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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- November 22, 2002
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

o Interactive TV Firm Liberate Suspends COO Amid Accounting Investigation
o Microsoft: 150,000 Xbox Live Starter Kits Sold In First Week
o Hollywood, Silicon Valley Discuss Copyright in Washington
o RIAA Files Motion to Compel Madster Service to Comply with Injunction
o TiVo Claims 510,000 Subscribers, Lowers Loss

> DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers
> DMW Marketing: 2003 Events & New Holiday Classifieds Section
> Featured Section

o Briefly Noted: "Video Games at the Hollywood Bowl," Optical Storage
Technology Association, Midway Games - "Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance,"
Take-Two Interactive, AOL - "Inside the DVD," MSN - Jennifer Lopez, Virgin
MegaPlay kiosks
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: Interactive Group Director, East Coast Sales Rep.

> Events

> Marketplace: eSubscriptions, 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 Interactive TV Firm Liberate Suspends COO Amid Accounting Investigation

San Carlos, Calif. -- Liberate Technologies, a developer of interactive TV
software and services, announced that it has placed chief operating
officer Donald Fitzpatrick on leave as part of an ongoing internal
investigation into accounting irregularities. San Carlos, Calif.-based
Liberate also said it has discovered facts that call into question the
appropriateness and timing of revenue recognition for various transactions
that accounted for a total of approximately $10 million in revenue during
its 2002 fiscal year and the first quarter of its 2003 fiscal year.
Previously, the company mentioned a one-time accounting irregularity of
$1.84 million that it said would change results for the fourth quarter of
its 2002 fiscal year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021121/sfth079_1.html 
http://www.liberate.com 
_____________________________________________

o Microsoft: 150,000 Xbox Live Starter Kits Sold In First Week

Redmond, Wash. -- Microsoft announced on Friday that it sold over 150,000
of the $49.95 starter kits for its Xbox Live online games service in the
product's first week of availability. Additionally, the company said that
over 200,000 individual gamer accounts have been set up for the broadband
service by U.S. and Canadian gamers. Players completed over 5 million
games online in the first week. Microsoft said it experienced increased
Xbox hardware sales of 18 percent over the last week, and that sales of
Xbox Live-enabled games also increased as much as 120 percent in the last
week. Microsoft will launch a test of Xbox Live on Nov. 30 in France,
Germany and the United Kingdom, with the service officially launching in
Europe on March 13, 2002. Xbox Live will launch in Japan on Jan. 16.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021122/sff008_1.html 
_____________________________________________

o Hollywood, Silicon Valley Discuss Copyright in Washington

Washington -- A group of lobbyists representing the interests of Hollywood
copyright holders and Silicon Valley technology firms are meeting at
Washington's Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) on Friday, in an
attempt to reach a bargaining table compromise in lieu of new legislation,
CNET News.com reported. About twenty lobbyists from Microsoft, Verizon,
the Business Software Alliance, AOL Time Warner, the Motion Picture
Association of America (MPAA) and Fox Entertainment Group sat down at the
closed-door meeting to discuss matters including piracy and peer-to-peer
networks. Organized jointly by the Center for Democracy and Technology,
Consumers Union and Public Knowledge, the meeting aims to assure that
consumers' interests are voiced in such negotiations. "We don't know what
the outcome will be, but we're hopeful that we can make progress in
representing what has been an underrepresented voice -- consumers," CDT
deputy director Alan Davidson told News.com.
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-966833.html?tag=fd_top 
http://www.cdt.org 
_____________________________________________

o RIAA Files Motion to Compel Madster Service to Comply with Injunction

Washington -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has
filed a motion for a hearing to find file-sharing service Madster
(formerly known as Aimster) in contempt of a recent injunction compelling
the company to prevent its users from uploading and downloading
copyrighted works on the service. The RIAA also suggests in its motion
that the court fine Madster creator Johnny Deep $1,500 per day -- what the
RIAA calculates are his "daily profits," based on the company's own claim
of 9,000 subscribers -- with the money going to the court. "We regret
having to take this step, but Mr. Deep has given us no other option," said
Matt Oppenheim, senior vice president, business and legal affairs for the
RIAA. "He is fully capable of complying with the order and has apparently
decided to flout the court's authority."
http://www.riaa.org/PR_story.cfm?id=587 
http://www.riaa.com/RIAA_Motion_of_Contempt_Aimster.pdf 
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-966800.html?tag=cd_mh 
http://www.madster.com 
_____________________________________________

o TiVo Claims 510,000 Subscribers, Lowers Loss

San Jose, Calif. -- Digital video recorder manufacturer TiVo said that its
subscriber base grew to 510,000 during its fiscal third quarter, as
revenue and earnings both saw marked improvements. For the three months
ended Oct. 31, the company's service and technology revenue was $12.7
million, up 139 percent from a year ago. The company recorded a net loss
of $11.5 million, down from $34.5 million. "With this growth, revenues
from our subscriber base are beginning to fuel profitability for our
company," said Mike Ramsay, chairman and CEO. San Jose, Calif.-based TiVo
also predicted that it will break even during the fourth quarter and will
see over a million subscribers by the end of next year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021121/sfth061_1.html 
http://www.tivo.com 
_____________________________________________

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==========================================
DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers
==========================================

For those who believe in ITV - "INTERACTIVE TELEVISION: The Definitive
Chronicle." Covering the period 2000 to the present, this 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, incl. the Digital Media Wire database, this 150+ PDF
(on 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 resource is offered at a
pre-publication price of $45 (a $10 discount) to our readers. Contact
david@digitalmediawire.com or call 323-717-9286 to reserve your copy.
Released next week.

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=================================================
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.

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_____________________________________________

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==================
FEATURED SECTION
==================
Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm 

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Briefly Noted:

(Hollywood) A live concert event scheduled for closing night of the next
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) video game convention will feature a
90-piece orchestral symphony and 40-person choir performing memorable
video game music at the Hollywood Bowl. "Video Games Live At The Hollywood
Bowl" will also feature "celebrity participation, a rock concert, stage
show and the world's largest interactive video game," said organizers
Mystical Stone Entertainment. The May 16 concert will offer 18 musical
segments, and will be broadcast on pay-per-view as well as released on CD
and DVD.
http://www.e3expo.com 
http://www.hollywoodbowl.org 

(San Francisco) The Optical Storage Technology Association (OSTA), an
industry trade group for recordable optical technologies and products, has
released its MultiPhoto/Video (MPV) 1.0 specification, which aims to make
it easier to play audio and video discs created on a PC in consumer
electronics devices. The royalty-free specification establishes a uniform
way in which a "table of contents" of media contained on a recorded disc
is created, so that consumer electronics may be designed to read them and
more easily locate music, movies and digital image files. The OSTA
specification supports JPEG, MP3, Windows Media Audio, Windows Media
Video, MPEG 1, 2 and 4, plus digital camera formats AVI and QuickTime
MJPEG video.
http://www.osta.org/osta/press_releases/pr211102.htm 

(Chicago) Game developer Midway Games announced on Friday the release of
its anticipated "Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance" for PlayStation 2, Xbox,
GameCube and Game Boy Advance. The new release in the franchise features a
theme song, "Immortal," from Arista Records' Adema. Chicago-based Midway's
Mortal Kombat franchise has sold over 19 million copies to date and
spawned several feature films based on the game.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021122/220046_1.html 
http://www.mortalkombat.midway.com 

(New York) Game developer Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday it has
named Jeffrey C. Lapin as its new CEO, effective on Jan. 2. Previously,
Lapin was vice chairman, chief operating officer and a director at game
developer THQ. Current CEO Kelly Sumner will become president of the
company's Gathering of Developers PC game publishing unit. New York-based
Take-Two's Rockstar Games division has seen sales of its "Grand Theft
Auto: Vice City" title surpass 1.4 million units in October.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021122/222101_1.html 
http://www.take2games.com 

(New York) America Online on Friday announced the launch of a service that
will offer previews of exclusive bonus material on upcoming DVD releases.
"Inside the DVD," available only to AOL subscribers, will offer details
about new DVD releases, previews of DVD bonus material including
behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, and interviews, and an offer to
pre-order the DVD. The first installment offers a preview of the upcoming
Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment DVD release of "Men in Black II."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021122/222234_1.html 

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft said on Friday it will offer a one-day
streaming preview of recording artist Jennifer Lopez' new album, "This Is
Me ... Then," on MSN Entertainment. The stream is available today in
advance of the album's release on Tuesday.
http://entertainment.msn.com/jenniferlopez 

(Los Angeles) Virgin Entertainment Group announced on Friday the launch of
132 audio and video sampling kiosks throughout its 23 North American
Virgin MegaStore retail stores. The Virgin MegaPlay kiosks feature a
database of over 2.4 million CD tracks and 10,000 DVD movie trailers.
http://www.virginmega.com 
_____________________________________________

================================================
CLASSIFIEDS - HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS & RED HOT DEALS
================================================
To Post Your Holiday Special:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm 

Rock & Roll One Of A Kinds!

Hipsters Franky & Minx (www.frankyandminx.com) are getting attention with
their tattoo-designed products.  There are only a few pieces left of their
hand made cami tops and undies -- which have been featured everywhere from
InStyle to Revolver.  Digital Media Wire paired with them to bring you the
last of the custom line, before it launches to the masses! Inquiries:
Christina Ward [oranjegift@yahoo.com] or call (414) 294-4709 for
availability!  To purchase, go to http://www.oranje.us
______________________________________________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm 

Interactive Group Director

The Interactive Group Director should have at least 10 years of management
experience, with at least five years focused on managing the interactive
operations of a company.  Must be extremely detail-oriented, and willing
to roll up your sleeves to help solve both long term issues and daily
challenges in running the business. You will act as front line contact for
lead client and be charged with building processes/procedures to raise the
operating standard within agency.
Resumes: k-keene@pacbell.net
_____________________________________________

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 

_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm 

When you think subscriptions, think eSubscriptions

eSubscriptions.com is the first Website offering great deals on premium
online content. Our offers include selected titles in entertainment,
software, music, games and more. Packages of premium online content at
substantial discounts, with a convenient purchase process, subscription
management, and Login features will soon be available. Content providers
-- interested in being packaged on our site? Contact us at
info@esubscriptions.com. When you think subscriptions, think
eSubscriptions.
http://www.esubscriptions.com
_____________________________________________

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.