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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- November 13, 2001
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com

o National Writers Union, Primedia Negotiate to License Writers' Works
o Universal Music Group Releasing "Mixable" CDs
o Icebox Launches Online Pay-Per-View Service for Animation Library
o Report: Cable Modem Use On the Rise
o VBrick Systems Raises $22 Million in Third Round
o Texas Instruments Takes Stake in Entertainment Device Technology Firm
o Nintendo Wins Back Domains; Cybersquatters Fined $560,000
o Online Ad Firm DoubleClick Sells European Media Unit
o Bankrupt Streaming Firm IBeam Receives Nasdaq Delisting Notice.
> Digital Media Wire Directory Launched
o Briefly Noted: TouchTunes patent, AlltheWeb.com, SRS Labs patent,
Electronic Arts - Harry Potter, "Fat Chuck's"
_____________________________________________

> Job Postings: Online Ad Sales Mgr., Web Research Assistant,
Web Designer

> Events/Services: "Interactive TV Roadshow," "Music Videos and Movie
Trailers on CD-ROM," "Avail. for Hire," "Charlottesville Venture
Forum," "CATO: 'Intellectual Property in the Digital Age',"
"Shortspan Film & Video Festival," "Office Space - L.A.,"
"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 National Writers Union, Primedia Negotiate to License Writers' Works

New York -- The National Writers Union (NWU) announced that it has entered
into negotiations with Primedia, the publisher of magazines such as
Seventeen, New York and Motor Trend, to license for sale works copyrighted
by NWU members. The talks come as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling
in Tasini v. New York Times, which said that publications must obtain
writers' permission before republishing their works in paid digital
archives. "As we have said from the first moments after the decision by
the Supreme Court, we want to bargain with media companies so we can reach
agreements that position companies to continue to sell copyrighted works,
unhindered by legal issues, but with fairness and respect for the role of
authors in the business," said NWU president Jonathan Tasini. The
discussions with Primedia will focus on developing a system for licensing
articles. "We are hopeful that we can set a standard for other media
companies to follow," said Beverly Chell, vice chairman and general
counsel for Primedia.
http://www.nwu.org/prc/prime1.htm
http://www.primedia.com
_____________________________________________

o Universal Music Group Releasing "Mixable" CDs

Clearwater, Fla. -- Major record label Universal Music Group said on
Tuesday that it has begun to release CDs with added digital files that
users can manipulate on their PCs to create their own remixes.
Florida-based Visiosonic developed the technology, called PCDJ, that lets
users manipulate the encrypted vocal, drum and instrumental tracks on
their computers. Mixable CDs have already been released in Latin America
and Australia, while both the Motown and Def Jam labels soon plan to
release 'best-of' compilation CDs with the added Visiosonic technology. In
January, UMG UK will release a mixable CD single of a track from an
upcoming album of remixes of Limp Bizkit songs. All of the encrypted MP3
files on the mixable CDs are playable only on Visiosonic's PCDJ digital
music players.
http://www.pcdj.com/Company/CompanyReleases.asp?ID=35
_____________________________________________

o Icebox Launches Online Pay-Per-View Service for Animation Library

Los Angeles -- Icebox, an early and well-funded online animation site that
shut down in February of this year, announced on Tuesday that it has
launched an online pay-per-view site where visitors can pay to access the
company's library of cartoons. Icebox once boasted of talent including
writers that worked on "The Simpsons," "Seinfeld" and "King of the Hill.
Los Angeles-based Icebox is using New York-based AllCharge's micropayment
technology to offer each webisode for $0.25 to users, but said it will
raise the price to $0.40 next year. The company will also distribute some
of its animation content in Toronto-based Jive Media's proprietary format,
which allows media to be securely traded on file-sharing networks.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/213172076&ticker=
http://www.icebox.com
http://www.allcharge.com
http://www.jiveplayer.com
_____________________________________________

o Report: Cable Modem Use On the Rise

Washington, D.C. -- The number of U.S. users accessing the Internet
through high-speed cable connections rose 15 percent during the third
quarter, according to recently published statistics from cable industry
trade group the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA).
Approximately 825,000 new high-speed cable Internet customers signed up
during the third quarter, bringing the number of cable modem customers in
the U.S. to 6.4 million. "Given the economic downturn, this is very
encouraging news," said NCTA president and CEO Robert Sachs. "Consumers'
strong response to digital cable services, in spite of difficult times,
confirms the excellent value of these new services." The NCTA estimates
that cable modem service is now available to more than 70 million U.S.
households.
http://www.ncta.com/press/press.cfm?PRid=197&showArticles=ok
_____________________________________________

o VBrick Systems Raises $22 Million in Third Round
 
Wallingford, Conn. -- VBrick Systems, a developer of video networking
appliances and systems, has raised $22 million in its third round of
venture capital financing. Morgan Stanley Venture Partners led the
investment round; new investor Menlo Ventures and existing investors Adams
Capital Management, SpaceVest, Gateway Associates, Knickerbocker, Claflin
Capital and Portage Ventures Partners also participated. VBrick's
technology supports applications on existing broadband networks used for
distance learning, security and surveillance, and high-quality video
conferencing. The company's customers include The White House, the
University of Arkansas, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Cessna.
http://www.vbrick.com/pressrelease/funding.html
_____________________________________________

o Texas Instruments Takes Stake in Entertainment Device Technology Firm

Dallas, Texas -- Texas Instruments, a developer of chips for electronics
devices, announced on Tuesday that it has invested $2 million in Digital
5, a developer of embedded systems for digital entertainment devices. The
investment, which TI said gives it a "sizable percentage stake" in Digital
5, is part of that company's $11 million second round of funding. New
Jersey-based Digital 5 develops software and hardware used to link mobile,
wireless, automotive and home networking products.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011113/datu026_1.html
http://www.digital5.com
http://www.ti.com
_____________________________________________

o Nintendo Wins Back Domains; Cybersquatters Fined $560,000

Redmond, Wash. -- Nintendo of America said on Tuesday that a federal judge
in Seattle has relinquished a total of 49 domain names to the company that
were registered by a group of 22 cybersquatters. Additionally, the judge
ordered the defendants to pay Nintendo statutory damages ranging from
$2000 to $30,000 per name for 48 names -- for a total award of $560,000.
The lawsuits were brought under the U.S. Anti-Cybersquatting Consumer
Protection Act, and included domain names such as Pokemon-Trader.com and
Growlithe.com, which refers to a Pokemon character.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/213170142&ticker=
_____________________________________________

o Online Ad Firm DoubleClick Sells European Media Unit

New York -- DoubleClick, an online advertising technology firm, announced
on Tuesday that it will sell its Eurpoean media sales business to AdLink,
a German online ad firm, for about $27 million. AdLink also signed a
10-year agreement to use New York-based DoubleClick's ad-serving
technology. DoubleClick and AdLink agreed to sell the other company's
inventory on each other's ad networks, as well as their respective media
email databases.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011113/130106_1.html
http://www.doubleclick.com
http://www.
_____________________________________________

o Bankrupt Streaming Firm IBeam Receives Nasdaq Delisting Notice

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- IBeam, a provider of streaming services that recently
filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, announced on Tuesday that it
has received a notice from the Nasdaq National Market that its shares do
not meet the minimum requirements for continued trading on the exchange.
Sunnyvale-based IBeam said it does not intend to appeal the Nasdaq's
decision, and its stock will be delisted effective on Nov. 15.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011113/130230_1.html
http://www.ibeam.com
_____________________________________________

> Digital Media Wire Directory Launched

Dear Digital Media Wire Reader:

Digital Media Wire just launched the Digital Media Directory, an online
directory and RFP engine that facilitates the search and negotiation
process between buyers and sellers.

Register as a provider in the Digital Media Directory at
http://digitalmediawire.newmediary.com/dmw111301nl
_____________________________________________

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> Music Videos and Movie Trailers on CD-ROM

Arista, Atlantic, Warner Brothers and Columbia Pictures are participating
in the November launch of BestPreviews - a FREE CD-ROM that contains music
videos, movie trailers and software. RFM Broadcasting developed an
innovative marketing platform that enables Internet users to view
broadcast quality video. The company seeks angel investors. Send Inquiries
to andrew@rfmitv.com or visit http://www.rfmitv.com.

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_____________________________________________

o Briefly Noted:

(Las Vegas, Nev.) TouchTunes, a developer of digital music jukeboxes for
businesses, said that the U.S. Patent Office has granted the company a
patent for its technology, covering a "Method of Communications for an
Intelligent Digital Audiovisual Playback System." Las Vegas-based
TouchTunes is currently exploring whether or not its competitors are
infringing on the newly awarded patent. "It is our belief that this patent
will prove to be instrumental and a significant roadblock within our
industry to whomever is serious about becoming a key distributor of music
through any digital distribution network," the company said in a
statement.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011109/nyf052_1.html
http://www.touchtunes.com

(Boston) Fast Search and Transfer (FAST), a provider of search engine
technology, said on Tuesday that its AlltheWeb.com search engine now
continuously crawls over 3,000 news sites to provide up-to-the-minute
indexing of news stories published online. As an example, Boston-based
FAST pointed out that by 1:30 PM ET yesterday, the site had already
indexed 650 stories related to the plane crash in New York City, which
occurred at 9:17 AM ET.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/213172195&ticker=fast.o
http://www.alltheweb.com

(Santa Ana, Calif.) SRS Labs, a developer of digital audio technology,
announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Patent Office has granted the company a
patent for its "TruBass" technology, which delivers the perception of
deeper, richer bass sounds emanating from speakers. Santa Ana-based SRS
Labs' TruBass technology is being used in smaller speakers or headphones
such as those found in laptops, cellular phones, MP3 players and PDAs. It
is also used in the latest version of Microsoft's Windows Media Player, as
well as in plasma screen TVs made by Hitachi.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011113/latu062_1.html
http://www.srslabs.com/technologies/trubass.html

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts said on Tuesday that
it will release four games based on the Harry Potter novel series on Nov.
16, the same day as the release of Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer's Stone" film in theaters. Redwood City-based Electronic Arts
will release Harry Potter games for Sony's PlayStation, the PC, and
Nintendo's Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011113/130137_1.html
http://www.ea.com

(San Francisco) CNET is currently featuring an article that profiles
websites that have sprung up to document the release of copy-protected CDs
by the recording industry. Sites such as "Fat Chuck's" post user-submitted
reports of CDs purchased that could not be played on a PC or converted
into MP3 format. Included among the ranks of reported releases are Britney
Spears' "Britney" and Aerosmith's "Just Push Play." The use of
copy-protection on CDs is part of the recording industry's efforts to
quell the future availability of songs on free file-sharing services.
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-7852921.html?tag=cd_pr
http://www.fatchucks.com/corruptcds/

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

> Internet Advertising Sales Manager, gantthead.com, Fairfax VA

Are you passionate about the Internet as a B2B advertising medium? We have
too many leads to pursue and need you if: you have 2+ yrs exp. selling
Internet advertising (required); BA/S degree; B2B agency/account contacts;
you can identify, pursue, and close deals. Creative, autonomous work
environment. Generous package: salary, commission, benefits.
Please send resume to: gina@gantthead.com. EOE, M/F/V/D.
For more information, see http://www.gantthead.com/Gantthead/jobs
______________________

> 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

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

> Interactive TV Roadshow, Jan 21st-25th 2002 -- NYC, Calif.

Virtual Media Partners LLC has drawn on its extensive Interactive TV
experience in the USA and Europe to design this broad based introduction
to the amazing potential of Enhanced Interactive Television - "The 4th
Dimension". A unique concept held from coast to coast on five separate
days. Contact: yaqub@virtualmediapartners.com
Info/to register:
http://www.virtualmediapartners.com/trainingevent.htm
______________________

> Music Videos and Movie Trailers on CD-ROM

Arista, Atlantic, Warner Brothers and Columbia Pictures are participating
in the November launch of BestPreviews - a FREE CD-ROM that contains music
videos, movie trailers and software. RFM Broadcasting developed an
innovative marketing platform that enables Internet users to view
broadcast quality video. The company seeks angel investors. Send Inquiries
to andrew@rfmitv.com or visit http://www.rfmitv.com.
______________________
 
> Available for Hire - Tech-Experienced Copy Writer/Marketing Manager

Marketing professional with over two years high tech experience within a
London marketing agency. Moved to DC seven months ago to set up first US
branch of UK business - seeking opportunities for full-time, part-time or
freelance marketing/communications projects.
Contact timdatwilsonharvey@hotmail.com
______________________
 
> The Charlottesville Venture Forum

Join us Nov. 15-16 for 5 investor presentations. Distinguished panel:
William Daughtrey, Carilion Biomedical Institute; Charles Hamner, UVA,
Patent Foundation; Brandon Price, Goodwin BioTech, Inc; Bart Stephens,
Ivanhoe Capital; Keynote address by John May, New Vantage Partners.
Thursday cocktail reception, Friday breakfast and lunch. Co-hosts:
Charlottesville Venture Group and UVA's Darden Business School.
Send Inquiries to info@cville-venture.org or Visit
http://www.cville-venture.org/ventureForum2001.htm
______________________

> CATO CONFERENCE: Intellectual Property in the Information Age

Join the Cato Institute and Forbes ASAP for a comprehensive look at the
future of intellectual property in the digital economy. Speakers include
John Perry Barlow, Electronic Frontier Foundation; Rep. Rick Boucher,
(D-Va.); and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D Vt.). Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at
the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For
more information or to register, visit
http://www.cato.org/events/futureip 
______________________

> SHORTSPAN Film & Video Festival, FINAL 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. The remaining dates on the tour include:

ATLANTA, GA: GSU Cinefest Theatre, Nov. 2-3, 10:00 PM
AUSTIN, TX: The Alamo Draft House, Downtown, Nov. 7-8, 9:30 PM
PITTSBURGH, PA: Pittsburgh Filmmakers, Nov. 16-18, Time TBA
NEW YORK CITY, NY: The Anthology Film Archives, Dec. 7-8, 9:30 PM
BIRMINGHAM, AL: WorkPlay, Dec. 20, 9:00 PM

More info: http://www.dreamspan.com/shortspan
______________________

> 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 323-822-0344.
______________________

> 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