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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

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DMW Announcements
 
Red Carpet for Relief Reception Benefiting Hurricane Relief, L.A., Oct. 11
  RSVP by:
October 9, 2005
 
Don't Be Left Out of the 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory!
  Deadline: October 15, 2005
  2005 Digital Entertainment & Media Awards: Enter NOW!
  Deadline: October 15, 2005

Featured Advertisement

  The 64 Second Film Contest – DreamWorks™
 

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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

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Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds
  Web Developer
 
Sales Director - XML Business Integration
  Software Developer
- Vienna, VA
  Director of Sales
- North America
  Sr. Product Manager
– San Diego, CA
  Software Tester/Quality Assurance - Fairfax, VA
 
Managing Director  
  Senior Account Executive (Technology PR)
- Boston
  Java Developers - Baltimore area
  Senior Account Executive - Technology Public Relations
  Breakfast Panel: The Future of Digital Entertainment - Los Angeles
 
The China Trade Summit (CTS) | Beijing, China | October 16-20
  The 64 Second Film Contest DreamWorks™


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
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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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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

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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.
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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/
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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.
 

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Featured Advertisement

The 64 Second Film Contest DreamWorks™

      
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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 
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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
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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
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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
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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

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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

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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
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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
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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

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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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

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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

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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
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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
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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.

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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.

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
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