Heller Ehrman

For more information and to register:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/LAbattle.html
_____________________________________________

o Briefly Noted:

(San Diego) DivXNetworks, a developer of video compression technology,
announced on Thursday that it will launch an Internet-based
video-on-demand service with Strand Releasing. The first film offered will
be "World and Time Enough," and will be available as a five-day
downloadable rental for $4.95. San Diego-based DivXNetworks said that a
number of content partners who have licensed the company's technology are
scheduled to bring additional films to the service within several weeks.
http://www.divxnetworks.com/press/pr_09062001.php
http://www.strandreleasing.com

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio -- two companies
both launching satellite-delivered digital radio services -- announced on
Thursday that they have jointly partnered with Porsche Cars North America
to offer buyers the option of receiving both services on a single radio.
The companies will work to develop a receiver capable of accepting both
Sirius's and XM's satellite feeds. Porsche will offer the option in 2003
to prospective buyers of its 2004 model year vehicle line.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010906/nyth024a.html
http://www.xmradio.com
http://www.siriusradio.com 

(New York) Vivendi Universal's online music site GetMusic said on Thursday
that it has partnered with music video channel Much Music USA to offer
users the ability to mix scenes to create their own version of music
videos online. Viewer-created videos -- created in Flash and composed of
animated images, artist video clips and user-uploaded stills -- will then
be showcased in a program on Much Music's cable TV channel. The first
video that will be available to remix is Weezer's "Island in the Sun."
http://www.getmusic.com
http://www.mmusa.tv

(Nashville, Tenn.) SESAC, a performing rights organization that collects
royalties and licenses music on behalf of recording artists, announced on
Thursday the launch of an online registration system. Businesses can now
complete SESAC registration forms and pay any fees due via credit card
online.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/212490155&ticker=
http://www.sesac.com

(Los Angeles) The MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA), a trade
organization of musical instrument, computer, entertainment and wireless
industry companies, announced on Thursday that it has accepted a new
standard format for delivering music and audio content over the Internet
and wireless connections. The eXtensible Music Format (XMF) specification
allows composers to combine MIDI -- which creates digitally synthesized
recreations of musical sounds -- with other popular audio formats in a
single package. The new format will make it easier to create music used on
the Web as well as in music remixing, ring tones and network gaming.
http://www.midi.org

(Palo Alto, Calif.) Generic Media, a developer of wireless streaming video
technology, announced on Thursday that it has named James Martin as its
new CEO. Previously, Martin served as senior vice president and divisional
general manager at America Online. Former CEO and Generic Media co-founder
Peter Hoddie will now assume the role of president of the company.
http://www.genericmedia.com

(Chelmsford, Mass.) E-StudioLive, a provider of live and on-demand
webcasting services for businesses and broadcasters, announced that it has
named Steve Crummey as its new CEO. Most recently, Crummey co-founded and
was CEO of Intranets.com. Massachusetts-based E-StudioLive raised $4
million in new funding in June.
http://www.e-studiolive.com/news/releaseX.php?release_number=24

(San Francisco) Wired News reported on Thursday that the owner of the
controversial website StileProject has put the site up for sale. "I can't
take it anymore. Thanks to you and the media my life has been ruined...
I'm getting death threats 24/7 on the phone and and can't run the site
anymore, it's not worth dying over," said site owner Jonathan Biderman.
StileProject -- which last year won several Webby Awards -- offers extreme
and borderline obscene and pornographic content. The site recently
received media attention for posting a video in which several kittens are
allegedly depicted as being killed and eaten.
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,46556,00.html
http://www.stileproject.com

===================================================
Job Postings:
===================================================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html

> Canal+ (U.S.), Sales Asst./International - Los Angeles

Assist Senior VP & Director of International Sales w/ preparation of
markets, including making appointments with clients, arranging travel,
sending sales materials, & follow-up w/ clients. Other duties include:
answering phones, expense reports, availability checks on computer system,
coordinating deal memo process with support sales office in France,
updating client database and other administrative duties. A 4-year college
degree preferred. Knowledge of French language preferred - Spanish
helpful.
Send resumes to: shuddleston@cplus-us.com
http://www.cplus-us.com
______________________

> CGR, Freelance Animator - New York City

CGR, New York's premier staffing agency, is seeking an animator for a
freelance assignment. Our client is a scientific publisher looking to
animate, in detail, the flow of lava through the earth and out through a
volcano. The candidate must have an in depth knowledge of PhotoShop, 3D
Studio Max, Maya, Lightwave or some other rendering & animation software.
Send resumes to: jschoch@cgr.com
http://www.cgr.com
______________________

> YaYa, Internet Game Tester - Los Angeles

Candidate should have some formal game testing experience, good written
and oral communication skills, experience using Microsoft Access and a
good knowledge of the Internet and a range of web browsers (Internet
Explorer, Netscape, AOL, etc.). Knowledge of Macintosh computers desirable
but not required. This is full-time, temporary position and will include
some night and weekend work.
Send resumes to: jobs@yaya.com
http://www.yaya.com
______________________

> Strategux, Producer/Consultant - Washington, DC

Strategux is seeking to add a producer to our growing team of experienced
architects. Versatile, multi-talented consultants with 3-5 years agency
experience in project leadership of large-scale web, brand, marketing &
design engagements, with emphasis on client services and consulting. Great
benefits, fun atmosphere. Send resumes to: cooljobs@strategux.com
http://www.strategux.com

===================================================
Events/Services Postings:
===================================================
To Post Events/Services: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html

> Digital Rights Management, September 20-21 - New York City

DRM for Sports, Media & Entertainment -- Learn How To Monetize & Protect
Content, Digital Assets & Intellectual Property. Featuring Forecasts, Case
Studies & Strategies from: AOL Time Warner, Sony Music, NY Times, National
Hockey League, A&E Networks, Microsoft Corporation, BET, Artisan,
Reciprocal, IBM, NASCAR Digital Entertainment and many more!
Contact dmitry@worldrg.com -- mention this ad for a special discount!
http://www.DRMconference.com
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> Cellheads Networking Event, September 11, 2001 - Los Angeles

AT&T Wireless, Wireless Week, TeleCommunication Systems and Personal
Communications Industry Association will sponsor the Cellheads networking
event at the Gallery Bar in the Biltmore Hotel from 6pm to 9pm (cash bar).
These events are designed to capture the minds of all interested in
wireless technology in the Los Angeles area. Don't miss an excellent
opportunity for business development, recruitment, and intellectual
engagements.
For more information: jason.gildea@attws.com
http://www.cellheads.com
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> Hi-Tech Mission to Israel, October 20 - 28, 2001 - Israel

Visit Israel's booming hi-tech industry. Discover the latest advances in
hardware, software and bio-technology. Participate in the 6th Annual
Israel Business Forum with speakers: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Marshall
Butler, Ronald Cohen, David Colburn, Michael Dell, Andy Grove, Ronald
Lauder, Gerald Levine, Morris Levy, Les Wexner and Lord Young.
For more information: tkardash@jewishla.org
http://www.jewishla.org/html/hitechmission.htm
______________________

> SHORTSPAN Film & Video Festival, SOUTHEAST Tour, Aug. 24 - Sept. 22

SHORT MOVIES! Dreamspan presents the 9TH Annual Short Attention Span Film & Video Festival. Shortspan is a non-stop two hour program of ALL NEW
two-minute-or-shorter films, including ultra-short documentaries like
"Peekaboo Sunday," a story about raising miniature horses or "Exotic
World," an inside look at the lives of some of America's first burlesque
performers-- and 57 more shorts! The tour will travel to 30 North American
cities. Southeastern tour dates include:

ATLANTA, GA: The Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center - August 24th - 8PM
ATHENS, GA: The Georgia Museum of Art - September 5 th - 7:30PM
ATLANTA, GA: Cinefest Theatre- September 14th and 15th - 9PM/12PM
ATHENS, GA: The Georgia Theater - September 18th - 10PM
SAVANNAH, GA: Trustee's Theater - September 20 th - 9PM
GAINSVILLE, FL: The University of Florida - September 22nd

More info: http://www.dreamspan.com/shortspan
______________________

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