Connecting People & Knowledge - Since May 2000
   
Featured Event: Future of Television Forum
                          Last week for Pre-Registration & Additional Confirmed Speakers

 


November 11, 2003 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Senate Antitrust Committee to Review Merger of Sony Music, BMG
o Hackers Claim Nokia N-Gage Gaming Phone Security Broken
o Record Industry Creates "One-Stop" License for International Webcasting
o Report: U.S. Online Ad Revenues Grew 10.5% in First Half of 2003
o Mobile Phone Penetration in European Union Surpasses 80%
o Microsoft Lowers Price of Xbox Game Console in Japan by 30%
o Aimster CEO Appeals Copyright Ruling to U.S. Supreme Court


 > DMW Announcements:
 --Future of Television Forum | NYC | Nov. 21
 --DMW Publications - Digital Media Law Report, Game Industry Quarterly

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Apple Seminars, Training & Events
 --Stay ahead of the competition with The Kiplinger California Letter
 

o Briefly Noted: DirecTV - 12 million subscribers, Gateway - DVD recorder - 20GB MP3 player, Samsung - Bon Jovi, MX Entertainment - concert DVDs, Tut Systems - Microsoft IPTV, Nintendo - "Mario Party 5," Vivendi Universal Games - "The Hobbit," Sony Computer Entertainment America, Codemasters - "American Idol," Namco - Marilyn Manson - "Spawn: Armageddon," Electronic Arts - "Medal of Honor Rising Sun," THQ, Indiagames, SK Media & Entertainment, Superscape Group, Tell Us the Truth Tour

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
 --RepliWeb
 --
Sales Account Manager
 --Major Account Manager
 --Systems Alliance, Inc., Quality Assurance Manager - Sparks, MD
 --Now Hiring for Inside Sales Positions! Hunters Wanted!
 --Sales Professionals -Don't Overlook Your Most Important Investment
 


o Senate Antitrust Committee to Review Merger of Sony Music, BMG

Washington -- The U.S. Senate Antitrust Subcommittee has announced that it plans to review the recently announced merger proposal between Sony Music and Bertelsmann Music Group, which would reduce the number of major record labels in the world from five to four. The hearing was announced by committee chair Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) and ranking Democrat Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.). "The deal between Sony and Bertelsmann to combine their music businesses represents even further consolidation in an industry in which only five major firms compete," the senators said in a statement. "While we recognize that the music industry currently faces numerous problems, greater consolidation may not be the answer to those problems." Time Warner is also reportedly in talks to sell its record label business to fellow major EMI, which would further consolidate the shrinking global music business.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?K27A64286
_____________________________________________

o Hackers Claim Nokia N-Gage Gaming Phone Security Broken

Stockholm -- Hackers on Tuesday claimed to have broken the security technology on Nokia's N-Gage hybrid cell phone/video game, allowing games created for the device to be played on other phones that use the same operating system, The Associated Press reported. Several websites reported that already, versions of games originally created for the N-Gage were appearing for other phones running the Series 60 OS, such as the Siemens SX1. "We are taking a look to see what has happened," Nokia spokesman Damian Stathonikos told AP. "We take it very seriously and we are definitely investigating this."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?E25B42286
http://www.spong.com/index.asp?art=5781 
http://www.club-siemens.net/preview/ngage 
http://www.n-gage.com
_____________________________________________

o Record Industry Creates "One-Stop" License for International Webcasting

London -- The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), an international trade group of record labels, announced on Tuesday the availability of a new "one-stop" international license for Internet radio broadcasters. The agreement will enable webcasters to obtain a single license that covers the rights to stream music across a number of nations simultaneously, instead of having to acquire separate licenses from each country. The agreement covers only streaming radio stations; licenses for paid downloads must still be obtained for each applicable region. The IFPI said over 30 nations are expected to sign the webcasting agreement, including the U.S., France, Germany, India, Spain and the U.K. "It was important for our collecting societies to set up a system that would remove these hurdles," said IFPI chairman and CEO Jay Berman. "It will be much easier for these companies to operate across borders, and we expect to see webcasting gain momentum as a result of this agreement."
http://www.ifpi.org/site-content/press/20031111.html
____________________________________________

o Report: U.S. Online Ad Revenues Grew 10.5% in First Half of 2003

New York -- U.S. online advertising revenue during the first half of 2003 totaled $3.29 billion -- a 10.5% increase over figures from the first half of 2002, according to a report released on Tuesday by the New York-based Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Revenue from Web-based ads totaled $1.66 billion for the second quarter of 2003, representing a 1.7% increase over the previous quarter and a 13.9% increase over the same period in 2002. Driving the continued growth of the online ad industry were the keyword-based ads delivered by firms like Google and Overture, which now represent 31% of total ad revenue, up from 9% in 2002. This segment was followed by display (banner) ads (22%) and online classifieds (18%). "Recent revenue results strongly suggest the industry has rebounded, reflecting improving fundamentals: increased buy-side demand, firming prices, an improved selling process and continued strength in broadband user adoption" said Pete Petrusky, director of new media for PricewaterhouseCoopers.
http://www.iab.net/news/pr_2003_11_11.asp 
http://news.com.com/2100-1024_3-5105533.html ____________________________________________

o Mobile Phone Penetration in European Union Surpasses 80%

Brussels -- The EU currently boasts more than 300 million mobile-phone users, which pushes mobile penetration in the 15-member bloc to more than 80%, the Financial Times reported this week. The EU said that the figures reflect a broad recovery in European electronic communications market. Broadband services and digital TV services are also growing rapidly, according to the preliminary EU report. The EC will present the data officially to EU ministers next week during its report on the European telecommunications market.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?U21322186 ____________________________________________

o Microsoft Lowers Price of Xbox Game Console in Japan by 30%

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft has announced that it will cut the price of its Xbox video game console in Japan by 30%, from $228 to $154, in a bid to increase sales during the key holiday shopping season. The new pricing will go into effect on Nov. 20, and will be coupled with several other Xbox promotions, including magazine offers for a free Music Mixer, the $40 accessory that turns the game console into a karaoke machine, and a limited edition $189 bundle that will include the Xbox, several game titles and a two-month subscription to the Xbox Live online gaming service. Rival Nintendo said that its sales of its GameCube console more than quadrupled when it lowered the price from $150 to $99 in September.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/031111/as_fin_com_japan_xbox_4.html
http://www.xbox.com/ja-JP
____________________________________________

o Aimster CEO Appeals Copyright Ruling to U.S. Supreme Court

Albany, N.Y. -- The CEO of Aimster, a file-sharing service that once piggybacked on AOL's instant messaging software and was shut down via a lawsuit and injunction from the major record labels, has filed an appeal of the lost copyright ruling with the U.S. Supreme Court. The appeal, which attempts to illustrate some of the file-sharing service's non-infringing uses, was filed by Aimster (now Madster) CEO John Deep on Oct. 28; the Court is expected to decide whether or not to hear the case by Dec. 3. "Right now there is some skepticism about whether or not the Supreme Court will take this case, which I do not share," Deep told U.K. news site TheRegister. "I am asking that it be expedited because of the nature of the injunctions against the service."
http://www.internet-defense.org
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/33902.html
http://www.madster.com

Top


 > DMW Events:

Future of Television Forum
November 21, 2003 - New York City
www.televisionconference.com

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

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

Panelists
Jeff Bader - EVP, Program Planning, Scheduling & Synergy, ABC
Dan Harrison - VP, Strategic Programming, Bravo Entertainment, NBC
David Poltrack - EVP, Research & Planning, CBS
Jeff Branman
- President,Interactive Technology Partners (QVC & Comcast)
Greg DePrez - VP, Subscription Video-on-Demand, Starz Encore Group
John Roberts - SVP, Interactive Online, Game Show Network
Jack Myers - Media Economist & Commentator, Jack Myers Report
Richard Hofstetter
- Partner, Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz, PC
Al Lieberman - Exec. Dir., EMT Program, NYU Stern School of Business
Ned Sherman - Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Media Wire
Bruce Leichtman - Pres. & Principal Analyst, Leichtman Research Group
Sean Badding
- President & Senior Analyst, The Carmel Group
Robert Van Orden
- VP, Product Strategy, Scientific-Atlanta
Paul Sherman - Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Potomac Tech Wire
Scott Fedewa - COO & Executive Producer, BillOReilly.com
Lydia Loizides - Senior Analyst, Jupiter Research
Brad Heureux - Director, Interactive Sales, Comcast
Barbara Bacci Mirque - SVP, Association of National Advertisers
Christina Tancredi - SVP, Mktg, Advertising & Sponsorship, MusicChoice
Kevin Carton
- Global Leader, Entertainment & Media Practice, PWC
Reggie Bradford - President, N2 Broadband
Reese Schonfeld - Author / Co-Founder & Former Chairman, CNN
Max Robins - Senior Editor & Columnist, TV Guide
Tom Tyrer
- SVP, Corporate Communications, Fox Cable Networks Group
Rick Mandler -
VP & General Manger, ABC Enhanced Television
Todd Leavitt
- President & COO,
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Register Now!

 > DMW Publications:

Digital Media Law Report - Monthly - Subscriptions - Order
Available Now - October Law Report - 42 pages - Order

Game Industry Quarterly
- Subscriptions - Order
Available Now - Q3 Game Industry Quartertly - 105 pages - Order

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

Top


> Featured Advertisement:


> Stay ahead of the competition with The Kiplinger California Letter

To get ahead, you need to look ahead. The Kiplinger California Letter provides economic and financial advice and guidance for anyone with business investments, or residence interest in California. In-state reporters provide on the-scene perspective, while a D.C. editor adds the federal angle on Washington developments that affect the state. An annual subscription includes 24 bimonthly issues, delivered by mail or online. Review the current issue free at: http://www.kiplinger.com/partners/baytech/kcl/
 

Top


o Briefly Noted:

(El Segundo, Calif.) Satellite TV provider DirecTV announced on Tuesday that it now counts over 12 million subscribers to its service, representing one of every nine U.S. TV households. The company also said its has signed up over 500,000 of its customers for digital video recorder services, which it offers in conjunction with TiVo.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/031111/115347_1.html 
http://www.directv.com

(New York) PC maker Gateway on Tuesday launched its first digital video recorder product, the AR-230 DVD Recorder. The $349 device, part of Gateway's new line of consumer electronics products, allows consumers to record TV programming onto 4.7GB, six-hour capacity recordable DVD discs. The company also introduced its DMP-X20 Digital Jukebox, a 20GB portable music player that at $299 undercuts the price for an Apple iPod with similar features by $100.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu073_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu081_1.html 
http://www.gateway.com

(Ridgefield Park, N.J.) Korean consumer electronics firm Samsung said on Tuesday that, as part of a marketing deal, it will offer a free live webcast of Island Records artist Bon Jovi's Nov. 15 concert at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. Samsung is also hosting a website where fans can win a guitar autographed by Bon Jovi and Samsung products including its co-branded Napster MP3 player, as well as hear tracks from the band's new album.
http://www.samsungusa.com/bonjovi

(San Francisco) MX Entertainment, a producer of live concert DVDs, said on Tuesday that its MX Multiangle technology is being utilized on DVDs from The Rolling Stones, Rush, Tabla Beat Science and The String Cheese Incident. San Francisco-based MX's technology provides a picture-in-picture preview that allows viewers to select from multiple camera angles by using the arrow keys on their DVD player's remote control.
http://www.mxentertainment.com

(Pleasanton, Calif.) Tut Systems, a provider of video services to broadband providers, announced on Tuesday that its VideoTele.com unit has signed an agreement to use Microsoft's Windows Media 9 Series compression technology for delivering digital broadcast TV over broadband networks. Pleasanton, Calif.-based Tut said that more than 60 telcos use its services to deliver digital TV over broadband networks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/sftu075_1.html 
http://www.tutsystems.com

(Redmond, Wash.) Nintendo of America on Tuesday announced the release of its "Mario Party 5" title for the GameCube console. The company also unveiled a corresponding ad campaign where the classic Nintendo character and plumber will run for the U.S. presidency on a platform of "pasta in every pot" and "Nintendo GameCube systems in every home."
http://www.marioparty5.com

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Games on Tuesday announced the release of its "The Hobbit" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and the PC. The game is based on the J.R.R. Tolkien novel. Austin-based Inevitable Entertainment created the console versions of the game, while Utah-based Saffire developed the Game Boy Advance edition and Kirkland, Wash.-based Amaze Entertainment the PC version. VU Games also on Tuesday released its "Crash Nitro Kart" racing game for PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance. The title, based on Vivendi's "Crash Bandicoot" game franchise, was developed by Albany, N.Y.-based Vicarious Visions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu024_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu019_1.html 
http://www.vugames.com 
http://www.inevitable.com 
http://www.saffire.com 
http://www.amazeent.com 
http://www.vvisions.com

(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) on Tuesday released its "Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando" title for PlayStation 2. The sequel in the "Ratchet & Clank" series was created by Los Angeles-based Insomniac Games. Foster City, Calif.-based SCEA also announced that its 989 Sports development studio has released its "NCAA Final Four 2004" for PlayStation 2.
http://www.insomniacgames.com 
http://www.989sports.com

(New York) Video game developer Codemasters on Tuesday released its "American Idol" game for PlayStation 2. The game is based on the Fox reality TV series and features the program's talent judges -- Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. New York-based Codemasters said versions of the game for Game Boy Advance and the PC will be released later this month.
http://www.codemasters.com/americanidol

(San Jose, Calif.) Namco Hometek, the U.S. arm of the Japanese game developer, announced on Tuesday that its upcoming "Spawn: Armageddon" title, based on the Todd McFarlane comic, will feature a song from Interscope Records artist Marilyn Manson's most recent album. The game is slated for release later this month for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube.
http://www.namco.com/usa

(Redwood City, Calif.) Electronic Arts, a developer and publisher of video games, on Tuesday shipped its "Medal of Honor Rising Sun" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube to retailers. Developed by EA Los Angeles in conjunction with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the game is the fourth title in Redwood City, Calif.-based Electronic Arts' "Medal of Honor" game franchise.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/031111/115203_1.html 
http://www.mohrs.ea.com

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Game publisher THQ on Tuesday released its "Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. The title was developed by U.K.-based Eurocom Entertainment Software.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/031111/115334_1.html 
http://www.eurocom.co.uk

(Mumbai, India) Mobile game developer Indiagames said on Tuesday that it has published a number of new titles for Qualcomm's BREW platform for wireless devices. In addition to "Spider-Man," created based on a license from Activision and Marvel Comics, Mumbai-based Indiagames has released "Combat Tank Attack," "Goolie," "Derby Champ," "F Speed Force," "Scuba Diving Challenge," "Xtreme Boxing," "Last Roman Warrior" and "Yoga-Right Now."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu053b_1.html
http://www.indiagames.com

(London) Wireless entertainment publisher SK Media & Entertainment on Tuesday announced plans this quarter to release four new titles for Qualcomm's BREW platform for wireless devices. The company will publish "Samurai: The Bushido Code," "3D Hunting: Trophy Whitetail," "Sports Fishing Champ" and "Gunslinger."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu055_1.html 
http://www.skusa-me.com

(Hook, U.K.) Superscape Group, a developer of 3D technology for mobile devices, said on Tuesday that it has developed a version of its Swerve extension for Qualcomm's BREW platform for wireless devices. The technology will enable developers to include interactive 3D elements in their mobile game titles. The first title to use U.K.-based Superscape's Swerve will be Sony Pictures Mobile's "S.W.A.T. The Movie: 3D Game," due for release in early 2004.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031111/latu062_1.html 
http://www.superscape.com

(Washington) The Washington Post on Tuesday reported on a concert tour, partially sponsored by the AFL-CIO and Common Cause, which seeks to educate audiences about media consolidation and lobby support for legislation to overturn recent Federal Communications Commission rules that relaxed media ownership caps. The "Tell Us the Truth Tour" features artists including Billy Bragg, Steve Earle and Lester Chambers.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24767-2003Nov11.html
http://www.tellusthetruth.musictoday.com

Top


> Classifieds:

> Looking to Replace Site Server (CRS)?

RepliWeb is the Cost Effective, Scalable and Secure solution for
web-content publishing and rich-media distribution. We offer turn-key
solutions for replacing CRS. Experience RepliWeb Today. Visit
http://www.repliweb.com/html/solutions/5sol_dm.html for more info.
___________________

> Sales Account Manager

EmergeCore Networks designer and developer of the Award Winning "IT in a BOX" solution for small business, actively seeking Sales Account Manager, based in the DC area, covering the Southeast/Atlantic Coast area. Require: Strong understanding of network technology solutions, account mgmt. and sales exp. in Channel Sales, exp selling into VAR Channel, ability to generate product sales in new accounts and markets, strong presentation skills, ability to work independently while achieving sales objectives, existing customer and industry contacts. Please send cover letter and resume to: salesmgr@emergecore.com  EmergeCore is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
____________________

> Major Account Manager

Veteran company in high-tech telecommunications looking for ambitious, self-motivated account managers for federal or commercial sales. Candidates must have proven field sales achievement in telecom and/or conferencing. Send resumes to bfleig@vsgi.com  Visit http://www.vsgi.com
____________________

> Systems Alliance, Inc., Quality Assurance Manager - Sparks, MD

Seeking candidate with 10 yrs experience with packaged software product. Strong knowledge of test planning and case design, regression testing, test automation and web based testing. Ability to perform all aspects of software and systems integration testing in a fast paced, collaborative environment. Convenient to nearby Baltimore. Send inquiries to ksmith@systemsalliance.com  Visit http://www.systemsalliance.com
____________________

> Now Hiring for Inside Sales Positions! Hunters Wanted!

Are you convinced that your desire to succeed and your ability to present emerging technology services will lead to the type of career opportunity you deserve? SAVVIS Communications, a global managed service provider in Herndon, VA, is currently hiring talented, aggressive technology salespersons with 1 to 3 years of successful sales experience. Send resumes to Ashley.Miller@savvis.net  Visit http://www.savvis.net/company/jobs/jobdetails.html?jobID=234
____________________

>Sales Professionals -Don't Overlook Your Most Important Investment

Our nonprofit membership association created by and for sales professionals will hold our Professional Sales Symposium in partnership with George Washington University's CPD on Nov 24 and/or 25. Become certified. Learn best practices in the sales profession. Discover new material and methods never presented before. Keep up with rapid changes. RSVP required to ekerkhoff@upsa-intl.org  Visit
http://www.upsa-intl.org/symposium/announcement.htm

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. 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.

Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information


Executive & Editorial Team
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger

Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions
News Tips & Press Releases

Unsubscribe

Top


Copyright 2003 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.