archives

o Web Radio Provider ClickRadio Shuts Down, Lays Off Staff
o Microsoft Confirms Hack of Digital Rights Management Software
o Digital Video Firm Pinnacle Systems Acquires Fast Multimedia
o Interactive Program Guide Developer ISurfTV Gets Funding from Motorola
o Home Networking Software Developer DigitalDeck Raises $4.5 Million
o Briefly Noted: RealNetworks - ABC News, Yahoo Messenger -
"IMVironments," Yaga - AltaVista, Windows XP - MP3 - DVD, Macromedia -
Intel, Virgin Entertainment Group - IBM NetVista Kiosk, Diva Systems
patent, Gemstar-TV Guide - Sony, Advanced Telecom Services, MusicBank,
LivePlanet - "The Runner"
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> Job Postings: Web Research Assistant, Web Designer,
Vice President of Sales

> Events/Services: "FREE Digital Asset Management Seminar," "CTAM
Broadband Opportunity Conference," "Office Space - L.A.,"
"SHORTSPAN Film & Video Festival, OCTOBER DATES," "Digital Media
Revolution in the Americas"

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 Web Radio Provider ClickRadio Shuts Down, Lays Off Staff

New York -- ClickRadio, a Web radio programming provider, has shut down
and laid off all of its 140 employees, according to a report in radio
industry trade publication FMQB. The company's advertising-based service
downloaded encrypted songs to a user's hard drive and played them on
non-interactive stations. New songs were then downloaded periodically to
keep station programming fresh. New York-based ClickRadio had amassed
300,000 users for its service but was unable to attract advertisers in the
current market. FMQB reported that a proposed third round of financing for
ClickRadio was directly affected by the Sept. 11 attacks on the World
Trade Center in New York City.
http://www.fmqb.com/fmqb/top40/index.html
http://www.clickradio.com
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o Microsoft Confirms Hack of Digital Rights Management Software

San Francisco -- Microsoft has confirmed that a hacker has written
software code that can crack its digital rights management system, which
protects Windows Media Audio and Video files from being copied, according
to a CNET report. Microsoft was quick to point out that the system can be
updated to eliminate the weakness in the system that allows files to be
compromised. "Beale Screamer," the name by which the hacker who developed
the crack goes, included writings criticizing the Digital Millennium
Copyright Act (DMCA) along with the instructions on how to break
Microsoft's security features. The DMCA includes a provision that makes it
a crime to distribute code such as Beale Screamer's that can circumvent
copyright protection technology.
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-7590303.html?tag=mn_hd
http://www.newsbytes.com/news/01/171331.html
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o Digital Video Firm Pinnacle Systems Acquires Fast Multimedia

Mountain View, Calif. -- Pinnacle Systems, a developer and manufacturer of
digital video hardware and software, announced that it has acquired Fast
Multimedia, a developer of Windows-based digital video editing software
and hardware. Terms of the transaction call for Mountain View-based
Pinnacle to acquire all intellectual property, software rights, products,
other assets and certain liabilities of Munich, Germany-based Fast
Multimedia for $15 million in cash and stock. Pinnacle said it will
integrate Fast Multimedia's products into its suite of video, authoring
and streaming solutions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011019/sff004_1.html
http://www.pinnaclesys.com
http://www.fastmultimedia.com
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o Interactive Program Guide Developer ISurfTV Gets Funding from Motorola

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- ISurfTV, a developer of interactive program guide
technology for digital television, announced on Monday that it has
received an undisclosed investment from Motorola to speed development of
its technology. Motorola Broadband will work to make Sunnyvale-based
ISurfTV's product available on the set-top boxes it manufactures for
digital and interactive TV. ISurfTV will join Motorola's Horizon
Developers Program, launched to help third-party developers collaborate
with Motorola on the development of interactive TV initiatives.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011022/hsm058_1.html
http://www.isurftv.com
_____________________________________________

o Home Networking Software Developer DigitalDeck Raises $4.5 Million

Cupertino, Calif. -- DigitalDeck, a developer of home networking software,
announced on Monday that it has raised $4.5 million in its first round of
venture capital financing, led by Lexington Ventures. The company's
technology is based on the ability to store and manage large digital media
files. "The initial implementation of this software will be to integrate
and control various home devices so that consumers can efficiently and
conveniently add functionality, including network access without having to
purchase expensive new hardware," said DigitalDeck president Erik
Scheelke. Cupertino-based DigitalDeck also developed a Web-based Star Trek
card trading game, where users can buy, sell and trade the cards online.
http://www.digitaldeck.com/press.html
http://startrekccg.decipher.com/st/default.pasp
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o Briefly Noted:

(Seattle) Media delivery technology firm RealNetworks announced on Monday
an agreement with ABC News to provide live broadband news video content to
paying subscribers of RealNetworks' GoldPass service. The deal also
includes access to on-demand versions of "World News Tonight with Peter
Jennings," "Nightline" with Ted Koppel, and Sam Donaldson's "Live in
America" radio show. Seattle-based RealNetworks' GoldPass service -- which
claims over 400,000 subscribers -- is available for $9.95 per month.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011022/sfm118_1.html
http://www.real.com

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Yahoo on Monday announced new features for its instant
messaging software -- called IMVironments -- that let users send themed
audio and video clips based on promotional partnerships with selected
artists, including Lenny Kravitz and Garbage. The "environments" appear
behind the text in IM text windows, and allow users to access the media
files directly from the window while they are typing. Other content
partners include Ch@tables, a provider of celebrity-themed, talking
emoticons and Nintendo, which will promote its upcoming Super Smash Bros.
Melee game on the service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011022/220023_1.html
http://messenger.yahoo.com

(Foster City, Calif.) Yaga, a provider of peer-to-peer content
distribution services, said on Monday that it has partnered with search
engine technology provider AltaVista to offer search capabilities for its
network of content. Companies can make their content available on Foster
City-based Yaga's secure, subscription-based network -- which costs $19.95
for the first month and $9.95 per month thereafter -- in order to access
audio, video, text and software files available for trading.
http://www.prnmedia.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=107&STORY=/www/story/
10-22-2001/0001597188&EDATE=
http://www.yaga.com
http://www.altavista.com

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft on Monday announced the launch of two new
add-on pieces of software to its Windows XP operating system. One allows
users to encode and play files in MP3 format and the other enables DVD
playback in Windows Media format. Microsoft -- which previously said it
would provide less support for the MP3 format in favor of its Windows
Media Audio -- is making the $10 add-ons available for purchase through
partnerships with CyberLink and InterVideo.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011022/sfm089_1.html
http://www.goCyberlink.com/power_packs
http://www.intervideo.com

(Orlando, Fla.) Web software developer Macromedia announced on Monday that
it has reached an agreement with Intel to embed its 3D-Enhanced Macromedia
Shockwave Player on all Intel desktop motherboards that PC manufacturers
install on new computers. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The
deal gives Macromedia a large distribution outlet for Shockwave, which the
company claims is already installed on 70 percent of PCs and is mainly
used to play video games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011022/sfm102_1.html

(Los Angeles) Virgin Entertainment Group announced on Monday that it will
use IBM's NetVista Kiosks to provide in-store previews of items at its
Virgin Megastore locations. The devices allow customers to sample 250,000
CDs, 11,000 DVDs and 7,000 console games by bringing the item to the kiosk
and scanning its bar code. The kiosks were tested in stores in Los Angeles
and Dallas and will now be added to stores in New York and Boston.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/212952117&ticker=ibm
http://www2.clearlake.ibm.com/store/news/html/011601kiosk.html
http://www.virginmega.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Video-on-demand technology developer Diva Systems
announced on Monday that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has awarded
it a patent on technology that "transports server-based data and graphics
over a video network to a digital set-top box, where they are displayed as
interactive television images." Redwood City-based Diva's systems are
currently deployed in 22 markets by cable TV operators including AT&T
Broadband, Charter Communications and Insight Communications.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/212950042&ticker=
http://www.divatv.com

(Pasadena, Calif.) Gemstar-TV Guide Intl., a provider of interactive
program guide technology for digital TV, said on Monday that Sony will
incorporate its product into all of the personal video recorder devices it
sells in the Japanese market. The Sony devices will allow viewers to pause
and record live television, while the Gemstar guide will provide
comprehensive program listings and descriptions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011022/220447_1.html
http://www.gemstartvguide.com

(Wayne, Penn.) Advanced Telecom Services announced on Monday the launch of
Ringingphone.com, a provider of musical ringtones and other features for
cell phone owners. Pennsylvania-based Ringingphone.com will offer
ringtones based on TV and movie songs, school fight songs and popular
music; the company is negotiating to secure licenses for music from Zomba
Recording Corp.'s Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and N'Sync. A single
ringtone will cost $2.99, or $9.99 for a set of five. Along with
ringtones, the company is offering downloadable graphics including sports
team logos and cartoon and video game characters.
http://www.ringingphone.com
http://www.advancedtele.com

(San Jose, Calif.) The San Jose Mercury News offered a feature story on
Monday on the fate of MusicBank, an online music firm that secured
licenses from all five major labels as well as music publishers for its
digital music locker service, but ran out of funds before ever launching
its service. "MusicBank ended up going broke because the terms [of
licensing deals] were so awful it was impossible to develop a business
model," MusicBank CEO Michael Downing told the paper.
http://www.siliconvalley.com/docs/news/svfront/music102201.htm

(New York) The New York Times reported on Monday that TV network ABC has cancelled its planned reality series "The Runner," based on a project
developed by actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Web venture, LivePlanet.
The program pitted a "runner" -- one participant chosen to travel across
the country and complete scavenger hunt-like tasks -- against the TV and
Web audience who could participate by trying to locate and catch the
runner for the chance to win prizes. Los Angeles-based LivePlanet is
currently in production on the winning script from its Project Greenlight
screenplay contest.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/22/business/media/22REAL.html
http://www.liveplanet.com/liveplanet/properties/runner_hotsheet.jsp

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

> Katrillion, Web Research Assistant - Fort Lee, New Jersey

CityConnect, the first national city event guide for teens available on
all web and wireless platforms, is looking for an events-locating
super-sleuth to find content for posting on the web. The ideal candidate
must be -- able to find current information that may not be readily
available, a recent college grad, and possess a passion for pop culture
and teen trends. Internet savvy plus strong writing skills are essential.
Send resume and salary requirements to: ccstaff@katrillion.com
http://www.katrillion.com/cityconnect.com
______________________

> Bookspan, Web Designer - Long Island, New York

BOOKSPAN is seeking a Web Designer with preferably 1-2 years experience
for a freelance position (possible temp-to-hire). Work with a Sr. Designer
on the design of all-new web sites from top to bottom. PhotoShop,
Illustrator, hand-code HTML, and aptitude to learn proprietary
content-management software are an absolute must. Send resume in plain
text with URLs of your work, and list the three best-looking content or
e-commerce based sites you can find to: jgiannetti@booksonline.com
http://www.booksonline.com
______________________

> Vice President of Sales - United States

We are a six-year-old E-Learning company expanding our sales presence in
the US. We are looking for a proven sales leader. Our streaming technology
is proprietary, our client base is outstanding, our track record is
extremely strong. We are in search of kindred spirits who believe that,
great technology companies are built by great people not hype. If your
knowledge of technology is strong and you have a demonstrable history
(10+years) of significant sales success -- we would like to speak with
you. This position can be located anywhere in the US. Send resumes to
njwlmw@aol.com

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

> FREE Seminar - A Foolproof Business and an Invincible Brand

A Digital Asset Management seminar introducing proven strategies for
strengthening global brands, improving productivity, enhancing
communication and increasing revenues. Artesia's experience with global
brands such as GM, AOL Time Warner and others has given us unprecedented
insight into how organizations can improve brand-building activities. For
more information: insidesales@artesia.com
http://www.artesia.com/seminar/
______________________

> CTAM Broadband Opportunity Conference, Nov. 6-8 -- Tysons Corner, VA

Get the FYI on HSI and iTV at CTAM's Broadband Opportunity Conference Nov
6-8, Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner. Keynote speakers: Maggie Bellville,
Incanta; Christopher P. Bogart, Time Warner Cable Ventures; Charles F.
Dolan, Cablevision Systems Corporation & Steve Wadsworth, The Walt Disney
Internet Group. Call CTAM at 703.549.4200.
For more information contact: tania@ctam.com
http://www.ctambroadband.com
______________________

> Office Space For Rent - Los Angeles

Prime Sunset Boulevard location. Approx. 588 sq ft. Second floor, spacious
two + offices with private bathroom. Convenient parking. Recently
renovated. Quiet, nice work environment. Other tenants in building are
primarily entertainment and new media companies. DSL-ready. Rent is $1,175
per month. For more information, please call 323-363-3620.
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> SHORTSPAN Film & Video Festival, OCTOBER DATES

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.

CHICAGO, IL: Columbia College - Oct. 10 - 7PM
BOSTON, MA: Boston University - Oct. 10 - 7PM
KYONGIU CITY, SOUTH KOREA: Film & Video Dept - Oct 10
BROOKLINE, MA: Coolidge Corner Theatre - Oct. 12-18
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Lucky Bar - Oct. 23 - 8PM
SALT LAKE CITY, UT: Univ. of Utah Union Theatre - Oct. 24 - 8PM

HOLLYWOOD, CA: The American Cinematheque - Oct. 17 - 7:30PM
SAN DIEGO, CA: San Diego Museum of Art - Oct. 18 - 7:30PM
BERKELEY, CA: Fine Arts Cinema - Oct. 23-24 - 9:30PM

For more info: http://www.dreamspan.com/shortspan
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> Digital Media Revolution in the Americas, 11/29-12/01 -- Pasadena, CA

Presented by the Institute of the Americas and Annenberg School for
Communication, this 2 1/2 day forum will include Sr. Exec. Networking w/ a
special focus on Latin Americas & U.S. Hispanic markets, copyright, rights
mgmt., dist., infrastructure, digital film, iTV, streaming, device trends,
content financing. Early-bird 40% off till 9/30. Keynote Steven Bandel,
Pres. - The Cisneros Group. Sponsors: JP Morgan, Motorola, Global
Crossing, Walt Disney Company, Digital Media Wire, Cahners International
TV, iHollywood, Motion Picture Assoc., National Assoc. of TV Prog. Exec.,
National Assoc. of Theatre owners. For more information:
martin@iamericas.org
Register at: http://www.iamericas.org/events
______________________

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Copyright 2001 Digital Media Wire