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  • September 30, 2003 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

    Main Stories
    o RIAA Reaches Settlements With 52 of 261 Sued for Copyright Infringement
    o ACLU Files to Block RIAA Subpoena for Identity of Boston College Student
    o Studios' Indie Film Units Oppose End to Academy "Screener" Copies
    o Microsoft Updates Media Center PC Software; Dell, Sony to Offer PCs
    o Google Buys Personalized Web Search Technology Developer Kaltix
    o Game Developer Bam's Future Murky; Plans $1.78 Million Stock Sale
    o Online Game Ad Software Developer Massive Inc. Raises $2.1 Million
    o Report: Mobile Phone Users to Surpass 1.75 Billion in 2007

    o America Online Launches New Kids Services


     > DMW Announcements:
     --Future of Television Forum - November 21, NYC - Keynoters Confirmed
     --DMW Publications

     > Featured Advertisement:
     -- The Micropayments Conference - $100 Special for Limited Time
     

    o Briefly Noted: THX - Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios - "Halo" for PC, Roxio - Napster 2.0 - Microsoft, XM Satellite Radio - Carolines on Broadway, Atari - "Dungeons & Dragons Heroes," Gamerang, Her Interactive - Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Creative Technology - Wi-Fi MP3 speaker system

     
    > Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
     --AOL - Sr. Producer, Online Promotions
     --
    Accelera Solutions, Citrix/Network Engineer - McLean, VA
     --
    Production Manager
     --
    WW VP of Sales - BI/DW- Software
     --
    Porter Group - Sales Representative, D.C.
     --
    Streaming Media CA, October 14-16, 2003, Santa Clara CA
     --
    Future of Digital Production Tour
     

    o RIAA Reaches Settlements With 52 of 261 Sued for Copyright Infringement

    Washington -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has settled 52 of the 261 lawsuits it filed against users of file-sharing networks for copyright infringement. Defense lawyers familiar with some cases told the Associated Press that settlement payments varied from around $2,500, to up to $10,000 in one instance. "It's a small enough number that it doesn't make economic sense to hire an attorney to litigate these," attorney Daniel N. Ballard, whose firm is representing several of the defendants, told AP. "I'm not surprised that ... people have been intimidated into signing this." The RIAA has said it intends to file "hundreds" more lawsuits against alleged file-swappers, but told a Senate Governmental Affairs subcommittee hearing held by Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) on Tuesday that it will now send notification letters to the file-swappers whose identities it subpoenas, encouraging settlements before it files a lawsuit.
    http://www.riaa.com 
    http://makeashorterlink.com/?H28854F06
    _____________________________________________

    o ACLU Files to Block RIAA Subpoena for Identity of Boston College Student

    Boston -- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed motions in federal court that aim to counter the recording industry's current subpoena and lawsuit campaign against alleged music file-swappers. On Monday, the ACLU and a Boston law firm asked a federal court to quash a recording industry subpoena filed to obtain the identity of a Boston College student from the school, in connection with alleged copyright infringement. The ACLU said in court papers that the provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act that allows the streamlined subpoena process currently being used by the RIAA in its anti-piracy legal campaign is "totally lacking in procedural protections," making it "an invitation to mistake and misuse." "We're not saying the recording industry shouldn't go after file sharers, only that they must do so in a way that's fair," said ACLU staff attorney Christopher Hansen.
    http://www.aclu.org/Privacy/Privacy.cfm?ID=13802&c=251
    http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/29/business/media/29aclu.html
    http://news.com.com/2100-1027-5083800.html?tag=cd_top
    _____________________________________________

    o Studios' Indie Film Units Oppose End to Academy "Screener" Copies

    Los Angeles -- The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), a trade group representing the major Hollywood movie studios, is currently debating a plan to help thwart piracy by ending the long-running practice of distributing "screener" copies of films up for Academy Awards on VHS and DVD to Academy members who vote on the Oscars. Although the studios were reportedly close to ratifying the notion on Monday, the independent film units at these studios and others are against the idea, proposed by MPAA CEO Jack Valenti, IndieWire.com reported. Specialty film companies within the major film studios include Miramax, Sony Pictures Classics, United Artists, Paramount Classics, Fox Searchlight, Focus Features, Warner Independent Pictures, New Line Cinema and Fine Line Features. "Obviously, it's a savage blow to any non-wide release film with Academy aspirations," Magnolia Pictures chief Eamonn Bowles told IndieWire. "If a film is not readily available to Academy voters, it will suffer greatly. Since the complex, higher-quality films are rarely the ones given saturated releases, obviously they'll be the ones hurt the most, regardless of their worthiness."
    http://www.indiewire.com/biz/biz_030930mpaa.html 
    http://www.mpaa.org 
    _____________________________________________

    o Microsoft Updates Media Center PC Software; Dell, Sony to Offer PCs

    Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft on Tuesday released its Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 software, aimed at turning PCs into home entertainment centers, and announced that PC makers Dell and Sony will join existing partners Gateway, HP and Toshiba in creating media center PCs that utilize the software. The company also announced that content providers including Movielink, CinemaNow and the re-launched Napster service will offer customized versions of their services using the software to distribute movies and music online.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu038_1.html
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu039_1.html
    http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030930/305617_1.html 
    http://news.com.com/2009-1045_3-5083973.html?tag=nefd_lede
    http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter
    _____________________________________________

    o Google Buys Personalized Web Search Technology Developer Kaltix

    Mountain View, Calif. -- Search engine firm Google announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Kaltix, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based start-up developing personalized and context-sensitive search technologies that make it faster and easier for people to find information on the Web. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. "Google and Kaltix share a common commitment to developing innovative search technologies that make finding information faster, easier and more relevant," said Google co-founder and president of products Larry Page. "Kaltix is working on a number of compelling search technologies, and Google is the ideal vehicle for the continued development of these advancements."
    http://www.google.com/press/pressrel/kaltix.html 
    http://news.com.com/2100-1024-5061873.html?tag=nl
    _____________________________________________

    o Game Developer Bam's Future Murky; Plans $1.78 Million Stock Sale

    San Jose, Calif. -- Bam Entertainment, a developer and publisher of video games based on children's TV properties including "Wallace & Gromit," "The Powerpuff Girls" and "Dexter's Laboratory," on Tuesday saw its stock price drop after its auditors gave doubts as to the company's ability to continue operating to due heavy losses and a shortage of cash. Separately, San Jose, Calif.-based Bam said it plans to raise $1.78 million in a private offering of its shares to institutional and accredited investors. The company said it would sell 1,850,000 shares of its common stock at $0.96 per share, and warrants to purchase another 1,665,000 shares with a five-year term exercisable at $1.87 per share.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu092_1.html
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu095_1.html 
    http://www.bam4fun.com
    _____________________________________________

    o Online Game Ad Software Developer Massive Inc. Raises $2.1 Million

    New York -- Massive Incorporated, a developer of online video gaming software, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $2.1 million, in a round of venture capital financing led by Tobat Capital and Newlight Associates. The company's software allows video game publishers and developers to create new revenue streams and reduce game development costs by offering in-game advertising for online games developed for the PC, and other online-capable platforms like the Xbox and PlayStation 2. New York-based Massive will use the capital to expand research and development of its ad server that enables real-time rendering of advertisements in online games, and to market its latest game development tool, the Massive Test Box. 
    http://www.massiveincorporated.com
    _____________________________________________

    o Report: Mobile Phone Users to Surpass 1.75 Billion in 2007

    London -- According to a new study conducted by research firm the Yankee Group, there will be more than 1.75 billion mobile-phone users worldwide in 2007. However, (average revenue per user) ARPU will decline sharply over the same time period, the group predicted in its report, entitled "Data ARPUs Save the Day for Wireless Operators." Global subscribers will grow by nearly 9% from 2002 to 2007, while revenue will grow by roughly the same percentage over the same time frame, the report predicted.
    http://www.yankeegroup.com
    _____________________________________________

    o America Online Launches New Kids Services

    Dulles, Va. -- In another bid to keep and attract subscribers, America Online has launched new services designed exclusively for kids. The company's KOL service is aimed at children aged 6-12, while KOL Jr. is targeted at pre-schoolers and parents. The services, available through AOL's 9.0 Optimized software, allow kids to customize their welcome screen, toolbar and buddy list features with special desktop themes and navigation effects. It features exclusive content from brands such as Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, Kids' WB, DC Comics, Mary-Kate and Ashley, TIME For Kids and Sports Illustrated For Kids. AOL said that according to its new survey, nearly half (46%) of kids go online at least four times a week and nearly 20% go online every day.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030929/295582_1.html 

    Top



     > DMW Events:

    Future of Television Forum
    November 21, 2003 - New York City

    Digital Media Wire & NYU's Stern School of Business
    are proud to present one of the premier television industry
    events of the year, featuring keynotes from:

    Joshua Sapan - President & CEO, Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.
    Mark Cuban - Chairman, HDNet, Owner, Dallas Mavericks
    David Zaslav
    - President, NBC Cable

    Future of Television is a 1-day executive forum examining
    cutting-edge topics including:

    --SYNERGIZING BROADCAST & CABLE PROPERTIES:
     Developing a New "Old" Business Model for Network Television
    --CABLE v. SATELLITE:
    The Battle for Viewers Heats Up
    --TELEVISION NEWS:
    Battling For Viewers In The Information Age
    --A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET:
    Interactive TV Is Alive & Well & It's All About Transactions
    --The Future of Television Without Advertising

     
    Register Now for Early Bird Registration!

    Inquiries:
    info@televisionconference.com

     > DMW Publications:

    Digital Media Law Report - Monthly - Subscriptions - Order
    Game Industry Quarterly
    - Subscriptions - Order

    Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
     

    Top


    > Featured Advertisement:

    The Micropayments Conference - Harvard Club of NYC, November 3

    Join senior executives from entertainment, media and publishing companies, financial institutions, payment companies and technology providers to explore how consumers consume, sellers sell, and what the future holds for business models in the on-line world.

    The Conference, which is sponsored by Peppercoin (www.peppercoin.com) is a full-day event at the Harvard Club of NYC and includes breakfast buffet, 3 keynotes, 5 panels, banquet-style lunch and post-event cocktail reception.

    Early-Bird Registration (including full program, breakfast, lunch and reception) is being offered to Digital Media Wire readers for only $100 until October 3. To take advantage of the Early-Bird rate, please register online at: www.micropaymentsconference.com
    Inquiries: info@micropaymentsconference.com
     

    Top


    o Briefly Noted:

    (San Rafael, Calif.) THX, the cinema sound-quality firm launched by director George Lucas, said on Tuesday it will begin offering THX certification for video games, and announced that developer Electronic Arts will be the first firm to offer THX-certified games. San Rafael, Calif.-based THX said EA's "SSX 3," "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King "and "Medal of Honor Rising Sun" are the first THX-certified titles.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu060_1.html 
    http://www.thx.com 
    http://www.ea.com

    (Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft Game Studios announced on Tuesday the release of its popular "Halo" title for the PC platform. The game was developed by Redmond-based Bungie Studios and Dallas-based Gearbox Software. The Xbox version of "Halo" is the console's most popular game, having sold over 3 million copies to date.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu065_1.html
    http://www.microsoft.com/games 
    http://www.bungie.net 
    http://www.gearboxsoftware.com

    (New York) Roxio, the provider of CD and DVD burning software that will also soon launch a re-tooled Napster, said on Tuesday that it will offer a customized version of Napster 2.0 for PCs running Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 software, which was released today. Roxio said Napster 2.0 will launch by Christmas and initially offer around 500,000 songs.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/latu033_1.html 
    http://www.roxio.com 
    http://www.napster.com

    (Washington) XM Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, said on Tuesday that it will begin broadcasting special comedy events recorded live from the Carolines on Broadway comedy nightclub in New York City's Times Square. XM said it will not edit or censor the comedy broadcasts.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/dctu035_1.html 
    http://www.xmradio.com 
    http://www.carolines.com

    (Beverly, Mass.) Video game publisher Atari on Tuesday announced that it has shipped "Dungeons & Dragons Heroes" for Xbox, under license from Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast, to retailers. Developed by Atari's Hunt Valley, Md.-based studio, the title is the first Dungeons & Dragons game developed for a next-generation console.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030930/305065_1.html 
    http://www.danddheroes.com

    (Costa Mesa, Calif.) Gamerang, a new online video game rental service, on Tuesday announced its launch. Memberships include a $14.95 per month level, where one game may be checked out at a time, and a $19.95 per month level, which allows two simultaneous game rentals. More games may be checked out per month by adding $7.95 each to the monthly fee.
    http://www.gamerang.com

    (Bellevue, Wash.) Game publisher Her Interactive on Tuesday announced a partnership with Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, to bundle its games based on the "Nancy Drew" children's detective books with paperback versions of the novels themselves. The companies will first release "Nancy Drew: Secret of the Scarlet Hand" for the PC plus "Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Forgotten Cave" paperback book, followed by "Nancy Drew: Ghost Dogs of Moon Lake" for the PC paired with the book, "Nancy Drew: The Fox Hunt Mystery."
    http://www.simonsayskids.com 
    http://www.herinteractive.com

    (Milpitas, Calif.) Consumer electronics firm Creative Technology on Tuesday released a set of wireless speakers that uses Wi-Fi technology to allow consumers to play their MP3 and WMA PC music collections from anywhere in the home. The $250 Sound Blaster Wireless Music system uses either an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network and includes an RF remote control with a large LCD display, eliminating the need to include a separate receiver or television.
    http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030930/sftu091_1.html
    http://makeashorterlink.com/?N23812F06

    Top


    > Classifieds:

    > AOL - Sr. Producer, Online Promotions

    AOL seeks creative experts to produce groundbreaking, industry defining
    online promotions.  Requirements: 7+ years of online/offline experience at
    television or cable network, track record of producing successful creative,
    excellent writing skills, and the ability to advance and shelter a
    developing brand.  America Online is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status,
    national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
    Send resume and cover letter to ArielleSD@aol.com
    __________________

    > Accelera Solutions, Citrix/Network Engineer - McLean, VA

    Experience architecting, installing and configuring systems based on Citrix technology a must. Experience and knowledge required in: Windows2K, ADS, TCP/IP, LAN/WAN, IIS, SQL, client/server apps. Skills must include: strong customer service skills, technical documentation, pre-sales support. Send resumes to info@accelerasolutions.com  Visit http://www.accelerasolutions.com
    ___________________

    > Production Manager

    Our client, a solid, major Direct Marketing firm, is searching for a
    strong production manager with 5+ years of Direct Marketing Advertising
    Agency experience. All candidates should have a portfolio of work focused
    around Direct Marketing and integrated print solutions. Major account
    services relationship building is a requirement for this role as well.
    Strong print vendor relationship is also a big plus. Major Direct
    Marketing mailings with multiple tests are preferred. Compensation: $70k.
    Send resumes to info@market-search.net
    ____________________

    > WW VP of Sales - BI/DW- Software

    Manage Sales groups through out the World (Specially Europe & Asia
    Pacific) and North America. 5 years+ experience in selling one of the
    following: BI Software, ETL Tools, Data Warehousing or OLAP Engines.
    Client provides business performance management and analytical processing
    software. Position is located in Boston. Compensation: 300K+. Send
    inquiries to info@redfoxrecruiting.com Visit
    http://www.redfoxrecruiting.com/jobopenings.asp
    __________________

    > Porter Group - Sales Representative, D.C.

    Metro Territory Award winning profitable consulting and software development company seeks a sales rep. with 4+ years of professional consulting services + software development sales experience. Health Care contacts is a must. Must have proven track record of increasing revenue & above quota achievements. $55-65k base, $120k+ first year. D.C. Metro Territory. Send resumes to info@portergroupinc.com  Visit http://www.portergroupinc.com
    ____________________

    > Streaming Media CA, October 14-16, 2003, Santa Clara CA

    This October top business leaders from all over the world will gather at Streaming Media CA to learn about and explore the latest trends, products, and services in streaming and digital media technologies. This cutting-edge event features an intensive, 4-day conference program with industry leading keynotes and the brightest minds in the business. Don't miss out! For more information, or to register, go to: http://www.streamingmedia.com/CA
     ____________________

    > Future of Digital Production Tour
    Experience the future of digital production with the next generation of professional applications from Apple- Final Cut Pro 4, Shake 3, and DVD Studio Pro 2. See how the latest applications and hardware from Apple can be used to create an integrated, high-resolution post-production pipeline. Space is limited.  Register Now

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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. 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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