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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- November 15, 2001
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com

o Yahoo Lays Off 400 Employees in Restructuring
o Microsoft Releases Xbox Video Game Console
o Video Game Maker Bam Entertainment Announces IPO
o Music Online Competition Act Co-Sponsor to Introduce DMCA Revision Bill
o Report: Game Console Shipments Could Reach 49 Million in 2002
o Video Management Software Firm HotRoof Raises $825,000
o Report: 9 Million Digital Music Players Will Ship in 2005
> Digital Media Wire Directory Launched
o Briefly Noted: Macrovision - UbiSoft, AOL - Tickets.com, AOL Latin
America - The San Juan Star Company, Washingtonpost.com - PBS, V Global
Media, Xbox soundtracks - indie artists
_____________________________________________

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

> Events/Services: "Music Videos and Movie Trailers on CD-ROM,"
"Avail. for Hire," "Charlottesville Venture Forum,"
"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 Yahoo Lays Off 400 Employees in Restructuring

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo announced on Thursday that it will lay off 12
percent of its staff, or 400 employees, as part of a restructuring effort.
The layoffs will come mostly in the company's broadcast and international
operations divisions, as well as the elimination of some middle management
positions throughout the company. Yahoo said it plans to hire some of the
employees back once it completes investments in several other units. The
company also announced plans that will further reduce the amount of
revenue it generates from advertising, shifting focus to marketing and
other services it offers. Yahoo hopes to cut ad revenue from 76 percent of
its total revenue this year to between 50 and 60 percent by 2004.
http://www.yahoo.com
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011115/bs/media_yahoo_advertising_dc_1.html
_____________________________________________

o Microsoft Releases Xbox Video Game Console

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft on Thursday released its much-anticipated Xbox
video game console, the company's foray into the video game hardware
market. The $299 device is being sold at 15,000 retailers nationwide.
Nineteen games for the Xbox were launched along with the console, with
Microsoft promising that another 10-15 will be available by the end of the
holiday shopping season. CNET is currently featuring a special report on
the Xbox, with articles detailing the company's $500 million marketing
campaign for the console and its entry into the video game hardware
market. Nintendo will release its competing GameCube console on Sunday.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011115/sfth029_1.html
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1006-201-7860624-0.html?tag=cd_mh
http://www.xbox.com
_____________________________________________

o Video Game Maker Bam Entertainment Announces IPO

San Jose, Calif. -- Bam Entertainment, a developer and publisher of video
games, announced on Thursday its initial public offering of shares. The
company will offer 5 million shares at $8 per share. Founded in 1999, San
Jose-based Bam licenses properties from entertainment and media companies
and develops games based on motion picture, sports and television cartoon
properties. The company has created several games based on cartoons
appearing on The Cartoon Network. At Thursday's close, shares of Bam
Entertainment were up XXXX, closing at XXXX.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011115/sfth022a_2.html
http://www.bam4fun.com/
_____________________________________________

o Music Online Competition Act Co-Sponsor to Introduce DMCA Revision Bill

Washington, D.C. -- Rep. Rick Boucher, who with co-sponsor Rep. Chris
Cannon introduced the Music Online Competition Act into Congress, said he
will soon introduce legislation that would change the language of the
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that deals with circumventing
copy-protection technology on digital media, Webnoize reported on
Thursday. Boucher's revisions would make it legal for all parties except
copyright infringers to break the security technology on digital media,
re-establishing "fair use" provisions that existed prior to the DMCA's
enactment. Groups including librarians and researchers have lobbied
against the law because it affects their ability to access information;
several researchers and programmers have been arrested or sued under the
DMCA for publishing information that can be used to break security
technology on e-books, DVD discs and audio watermarking technology.
http://news.webnoize.com/item.rs?ID=14777
http://www.house.gov/boucher/docs/moca-summary.htm
_____________________________________________

o Report: Game Console Shipments Could Reach 49 Million in 2002

San Jose, Calif. -- Worldwide video game console shipments are projected
to reach 49 million units in 2002, up from 29 million units in 2001,
according to a recently published report from analyst firm Gartner
Dataquest. With Sony's PlayStation 2 already on the market, Microsoft's
Xbox released today and Nintendo's GameCube to launch on Sunday, the
competition amongst these companies could shorten the product life cycle,
making for a new wave of improved consoles as early as 2004. "Consumers
may not be interested in upgrading their PC to run spreadsheets faster,
but in video game consoles, hardware performance is 'in your face'
obvious," said Andrew Johnson, vice president at Gartner Dataquest. "It is
the unending quest for more lifelike graphics that will keep consumers
coming back to retailers for more gaming devices." A recent survey
conducted by Gartner indicated that 75 percent of video game sales will be
to consumers that already have a video game console, up from 55 percent
last year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011115/152034_1.html
http://www.dataquest.com
_____________________________________________

o Video Management Software Firm HotRoof Raises $825,000

Great Barrington, Mass. -- HotRoof, a provider of media customization
software, said on Thursday that it has raised $825,000 in its latest round
of venture capital funding. Davenport Capital Ventures, which led the
company's $3.3 million second round of funding last October, also led the
current round. Others participating in the round included previous
investors Village Ventures and Flavin, Blake and Co. Massachusetts-based
HotRoof's software transforms existing video content into personalized
video programs that can be delivered over the Internet and corporate
networks, or physically via VHS, DVD and CD-ROM. HotRoof's clients include
Advance/Conde Nast Publications and Primedia. The company will use the
funds for product development and sales, as well as for the launch of an
expanded product line.
http://www.hotroof.com
_____________________________________________

o Report: 9 Million Digital Music Players Will Ship in 2005

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- Shipments of digital music players are expected to
increase from 2.4 million in 2000 to a projected 9 million in 2005,
according to recently published research from Cahners In-Stat. Even though
such products have only been around since 1998, they are already seeing
sales in the millions. The report found that Sonicblue's Rio line of MP3
players remain the best-selling, followed by devices sold by Creative Labs
and D-Link. It also found that while demand for new console-type digital
music products, like digital audio receivers and digital audio jukeboxes
has been low, the market is forecasted to grow significantly through 2005.
http://www.instat.com/pr/2001/mm0117da_pr.htm
_____________________________________________

> 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:

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Macrovision, a developer of software and video copy
protection technologies, announced on Thursday that video game publisher
UbiSoft will exclusively use its technology to copy-protect PC CD-ROM
discs released in the U.S. San Francisco-based UbiSoft also develops games
for Nintendo's GameCube console, and recently made a deal with the
Department of Defense to allow its "Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Rogue Spear"
to be adapted for use in training U.S. military in urban combat
situations.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011115/152482_1.html
http://www.macrovision.com
http://www.ubisoft.com

(Dulles, Va.) America Online said on Thursday that it has partnered with
online ticket retailer Tickets.com. Under the deal, event tickets from
Tickets.com will be available on AOL Box Office. America Online also has a
major partnership with Ticketmaster, the largest provider of tickets in
the country. Tickets.com will be the official ticketing service for the
2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011115/152052_1.html
http://www.tickets.com

(Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) AOL Latin America said on Thursday that it has
reached an exclusive agreement to become the online location for The San
Juan Star Company, which publishes several newspapers based in Puerto
Rico. Both Spanish and English version of the publications will be
available on America Online Puerto Rico's News Channel.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011115/152124_1.html
http://www.thesanjuanstar.com

(Arlington, Va.) Washingtonpost.com, the online arm of independent
newspaper The Washington Post, said on Thursday that it has partnered with
PBS to offer online chats with the producers, filmmakers, and subjects of
Frontline documentaries that air on PBS. The first chat will be with
Martin Smith, producer of "Saudi Time Bomb," which explores the U.S.
relationship with Saudi Arabia and its dependence on the country for 15
percent of the petroleum it consumes.
http://discuss.washingtonpost.com/zforum/01/submit_tv_FRONTLINE111601.htm

(San Francisco) Wired News on Thursday ran a feature story on V Global
Media, a company creating an entertainment offering that includes TV
programs, online multiplayer games and other entertainment platforms. The
company plans to launch "The Vision Quest" early next year, a series of
eight to ten online games and accompanying TV "challenge" shows.
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,48338,00.html
http://www.vmgn.com/vmgnfinal/default.html

(New York) The New York Times featured an article on Thursday about
Microsoft's deals with bands that gave the company permission to use their
songs on the soundtracks for Xbox games. Although some companies offer
between $10,000 and $20,000 per song, Microsoft has offered little or no
compensation to acts, who instead may see their song's inclusion as a
valuable promotional opportunity.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/15/arts/music/15POPL.html

===================================================
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

> 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
______________________

> 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