|
Connecting
People & Knowledge - Since May 2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 7, 2005 --
About Us |
Advertise |
Events |
Subscribe |
Unsubscribe
Top
Stories
o WSJ:
Time Warner, Microsoft Resume Talks on Possible Internet Deal
o Senate
Committee Proposes 2009 Digital TV Transition Deadline
o China to Develop Its Own
Next-Generation DVD Standard
o DirecTV to Offer Own Digital
Video Recorder This Month
o Blockbuster to Miss Subscriber
Target for Online DVD Rental Service
o Sony PSP Targeted by Trojan
Horse Malware
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Briefly Noted
o
BridgeCo, Rolf Spuler Develop
First "FireWire Guitar"
o
IODA to Promote Indie Artists on GoFish Multimedia Search Engine
o
Majesco Enlists Roadrunner Records for "Infected" Game Soundtrack
o
Radica Games President, COO Resigns
o
N.Y. Times: File-Sharing Thrives on Invitation-Only "Darknet" Groups
_____________________________________________
|
Top
Stories
o WSJ: Time Warner, Microsoft
Resume Talks on Possible Internet Deal
Mountain View, Calif. - Time Warner, the New York-based
media giant, has resumed talks with Microsoft about possibly forging
some sort of Internet alliance between its America Online unit and
Microsoft's MSN, sources familiar with the talks told The Wall
Street Journal. Talks between the two sides reportedly broke down
over the summer, but have now restarted with a focus of combining
AOL's Internet content with MSN's search capabilities. The deal
would supplant AOL's current relationship with Mountain View-based
Google, which sells search engine ads for the company. It is not yet
clear whether a merger between AOL and MSN -- which combined have
more than 23 million dial-up customers -- is on the table, the
Journal reported. People close to the situation say that the talks
are being led by Olaf Olafsson, an executive vice president for Time
Warner, and Henry Vigil, a senior vice president for Microsoft. The
two sides are hoping to reach a deal by the end of the year.
http://online.wsj.com/home/us
_____________________________________________
o Senate
Committee Proposes 2009 Digital TV Transition Deadline
Washington - The chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce
Committee said publicly this week that he wants to complete the U.S.
transition to digital TV broadcasting in 2009. "With a 2009 hard
date, there would be three Christmas buying seasons during which
Americans will buy digital television sets," Sen. Ted Stevens
(R-Alaska) said in remarks to the Association of Maximum Service
Television conference, Reuters reported. Current U.S. law mandates
that 85% of a given market must own digital TV sets before
broadcasters are required to abandon their analog spectrum and
switch to digital broadcasts. However, the high cost of digital TVs
has impeded the transition. Lawmakers and technology and consumer
groups have argued over how to compensate lower-income households
unable to purchase new digital sets; proposals include subsidizing
low-cost antennas or converter boxes. Lawmakers want to free the
spectrum space for use by emergency communications services, and to
potentially generate billions by re-selling the spectrum to wireless
carriers at auction. Stevens said the Senate Commerce Committee will
debate a bill that would set a 2009 date for the digital TV
transition on Oct. 19; a similar proposal is currently making its
way through the House.
http://tinyurl.com/arqfw
(Reuters)
____________________________________________
o China to
Develop Its Own Next-Generation DVD Standard
Beijing - China has announced plans to develop its own
next-generation DVD format, in an effort to sidestep costly
licensing fees its national manufacturers would otherwise have to
pay for Toshiba's HD DVD or Sony's Blu-ray technologies, the
country's official Xinhua News Agency reported. "With such format
and related standards, we could have our own voice in the DVD
industry," Lu Da, deputy director of the government-affiliated
National Disc Engineering Center, told Xinhua. China produces
between 70 and 80% of the world's DVD players; Lu said that
licensing fees paid to developers of the underlying technologies
account for 40% of the rough cost of each player. China also
developed its own first-generation DVD standard, EVD, which failed
to attract market interest. The new Chinese standard will be based
on, but incompatible with, Toshiba's HD DVD, and is not slated to
come to market until 2008.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-10/04/content_3581780.htm
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=1191861 (AP)
____________________________________________
o DirecTV to
Offer Own Digital Video Recorder This Month
New York - Following several years of a successful
partnership with TiVo, satellite TV operator DirecTV plans to
introduce its own rival digital video recorder next week, The New
York Times reported. Currently, 2.3 million of DirecTV's 14.7
million subscribers have TiVo; DirecTV pays $1.13 per month per
subscriber to TiVo for the service. The DirecTV DVR, powered by
software from News Corp's NDS, will offer 100 hours of recording
capacity when it becomes available later this month, compared with
the 60-hour DirecTV with TiVo set-top. DirecTV plans a $30 million
marketing campaign for its new device during the fourth quarter. The
company will also continue to offer TiVo's DVR service alongside its
own; both will cost an extra $5.99 per month. However, DirecTV could
end up paying TiVo licensing fees on its own DVR set-tops, should
TiVo emerge victorious in a patent infringement claim against
DirecTV rival EchoStar Communications. If EchoStar's DISH Network
digital video recorders are found to infringe on TiVo patents, TiVo
may move on to target DirecTV. "If we believed the NDS product
violated TiVo's intellectual property, one course of action we would
have would be to sue NDS and possibly DirecTV," Edward Lichty, vice
president for corporate development at TiVo, told The Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/07/business/07adco.html
http://www.tivo.com
http://www.directv.com
____________________________________________
o Blockbuster to
Miss Subscriber Target for Online DVD Rental Service
Dallas - Video rental giant Blockbuster announced this
week that it will miss its projected goal of having 2 million
subscribers to its online DVD rental service by the first quarter of
2006. The company now expects Blockbuster Online to reach that mark
later in 2006. Rival Netflix, which created the market for online
DVD rentals, said last week that it now counts 3.6 million
subscribers. Outside of online rentals, Blockbuster said revenue
fell 1% during the third quarter of 2005, bettering an overall
decrease of 11.7% in the video rental market during the quarter,
according to market research firm Rentrak.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051006/dath048.html?.v=19
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/051006/blockbuster_outlook.html?.v=2
(AP)
http://www.rentrak.com
____________________________________________
o Sony PSP
Targeted by Trojan Horse Malware
Cupertino, Calif. - Antivirus firm Symantec announced this
week that it discovered a "Trojan horse" program that can infect
Sony's PSP handheld game system and render the device inoperable.
The malicious software was discovered on several game websites,
being offered as a free download that could enable the device to
play pirated games. If a PSP owner unwittingly downloads the patch,
"The device basically becomes a brick," said Richard Archdeacon,
director of technical services at Symantec. "You might as well use
it to build a house."
http://tinyurl.com/c3bum
(Reuters)
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn8116
http://www.symantec.com
Top
|
DMW Announcements
Red Carpet for Relief Reception
Benefiting Hurricane Relief, L.A., Oct. 11
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO RED CROSS RELIEF EFFORTS
Digital Media Wire has teamed up with Hollywood
hotspot, Tokio, and the Red Cross to co-host
Red Carpet for Relief, a benefit featuring performances by
Just Jinger and The Prom Kings. All proceeds go to
the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to provide shelter,
food, counseling and other assistance to victims of Hurricane
Katrina. The event is from 8pm to 10pm on Tuesday, October 11 at
Tokio, 1640 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, CA. Open Bar and
Appetizers are included in the price of admission. The required
donation is $30, which can be made online. For more information,
visit
www.redcrossla.org/dmw or call
310-855-0033. RSVP by October 9 to
RSVP@digitalmediawire.com.
____________________________________________
Don't Be Left Out of
the 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory!
If you haven’t already submitted your
company’s profile, please do so before the
NEW cut-off date of October
15, 2005. The process only takes a few minutes and it is
absolutely free!
Also, if you pre-order the directory by
November 1, 2005, you can take advantage of our reduced
introductory rates of $295, for the hardcopy, and $595, for
both the hardcopy and CD.
The Directory is an invaluable resource for
companies working in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment
and media industries, and will make the following corporate
activities much easier: business development; direct marketing;
sales prospecting; market research & competitive analysis; and
recruitment. To submit your free listing or make a purchase
online, please click here:
http://www.digitalentertainmentdirectory.com/submit/
____________________________________________
2005 Digital Entertainment & Media Awards
DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRIES
The deadline for entries for the
2005 Awards is October 15. Submissions will be accepted
online and will be judged on creative and business criteria.
For more information, or to submit a company for the Digital
Entertainment & Media Awards, please visit
www.digitalentertainmentawards.com.
Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Westin
Century Plaza Hotel in the Los Angeles Ballroom on the evening
of December 1.
Please contact
info@digitalentertainmentawards.com or 323-822-0936 if you
have any questions. We look forward to seeing you in
December.
|
|
Featured Advertisement
The 64 Second Film Contest
–
DreamWorks™
____________________________________________
|
Top
|
|
Briefly Noted
o BridgeCo,
Rolf Spuler Develop First "FireWire Guitar"
New York - BridgeCo, a developer of digital entertainment
networking technologies, on Friday introduced what it says is the
world's first FireWire Guitar, which utilizes the IEEE 1394
interface to directly connect the instrument to a computer for
recording, editing and mixing. The technology enables, among other
things, each guitar string to be recorded as a separate track. New
York-based BridgeCo partnered with Swiss designer Rolf Spuler, who
has crafted instruments for Al DiMeola and Bela Fleck, on the design
of the FireWire Guitar.
http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=4603
http://www.rolfspuler.com
http://www.bridgeco.net
____________________________________________
o IODA to
Promote Indie Artists on GoFish Multimedia Search Engine
San Francisco - GoFish Technologies, a provider of multimedia
search engine technology, announced that it has partnered with the
Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA), a digital
distributor of independent label music, to make IODA promotional
content available on GoFish. Under the deal, IODA will distribute
thousands of pre-cleared, legal music tracks, videos, artwork and
other promotional assets on GoFish, from artists on the 750
independent labels in the IODA network. San Francisco-based GoFish
said its multimedia search engine currently indexes over 70 million
audio and video files.
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=97280
http://www.iodalliance.com
http://www.gofish.com
____________________________________________
o Majesco
Enlists Roadrunner Records for "Infected" Game Soundtrack
Edison, N.J. - Video game publisher Majesco Entertainment
announced that it has partnered with Roadrunner Records to produce
the soundtrack for its "Infected" title for Sony PSP. Roadrunner
artists appearing on the in-game soundtrack will include Slipknot,
Fear Factory, Chimaira and The Agony Scene. In addition to the
Roadrunner tracks, Majesco has also licensed music from artists
including Junkie XL and Pimp X for "Infected." Developed by Planet
Moon Studios, the game is slated for release in November.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051006/nyth117.html?.v=27
http://www.planetmoon.com
http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com
http://www.infected.com
____________________________________________
o Radica Games
President, COO Resigns
Hong Kong - Radica Games, a developer and manufacturer of
electronic games and video game accessories, announced on Friday
that company president and chief operating officer Ted Eischeid is
stepping down. The company added that it plans to eliminate the
position of chief operating officer.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/051007/laf023.html?.v=22
http://www.radicagames.com
____________________________________________
o N.Y. Times:
File-Sharing Thrives on Invitation-Only "Darknet" Groups
New York - The New York Times reported on Friday on "darknets,"
or exclusive peer-to-peer networks where users are more concerned
with privacy for their actions, and membership is by invitation
only. Over 100,000 darknets have been created by users of Grouper,
one company offering users the ability to create the private
file-sharing groups; to address copyright concerns, the company
limits music sharing to FM-quality MP3 streaming, and also limits
group sizes to 50 members. However, some users have found ways to
get around limitations on some darknets, and share everything from
music to movies to games and software. "If I were an investor, I'd
think strongly about whether to invest in a company that could
facilitate this sharing," Stanford law professor Lawrence Lessig
told The Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/05/technology/techspecial/05gnatek.html
http://www.grouper.com
Top
|
Classifieds --
Advertise
Web Developer
Envision EMI, an award winning company located in Tyson's
Corner, is looking for an experienced Web Developer. In this
role you will lead the creation and integration of our
online applications by designing, developing and supporting
online application logic to deliver cutting edge online
business applications. Candidates must have at least 3 years
on a design/technical team, solid exp. with Macromedia
and/or Microsoft.NET products and proficiency in the
following: HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, C#, .NET, ColdFusion,
ActionScript, JavaScript, and cross-
browser/platform compatibility. Review a detailed job
description and apply online at
http://www.envisionemi.com or send resumes to
hr@envisionemi.com
___________________
Sales Director - XML Business
Integration
Software AG is building future growth around Business
Integration and SOA for F1000 companies and is seeking a
Western Area Sales Director to provide leadership for a
direct sales force to achieve aggressive revenue targets
directed at existing and new accounts. For more information
visit
http://www.softwareagusa.com/
or send resumes directly to
jim.solomone@softwareagusa.com
___________________
Software Developer -
Vienna, VA
Seeking a
Plumtree portal architect and developer with broad and deep
knowledge of Plumtree 5.x. Require 5 plus years of exp. in
Plumtree portal technology and associated web environment,
including security, networking, operating systems, database,
and web application server. 5 - 7 years overall software
development exp. in web programming tools including HTML,
JavaScript, CSS, ColdFusion, ASP, .NET and C#. Ability to work
in fast-paced, dynamic environment. BA/BS in Information
Systems, or equivalent knowledge/exp. Must have an active
Secret clearance and be willing to submit to a TS. Send
resumes to:rrreeves@att.com
___________________
Director of
Sales - North America
Qualified
applicants should have at least 5 years of software
industry-related sales experience, with at least 2 years of
Public Sector focus. Direct sales and business development
experience is expected. Management experience is a plus. A
clear understanding of business issues, excellent leadership,
written and oral
communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are
required. Ability to deliver compelling face-to-face customer
presentations, effective contract negotiation, deal closing,
as well as, proven account management/leadership is
imperative. BS/BA required, and a MBA is preferred. Send
resumes to:
ks@ltutech.com
___________________
Sr. Product
Manager – San Diego, CA
Join
Verance's Content Use Management business unit, and help us
enhance the value of film, TV, and music. Position is
responsible for: market & product requirements; product
marketing; production & distribution; and customer integration
& support. Applicant must have detailed technical
understanding in one or more of the following areas: digital
entertainment; digital media production, distribution &
playback; film print mastering; DVD authoring; content
preparation for digital downloads & streamed delivery;
consumer electronics; S/W media player standards; and content
security. For more details visit:
http://www.verance.com/careers/jobopenings.html
or email:
jobs_05@verance.com
___________________
Software Tester/Quality Assurance - Fairfax, VA
Responsible for developing, implementing,
maintaining, and enhancing test plans, test scripts, and test
methodologies that ensure exhaustive testing of all assigned
software systems to ensure compliance with system
specifications. Requires strong interpersonal and
technical skills to work effectively and efficiently with
development staff in order to resolve software defects. Send
inquiries to
rstevens@silosmashers.com.
___________________
Managing Director
Are you ready to be measured by your skills in leadership,
consulting management, product management, operations
management, and business development and marketing? Are you
self-assured and confident? Able to translate business needs
into technology solutions? Come lead a growing custom business
intelligence software practice at a Microsoft Gold Partner and
Inc 500 firm. More at Monster.com search "Brittenford Managing
Director." Send resumes to
careers@brittenford.com
_________________
Senior Account Executive (Technology PR)
- Boston
SAE responsibilities include media relations, materials
development,
program management and team and client relations. Required
skills include
time management, strong verbal communications, a solid
understanding of
PR concepts, strategic planning and implementation, and the
ability to
juggle multiple tasks. Minimum 3-4 years of professional
experience,
preferably with a hi-tech agency background. Please apply
online at
http://www.porternovelli.com
Send resumes to
bostoncareers@porternovelli.com
_________________
Java Developers
- Baltimore area
Compuware is
actively seeking several Java developers of various skill
levels.
We require strong knowledge of object oriented programming,
design and the
application lifecycle. 3 to 7 years Java/J2EE including JSP,
EJB, custom tags,
struts. Very good SQL skills, DB2 and Oracle preferred.
Websphere/WSAD
highly preferred. XML, C/CGI, perl scripting a plus. Excellent
oral and written
communications. Send resumes to
scott.boren@compuware.com
___________________
Senior Account
Executive - Technology Public Relations
Our DC office is seeking an experienced senior account
executive (SAE). A
senior account executive position is a middle management
position that requires
at least 5-6 years PR and technology experience. All public
relations positions at
Horn Group also require at minimum a Bachelors degree in a
related field (i.e.,
PR, communications, journalism, marketing), the ability to
work well in teams,
and strong attention to detail. Please send your cover letter
and resume
electronically via our website only, at
http://www.horngroup.com,
in the Careers
section under Washington DC job openings
___________________
Breakfast
Panel: The Future of Digital Entertainment
- Los Angeles
The Los
Angeles Venture Association presents a great panel on digital
entertainment of the future. Panelists include senior
executives from MovieLink, Yahoo Music, American Idol
Worldwide, Premiere Radio Networks, and Gizmondo who will
cover the technologies, companies and business models to
watch. The Los Angeles Venture Association is Southern
California's oldest, most successful organization focused on
the financing of companies from start to exit. Date: October
11, 2005. 7AM - 9AM. Regency Club, Westwood.
www.lava.org
___________________
The
China Trade Summit (CTS) | Beijing, China | October 16-20
The China Trade Summit (CTS) is the only China conference
that gives unprecedented access and one-on-one interaction
with the top government and business leaders of China,
including the Minister of Commerce and Governors from three
provinces. The event is taking place in Beijing, China from
October 16-20, 2005. CTS is designed to give attendees the
tools and information needed to succeed in China with
informative conference sessions and unique events such as
VentureFest China, China Tech Tour and the Minister’s Golf
Tournament. If you’re planning to do business in China, there
is no other event like the CTS, helping to create strong
relationships while providing valuable insight into the inner
workings of Chinese business.
http://www.chinatradesummit.net
___________________
The 64 Second Film Contest
–
DreamWorks™
Film
Fanatics, Digital Hipsters, Mixmasters, Photophiles and
Movie-moguls-in-the-making. A 64-second film on
the subject of "weightlessness" will land one of you at
DreamWorks™. Don't wait to create.
www.64seconds.com. Entries in will be accepted
October 10 - November 27, 2005. |
Top
|
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.
Digital Media
Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
network of publications that includes Potomac Tech Wire, New England
Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech
Wire, Thames Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches
more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business
day.
For more information, visit our network of sites:
www.digitalmediawire.com
www.potomactechwire.com
www.newenglandtechwire.com
www.bayareatechwire.com
www.tristatetechwire.com
www.southeasttechwire.com
www.thamestechwire.com
www.europeantechwire.com
Executive & Editorial Team
CEO &
Publisher: Ned Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
Editor: Mark
Hefflinger
Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions
-
comments@digitalmediawire.com
News Tips & Press Releases -
editorial@digitalmediawire.com
Advertising -
marketing@digitalmediawire.com
Telephone: 310-855-0033
For a free
subscription to Digital Media Wire:
To unsubscribe,
please send an email with PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line to
unsubscribe@digitalmediawire.com
Top
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2005 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All
Rights Reserved.
|
|
|