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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- September 7, 2001
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com

o CA Resident Sues Anti-Piracy Firm SunnComm, Label Over Protected CDs
o Sega Says It Aims to Be Number One Game Maker
o Music Playlist-Sharing Community Uplister Lays Off 38% of Staff
o Digital Media Software Firm Sonic Foundry to Acquire MediaSite
o Technology Publication Red Herring Cuts Staff, Becomes Monthly
o Microsoft's MSN Enters Into Marketing Agreement with ESPN.com
> DMW Panel Discussion: Microsoft vs. AOL | Sept. 28 | Los Angeles
o Briefly Noted: Philips - Web radio, TiVo, CNET on TV, Sonicblue -
Xanboo, Screenblast - "Rachel's Room," On Command - Discovery
Communications, "Rockstar" - Oddcast, University students - video
downloads
_____________________________________________

> Job Postings: Sr. Level BizDev, Media Relations Pro, Research Asst.,
Sales Asst./International, Freelance Animator,
Internet Game Tester

> 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 CA Resident Sues Anti-Piracy Firm SunnComm, Label Over Protected CDs

San Rafael, Calif. -- The Rothken Law Firm has filed suit on behalf of a
California resident against record label Fahrenheit Entertainment and CD
copy-protection technology firm SunnComm, alleging that the companies are
engaging in unfair business practices and violating consumers' privacy
rights with their copy-protected CD releases. Arizona-based SunnComm's
technology prohibits consumers from using their PCs to make digital copies
of songs on CDs by degrading the resulting sound quality in addition to
prohibiting music from being transferred to MP3 players. The suit argues
that consumers should be notified that they are purchasing "impaired" CDs
and that the defendants haven't to this point, "since it would likely hurt
[CD] sales." The suit also alleges that the technology "tracks, stores,
and disseminates consumer information, listening data, and downloading
habits to entities beyond the control of the consumer," and that there is
no way for consumers to opt out of this feature or destroy the data once
collected. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against Fahrenheit and SunnComm
to stop them from tracking consumer habits, and requests that the
companies provide consumers with adequate notice of the "privacy
intrusions and CD deficiencies."
http://www.techfirm.com/mcrel.pdf
http://www.sunncomm.com
http://www.fahrenheitentertainment.com/
_____________________________________________

o Sega Says It Aims to Be Number One Game Maker

Tokyo -- Sega said on Friday that it aims to be the largest seller of
video games in three years, Reuters reported. The company wants to
increase its share of the U.S. and Japanese game markets from around 5
percent this year to 15 percent by 2004, and its European market share to
12 percent from its current 3 percent. "Our goal is to become the world's
largest game software provider," said Sega chief operating officer Tetsu
Kayama. The company plans to sell 35 million games globally in 2004. Sega
recently decided to exit the console manufacturing business and focus
solely on game development when it ceased production of its Dreamcast
console.
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1006-200-7087088.html?tag=mn_hd
http://www.sega.com
_____________________________________________

o Music Playlist-Sharing Community Uplister Lays Off 38% of Staff

Oakland, Calif. -- Uplister, a community site where users can share
playlists of their favorite songs, has laid off 9 employees, or 38 percent
of its staff, according to a Webnoize report. The company will now
concentrate on licensing its technology platform to distribution and
content partners. Oakland-based Uplister said it still plans to launch an
unlimited download subscription service -- which would let users share the
actual songs on their playlists -- by the end of the year. Labels that
have signed on to include their artists' songs in the service include
Matador Records and TVT Records.
http://news.webnoize.com
http://www.uplister.com
_____________________________________________

o Digital Media Software Firm Sonic Foundry to Acquire MediaSite

Madison, Wisc. -- Sonic Foundry, a developer of digital media software,
announced on Friday that it will acquire streaming video software
developer MediaSite in a stock transaction valued at about $5.5 million.
Wisconsin-based Sonic Foundry will purchase most of the assets and assume
certain debts of Pittsburgh-based MediaSite. The company's video indexing
and search technology will be integrated into Sonic Foundry's products,
which include audio and video editing software targeted at the
entertainment, government, corporate and educational markets.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010907/70028_1.html
http://www.sonicfoundry.com
http://www.mediasite.com
_____________________________________________

o Technology Publication Red Herring Cuts Staff, Becomes Monthly

San Francisco -- Red Herring, a bimonthly technology business magazine,
will lay off 17 percent of its staff and plans to cut its output to become
a monthly publication, CNET reported on Friday. The company cited the
current decline in the advertising market as reasoning for the move.
Twenty-eight of the magazine's 170 employees will be laid off in the next
two to six weeks, mainly in its editorial department. Competing magazine
Industry Standard recently ceased publication, declared bankruptcy and
laid off the majority of its staff.
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-7091787.html?tag=cdshrt
http://www.redherring.com
_____________________________________________

o Microsoft's MSN Enters Into Marketing Agreement with ESPN.com

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft said that its MSN portal has entered into a
co-marketing agreement with sports site ESPN.com. Under the terms,
ESPN.com will become the exclusive sports news provider on MSN, and in
return MSN will receive a permanent ad at the top of ESPN.com's homepage
that links to services such as Hotmail, Passport and Shopping. In
addition, ESPN.com will eventually switch its video footage format from
RealNetworks to Windows Media, and provide other integration such as
allowing users to access their Hotmail account and ESPN.com fantasy sports
sites simultaneously.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010906/sfth056.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-7079235.html?tag=cd_pr
http://www.espn.com
_____________________________________________

> 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:

(Mountain View, Calif.) Philips Electronics announced on Friday the
availability of its FW-i1000 Internet Radio Mini Shelf System, a stereo
that can connect to the Internet via a broadband connection and play
streaming audio. Mountain View-based IM Networks provided the
Internet-ready capability of the device, which also plays CDs, cassettes
and receives terrestrial radio signals. The device will retail for $500.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005N5WP/qid=9998859
78/sr=8-1/ref=aps_sr_ce_1_1/107-6156488-4316531

http://www.imnetworks.com

(San Francisco) CNET reported on Friday on the likelihood that
as-yet-unprofitable personal video recorder maker TiVo will be acquired or
fail, due to competition from other companies that choose to bundle the
same service in a set-top box that also offers digital cable or satellite
TV. The company raised $51.2 million in capital, and eventually plans to
survive on subscriber fees, licensing fees for its technology, and
advertising.
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1006-200-7082939.html?tag=tp_pr
http://www.tivo.com

(San Francisco) CNET Networks, a provider of technology news and
information, has announced that it will cancel its "News.com" TV program,
which has aired weekly on cable channel CNBC since 1999. The company said
the decision is part of its strategy to "focus on opportunities that are
most closely aligned with its long-term growth goals." San Francisco-based
CNET will continue to provide technology news to other CNBC programs.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010906/lath128_1.html

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Consumer electronics maker Sonicblue announced on
Friday that it has entered into a partnership with home networking firm
Xanboo. Santa Clara-based Sonicblue will provide the company with its
ProGear device to use with New York-based Xanboo's networking system.
ProGear lets users wirelessly surf the Internet as well as control
electronics devices such as garage doors or video baby monitors.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010907/70062_1.html
http://www.frontpath.com/pro_home.htm
http://www.xanboo.com

(Los Angeles) Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, which on Sept. 10 plans
to launch a broadband entertainment site called "Screenblast," said on
Friday that one of the site's first offerings will be a live webcam
program featuring a teenage girl, developed by "Dawson's Creek" executive
producer Paul Stupin. "Rachel's Room" will let users watch the program's
character, Rachel, 24 hours a day and will include live chats and other
interactive features.
http://www.prnmedia.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=107&STORY=/www/story/09-07-2001/0001568116&EDATE=
http://www.screenblast.com

(Denver, Colo.) On Command, a provider of video-on-demand services to
hoteliers, said on Friday that it has partnered with Discovery
Communications to offer programming from the Discovery Channel, TLC,
Animal Planet and Travel Channel in over 630,000 hotel rooms. "Air Jaws"
and "When Dinosaurs Roamed America" will be the first programs offered,
beginning in October.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010907/laf005_1.html
http://www.oncommand.com

(New York) Warner Bros. Theatrical Marketing said on Friday that it is
using New York-based Oddcast's Flash-based karaoke technology to market
its upcoming movie "Rockstar," starring Mark Wahlberg. The movie's
promotional website will let users sing along with instrumental versions
of songs from the movie, recording their voice through their PC
microphone. The finished karaoke version can then be uploaded to the
website so friends and other website visitors can hear the user version.
http://rockstarmovie.com

(Washington, D.C.) The Chronicle of Higher Education on Friday offered an
early report on students' downloading habits as U.S. universities resume
classes. The University of Delaware's network was heavily taxed by
students downloading up to 19 gigabytes of data daily during their first
week at school. "What is a student doing to download 19 gigabytes? What is
that -- the entire Library of Congress? It makes us think that it's
video," said Susan J. Foster, the university's vice president for
information technologies. The school plans to impose a download limit of
1GB per student, per day.
http://chronicle.com/free/2001/09/2001090701t.htm

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

> Roxio, Sr.-Level Business Development Position - Silicon Valley

Hey... are you a closer? Do you like to win? If you answered yes to these
questions and you are an experienced dealmaker, we have an MBA's (or
ex-lawyer's) dream job waiting for you at Roxio, Inc., the leading digital
media company.
Send resumes to: elizabeth@cruelworld.com
http://www.roxio.com
______________________

> The SheaHedges Group, Media Relations Pro - McLean, VA

We are currently looking for a savvy media relations pro with 8+ years of
experience who excels at verbal and written communications, understands
core business issues and can strategically advance a client's message
through all levels of media and PR avenues. Background must include
technology, agency and staff management experience. Send resumes to:
tneill@sheahedges.com

http://www.sheahedges.com
______________________

> VentureOne, Research Assistant - San Francisco

In this entry-level position you will perform secondary research through
web browsing, review of journals and other publications, plus primary
research through direct contact with venture capital firms and start-up
companies. Update profiles of venture capital firms and start-up
companies. Review company data, proofread, and enter data. Assist in
surveys, analyses and general administrative support. College degree.
European language skills a plus. Send resumes to: jobs@ventureone.com
http://www.ventureone.com
______________________

> 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 

===================================================
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
______________________

> 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
______________________

> 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 20th - 9PM
GAINSVILLE, FL: The University of Florida - September 22nd

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

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Copyright 2001 Digital Media Wire