===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- November 15, 2002
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com
o Small Webcaster Royalty Relief Bill Passes In Senate, House
o CD-Burning Software Firm Roxio to Buy Napster Assets for $5.3 Million
o Microsoft Launches Xbox Live Online Games Service
o Game Developer Infogrames Gets $50 Million Loan, Ships "Survivor" Game
o E-Library Management Software Firm Bibliomondo Raises $4.1 Million
o Hotel Video-on-Demand Provider On Command Receives Notice from Nasdaq
> DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers
> DMW Marketing: 2003 Events & New Holiday Classifieds Section
> Featured Section
o Briefly Noted: Electronic Arts - "Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets," Digital Orchid - NASCAR.com, Roxio - TDK, Xbox Live vs.
PlayStation 2 online
_____________________________________________
> Jobs: East Coast Sales Rep.
> Events: Storage Visions Conference, GasPedal VIP Dinner
> Marketplace: "Interactive Television: The Definitive Chronicle,"
Homeland Security Directory, Interest-Based Navigation
Full Classifieds located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.
To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
or contact David Peebler at david@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________
o Small Webcaster Royalty Relief Bill Passes In Senate, House
Washington -- The Small Webcaster Settlement Act (SWSA), a revised bill
that would give small and noncommercial webcasters a break on the
royalties they have to pay artists and record labels to stream music
online, passed in the Senate and House late Thursday, and now awaits
President Bush's approval to become law. The language of the bill does not
actually set lower rates, but provides that small webcasters and
SoundExchange, the recording industry entity that collects such royalties,
may negotiate their own agreements independent of the Librarian of
Congress' determination of rates. It also places a six-month stay on
payment of any royalties by small webcasters while an agreement can be
negotiated. The bill will only affect small and mid-sized webcasters;
large online radio providers like AOL and Microsoft will still pay the
full rates. The new compromise was largely negotiated by the RIAA, the
National Religious Broadcasters -- a trade group representing religious
broadcasters -- and the staff of Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C. ), the senator
whose opposition to an earlier, similar bill stalled its passing in the
last legislative session, CNET News.com reported. "This legislation is a
positive step forward for webcasters, artists and record labels because it
brings some long-awaited certainty to the marketplace," said SoundExchange
executive director John Simson.
http://www.soundexchange.com/simson_small_comp_passage.cfm
http://www.soundexchange.com/Summary_Amended_HR_5469.pdf
http://www.riaa.org/PR_story.cfm?id=585
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-965985.html?tag=cd_mh
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59427-2002Nov15.html
http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-webcast15nov15,0,7868949.story?
coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dtechnology
_____________________________________________
o CD-Burning Software Firm Roxio to Buy Napster Assets for $5.3 Million
Santa Clara, Calif. -- Roxio, a developer of CD and DVD-burning software,
announced on Friday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the
assets of bankrupt file-sharing service Napster for $5.3 million in cash
and stock. The terms call for Roxio to receive all of Napster's
intellectual property, including its technology patent portfolio. The
company will not assume any of Napster's liabilities, including pending
litigation for copyright infringement with various recording industry
entities. The deal needs approval from a Delaware bankruptcy court, and is
expected to close on Nov. 27. "Roxio's acquisition of Napster will expand
our role in the digital media landscape and enhance our offerings to
consumers," said Roxio president and CEO Chris Gorog. "We look forward to
continuing to work with our partners in the entertainment industry and
will be announcing further plans in the coming months." Roxio said it will
announce definitive plans for Napster's assets once the deal closes.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021115/sff019_1.html
http://www.roxio.com
http://www.napster.com
_____________________________________________
o Microsoft Launches Xbox Live Online Games Service
Los Angeles -- Microsoft on Friday launched its Xbox Live online games
service in the U.S. and Canada, as it began selling the $49 kit needed to
connect its Xbox video game console to the Internet. The kit comes with a
one-year subscription to the Microsoft-operated service, as well as a
communicator headset and two Xbox Live-enabled games: THQ's "MotoGP" and
"Whacked!" from Microsoft Game Studios. In addition, Microsoft expects a
total of 14 Xbox online games to be available by the end of the year, and
will launch over 50 in 2003. The company also announced that the Xbox Live
service will launch in Japan on Jan. 16, 2003, and in Europe on March 14,
2003.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021115/sff017_1.html
http://www.xbox.com/live
_____________________________________________
o Game Developer Infogrames Gets $50 Million Loan, Ships "Survivor" Game
New York -- Video game publisher Infogrames announced on Friday that it
has secured a new $50 million revolving credit facility with GE Commercial
Finance's Corporate Lending business. "In the course of the last two
years, we have steadily turned our operations around and our improved
performance over the last few quarters makes this an opportune time to
begin establishing relationships within the U.S. banking community," said
Infogrames CEO Bruno Bonnell. The company will use the new funds for
working capital needs, including the manufacturing and development of
products. Separately, New York-based Infogrames announced that it
partnered with CBS Consumer Products to develop "Survivor Ultimate" for
PC, based on the CBS TV reality series, which shipped to retail today.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021115/nyf018_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021115/nef018_1.html
http://www.infogrames.com
_____________________________________________
o E-Library Management Software Firm Bibliomondo Raises $4.1 Million
Montreal -- Bibliomondo, a provider of asset management software for
e-libraries, announced that it has raised $4.1 million in its second round
of venture capital financing. Participating in the round were
Investissement Desjardins, La Financiere du Quebec, TechnoCap, Caisse
populaire Desjardins de Saint-Laurent and Conseillers en Gestion et
Informatique C.G.I. Montreal-based Bibliomondo's information systems are
used by 1,400 public, corporate and academic libraries worldwide,
including AOL MapQuest Library in the U.S., Bibliotheque de Lyon in France
and Buckinghamshire County Library Service in the U.K. The company will
use the funds to enhance sales and marketing operations and further invest
in new product lines.
http://www.bibliomondo.com/investors/pressreleases/111202-Investment.htm
_____________________________________________
o Hotel Video-on-Demand Provider On Command Receives Notice from Nasdaq
Denver, Colo. -- On Command, a provider of broadband Internet,
video-on-demand and other entertainment services to hoteliers and the
cruise ship industry, announced on Friday it has received notice that its
shares are in danger of being delisted from the Nasdaq. The exchange said
that Denver-based On Command does not meet the minimum net tangible assets
or minimum stockholders' equity requirement for continued listing. The
company said it will appeal the ruling before a Nasdaq panel.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021114/lath140_1.html
http://www.oncommand.com
_____________________________________________
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
==========================================
DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers
==========================================
We are pleased to offer subscribers special rates on new legal and policy
reports published by Digital Media Wire, Inc. (available for limited time)
DIGITAL MEDIA LAW & POLICY REPORT (published monthly):
* INDIVIDUAL ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:(12 MONTHLY ISSUES)
$249.00 per individual (Electronic Delivery - PDF)
* CORPORATE & GROUP ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:(12 MONTHLY ISSUES)
$499.00 and up - contact us (Electronic Delivery - PDF)
* STUDENT ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION:(12 MONTHLY ISSUES)
$119.00 per student (Electronic Delivery - PDF)
* SINGLE MONTHLY ISSUE:(Sept. or Oct. 2002 ISSUES)
$39.00 per copy (Electronic Delivery - PDF)
November 2002 Issue Publication Date: 11/31/02
SPECIAL INDUSTRY REPORTS (published every 2-3 months):
* Report on Law & Policy Matters Impacting the Game Industry
$19.00 per copy (Electronic Delivery - PDF)
View Sample Pages & Place Orders for Publications listed above:
http://www.digitalmedialawreport.com/order.htm
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
=================================================
DMW Marketing: 2003 Events & New Holiday Classifieds Section
=================================================
We are pleased to announce New 2003 Events & Marketing Information:
* 2003 EVENTS SCHEDULE - 4 Full-Day Industry Forums on Cutting-Edge
Topics
Forum Agenda:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/Advertising/sponsorshipinfo.html
Questions: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
* 2003 MARKETING PACKAGES -
New Benefits/ContentPlacement/Speaking/TechDemos
Marketing Packages:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/Advertising/sponsorshipinfo.html
Questions: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
* CALL FOR SPEAKERS - Music, Games, Mobile, Marketing & iTV Events
More information: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/
Send bios to: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
* CALL FOR ARTICLES - Digital Music Legal & Policy Topics
More information: http://www.digitalmedialawreport.com/
Questions: lawreport@digitalmediawire.com
NEW DMW Classifieds Section: "Holiday Gift Ideas & Red Hot Deals"
Digital Media Wire is pleased to announce special rates for the new
"Holiday Gift Ideas & Red Hot Deals" Section of our Classifieds:
* Ad Rates: $100 per week/$300 per month
* Ads include 9 lines of text for you to describe gift ideas, products
and services for the holiday season and to provide URL & contact
information.
Please contact tinzar@digitalmediawire.com for more information.
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________________________
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
==================
FEATURED SECTION
==================
Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________________________________
Briefly Noted:
(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts on Friday announced
the release of "Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets," based on the Warner
Bros. movie of the same that also premiered in theaters today. Redwood
City, Calif.-based Electronic Arts said that its own studio developed the
PlayStation 2 version of the game, while U.K.-based Eurocom developed the
Xbox, GameCube and Game Boy Advance versions; London-based Argonaut Games
created the PlayStation version and Seattle-based KnowWonder developed the
PC and Game Boy Color editions. Electronic Arts said its games based on
the last Harry Potter movie have sold nearly 10 million units to date.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021115/150057_1.html
http://www.ea.com
http://www.eurodltd.co.uk
http://www.argonaut.com
http://www.knowwonder.com
(San Diego) Digital Orchid, a provider of wireless applications, said on
Friday it partnered with Turner Sports Interactive and NASCAR.com to
develop a real-time wireless update service for racing fans. NASCAR.com To
Go lets select AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS customers view and share
various real-time race content from wherever they are. Users can also
listen to driver in-car audio during the race and receive news briefs,
photos and event alerts.
http://www.nascar.com
(Santa Clara, Calif.) Roxio, a provider of CD and DVD-burning software
programs, said that electronics manufacturer TDK will bundle the company's
Easy CD Creator program with its 40x CD ReWriter drive as well as with the
upcoming TDK 48x CD ReWriter. Santa Clara, Calif.-based Roxio also
announced on Friday that it will acquire the assets of Napster for about
$5.3 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021114/sfth077_1.html
http://www.roxio.com
http://www.tdk.com
(San Francisco) Wired News on Friday offered early comparisons between
Microsoft's Xbox Live online games service, which launched today, and the
online games available for Sony's PlayStation 2 console, which have been
available since August. The article features commentary from actual gamers
culled from chat rooms in online gaming forums.
http://www.wired.com/news/games/0,2101,56407,00.html
_____________________________________________
===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm
East Coast Sales Rep - Imaging and Music Software Firm
Imaging and music software firm is seeking an independent, East Coast
sales representative. We have great products - you have strong
relationships with camera and computer hardware manufacturers and
marketers. Significant OEM experience strongly preferred. Position offers
a retainer and generous commissions. Interested parties should forward
their resume to David McKie at: david@simplestar.com
_____________________________________________
====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm
Storage Visions 2003 Conference, January 7 & 8 before CES in Las Vegas
Take advantage of the $300 discount on Storage Visions 2003 registration
by the end of November. Before attending CES, see and hear leaders in
digital storage. Learn about the latest in content creation and
distribution, consumer storage technology, home media centers, set-top
boxes, and portable storage devices, as well as market trends and digital
rights management. Speakers include representatives from Sony, IBM, Avid,
Seagate, NDS, MPEG-4 Forum, MPAA, Pace, and Maxtor. Register online or
call 805-989-3945.
Mention Digital Media Wire!
http://www.storagevisions.com/storage_visions_2003.htm
_____________________________________________
Feast For Smart Marketers: Little Italy, NYC, 11/18/2002
1000 CEOs and SVPs have attended! Join the best marketers in the business
as we do a few deals, reconnect with old friends, and meet new people with
new opportunities. Our guarantee: No speeches, no PowerPoint, no posers.
"I left with a "wow" and I'm really looking forward to the next one." --
Ron Kovas, CEO, i-traffic
For more information: http://www.gaspedal.net/feast
_____________________________________________
==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm
For those who believe in ITV - "INTERACTIVE TELEVISION: The Definitive
Chronicle". Covering the period 2000 to the present, this encyclopedic
sourcebook presents a complete history of the news and events that have
shaped the business of iTV since the beginning of the 21st Century. Culled
from countless sources including the Digital Media Wire database, this
120+ PDF (CD) covers all of the major players as well as the legal and
financial issues that helped shape the industry. Key research and industry
projections as well as a host of fact, figures, resources and thousands of
iTV-related links are included. This definitive reference volume is being
offered at a pre-publication price of $45 (a $10 discount) to our readers.
Please contact david@digitalmediawire.com to reserve your order or call
323-717-9286
_____________________________________________
Only 40 copies remaining of Directory of Homeland Security
This is your company's final chance to purchase the inaugural edition of
the Directory of Homeland Security: a 160-page book that lists all federal
and state agencies involved in homeland security. The directory includes
names of over 1,500 homeland security officials, profiles of 500 agencies
involved in homeland security, and a detailed list of technology companies
in this sector. The directory is sponsored by NETSEC, Greenberg Traurig,
AT&T and the Northern Virginia Technology Council.
To purchase the directory, go to: http://www.homeland-directory.com
_____________________________________________
New!! Advanced Search & Personalization Technology by Etronica
Etronica has developed a unique software toolset to enable "Interest Based
Navigation" of digital content. The Patent Pending technology provides for
automated tagging, indexing, and categorization of content. The software
toolset can be incorporated into content websites and portals, installed
in TV settop boxes or integrated as OEM components into various software
platforms and technologies. An Etronica Enabled(TM) site greatly enhances
the user experience. Contact us to learn more: info@etronica.com
http://www.etronica.com
_____________________________________________
Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
exceptional value for individuals and companies determined to capitalize
on the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Digital Media
Wire, the first in a series of business-intelligence publications,
delivers original daily briefings on the business, legal and financial
developments shaping digital media.
Digital Media Wire is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, a national
network of publications that includes Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech
Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The
network reaches more than 62,000 individuals from over 70 countries
worldwide each business day.
Upcoming publications, events & information at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com
Questions, Comments & Suggestions to:
david@digitalmediawire.com
News Tips, Scoops & Press Releases to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________
Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Executive Officer: Edward F. Sherman, Jr.
Operating Officer: David J. Peebler
Copyright 2002 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|
