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December 3, 2003 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o RIAA Sues 41 More Alleged Music File-Swappers
o Studios File Second Suit Against Maker of DVD Copying Software
o Sprint PCS Launches Cell Phone Video Mail Service
o Sony Reports 1 Million PlayStation 2 Consoles Sold in November
o Wireless Entertainment Publisher Jamdat Mobile Raises $11 Million
o CNET's GameSpot to Provide Video Game Content to America Online
o 'Net-Connected Jukebox Firm TouchTunes to Become Private Company


 > DMW Announcements: DMW Publications
 --Digital Media Law Report
 --Game Industry Quarterly

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --MIDEMNET
 --Complete Information for Department of Homeland Security
 

o Briefly Noted: Comcast - Starz - HDTV/VOD, TVN Entertainment - MGM Home Entertainment, Scientific-Atlanta - HDTV/DVR set-top, ICTV - TvHead, Nintendo - "1080: Avalanche," ESPN Videogames - "ESPN Major League Baseball," Eidos - "Deus Ex: Invisible War," Aspyr Media - "Law & Order: Dead on the Money," Phuuz Entertainment, Blue Lava Wireless - Dell Magazines, Ziff Davis Media, "Click the Vote"

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
 --
Media Buyers
 --TECORE Wireless, Software Development Engineer - MD
 --Tallan, Account Executive - New York City
 --Public Relations Manager - Woburn, MA
 --The Secure Trusted Operating System Consortium (STOS) 2003
 --DC Tech Council's Early Stage Capital Forum - Call for Presenters Nov 28
 --Get a Jump on Fourth Quarter Sales Generation
 


o RIAA Sues 41 Additional Music File-Swappers

Washington -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced on Wednesday that it has filed copyright infringement lawsuits against an additional 41 alleged music file-swappers, in the third wave of anti-piracy lawsuits filed by the group. The RIAA has now sued a total of 382 individuals for copyright infringement, for their offering of music files for download on services like Kazaa and LimeWire. "This is an ongoing strategy, and the way to let people know that there is a risk of consequences is to continue the program," said RIAA president Cary Sherman. "You don't set up a speed trap for one day and stop enforcement thereafter. It has to be consistent." The RIAA also said it has reached out-of-court settlements with a total of 220 alleged file-swappers, with defendants usually paying several thousand dollars to end the litigation. Additionally, the RIAA said that 1,054 people have voluntarily "turned themselves in" under its "Clean Slate" program, agreeing to delete downloaded files in exchange for a promise not to be sued by the RIAA. The RIAA also sent letters to 90 new alleged file-swappers on Wednesday, asking them to contact the group and propose a settlement or else face a lawsuit.
http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5113108.html 
http://www.riaa.com
_____________________________________________

o Studios File Second Suit Against Maker of DVD Copying Software

St. Louis -- 321 Studios, a distributor of software that circumvents the security code on DVD movies to allow users to make back-up copies of the discs, said on Wednesday that two movie studios have filed a second copyright infringement lawsuit against the company, this time in the United States District Court in the Southern District of New York. Twentieth Century Fox and Paramount filed their lawsuit against 321 on Nov. 17. Previously, St. Louis-based 321 sued nine Hollywood studios in Northern California in April 2002, asking a judge to declare its software legal; the studios then countersued under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which makes it a crime to circumvent the copyright security on a digital device, such as a DVD. "Fox's and Paramount's actions can only be construed as legal manipulation of our justice system and further proof that the studios intend to get their way despite consumer wishes, judicial authority, or proper venue," said 321 president Robert Moore. The company has also been sued in the U.K., by that country's Motion Picture Association.
http://www.321studios.com
_____________________________________________

o Sprint PCS Launches Cell Phone Video Mail Service

Overland Park, Kan. -- Wireless network operator Sprint PCS on Wednesday announced the launch of a Video Mail service, which will allow its PCS Vision customers with compatible phones to record, send and receive 15-second video clips. The service, which costs $5 per month for unlimited use, is powered by technology from Santa Cruz, Calif.-based LightSurf. Currently the service is compatible with the $379 Sanyo VM4500; a similar handset made by Toshiba is expected to become available by the end of the year, with two more video mail-compatible phones to be released in early 2004.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031203/cgw016_1.html 
http://www.pcsvision.com 
http://www.lightsurf.com
____________________________________________

o Sony Reports 1 Million PlayStation 2 Consoles Sold in November

Foster City, Calif. -- Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that U.S. retailers sold over one million PlayStation 2 video game consoles during the month of November, increasing the nationwide installed base to over 22.5 million consoles. Thirty percent of consoles sold in November were part of the $199 Combo Pack, which includes the Network Adaptor and a copy of the game "ATV Offroad Fury 2." Sony said the number of Internet-connected PlayStation 2 consoles now numbers over two million. "In this, our fourth holiday season with PlayStation 2 and our ninth for PlayStation, our goal is to grow our installed base by reaching new gamers while giving current gamers fresh content and new ways to experience PlayStation 2," said SCEA executive vice president Jack Tretton.
http://us.playstation.com 
____________________________________________

o Wireless Entertainment Publisher Jamdat Mobile Raises $11 Million

Los Angeles -- Jamdat Mobile, a developer and publisher of wireless entertainment content, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $11 million in its fourth round of venture capital financing from Benchmark Capital. Los Angeles-based Jamdat said it achieved profitability earlier this year, but will use the additional capital to enhance its content portfolio and expand its worldwide distribution. The company, which provides its wireless games and other content to wireless network operators, opened a European office earlier this year and also acquired Montreal-based Hexacto Games. Other investors in the company have included Apax Partners, Qualcomm, Intel and Sun Microsystems.
http://www.jamdatmobile.com  ____________________________________________

o CNET's GameSpot to Provide Video Game Content to America Online

Dulles, Va. -- America Online announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with CNET Networks' GameSpot to provide editorial and broadband content to its AOL Games service, which is used by approximately 10 million AOL members monthly. Financial terms of the deal were not provided. San Francisco-based GameSpot will provide AOL Games with game reviews, screenshots, game play movies, hints, cheats and tips, as well as select content from the GameSpot Complete premium service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/031203/35419_1.html 
http://www.gamespot.com
____________________________________________

o 'Net-Connected Jukebox Firm TouchTunes to Become Private Company

Las Vegas -- TouchTunes, a provider of Internet-connected jukeboxes that play MP3 files for patrons in bars and restaurants, announced on Wednesday that its board of directors has approved a reverse stock split that will effectively take the company private. The company will pay shareholders $0.50 per share before the reverse stock split is effected, after which the company's shares will be delisted from the Nasdaq. Las Vegas-based TouchTunes said it made the decision to take the company private because of "the direct and indirect costs to TouchTunes of remaining a publicly traded company outweighed the benefits to its stockholders of doing so."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031203/nyw116_1.html 
http://www.touchtunes.com

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 > DMW Publications:

> Digital Media Law Report
Must-read publication on legal and policy matters related to digital media. Law Report includes case summaries, news and analysis, policy updates, court filings, and exclusive interviews with legal counsel and business leaders. Published monthly. Subscriptions - Order

Available Now - October Law Report - 42 pages - Order

> G
ame Industry Quarterly
- Subscriptions - Order
The Game Industry Quarterly features news about key business, legal and finance developments impacting the game industry. Each issue includes sections on current industry research, financings, law and policy matters, game releases, business deals and other industry events.

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

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

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> Featured Advertisement:


> Complete Information for Department of Homeland Security

The new Department of Homeland Security is still an evolving government body. But the 2003-2004 Directory of Homeland Security provides a department-wide organizational chart as well as descriptions and contact information for all key personnel, their newly established positions and core responsibilities. The 2003-2004 edition also includes complete information on other federal agencies, a comprehensive state section and 532 companies selling technologies and services for homeland security. To order, go to http://www.tech-directories.com/dmw.htm
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Anaheim, Calif.) Cable TV operator Comcast announced on Wednesday the launch of subscription video-on-demand and HDTV services from cable network Starz. The subscription video-on-demand programming will now be available to over 30% of the company's customers in markets including Philadelphia, central and northern New Jersey, New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Richmond, Detroit, Mobile, Savannah, Charleston and Huntsville. The Starz HDTV programming will be available to all Comcast subscribers with an HDTV-enabled set-top box.
http://www.starz.com 
http://www.comcast.com

(Burbank, Calif.) TVN Entertainment, a provider of video-on-demand programming and delivery services, announced on Wednesday an agreement with MGM Home Entertainment, to bring MGM films including "Hoosiers" and "The Terminator" to its library of video-on-demand titles. Burbank, Calif.-based TVN also announced that Buckeye CableSystem of Ohio, serving subscribers in Toledo and Sandusky, has chosen TVN as its exclusive provider of video-on-demand services.
http://www.mgmhomevideo.com 
http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com 
http://www.tvn.com

(Anaheim, Calif.) Set-top box manufacturer Scientific-Atlanta announced on Wednesday the release of its combination dual tuner HDTV and digital video recorder set-top box. Time Warner Cable said it will begin deploying the Explorer 8000HD High Definition Digital Video Recorder to its Green Bay Division, which serves 150,000 customers in northeast Wisconsin.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031203/clw013_1.html
http://www.newtimewarnercable.com 
http://www.scientificatlanta.com

(Anaheim, Calif.) ICTV, a provider of interactive TV infrastructure technologies, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with iTV game developer TvHead to create television-based interactive games for cable TV system operators. Los Altos, Calif.-based TvHead is developing a standalone cable TV games channel, launching in the first quarter of 2004, that will host over 40 single and multiplayer titles. Included will be iTV versions of Midway arcade titles like "Rampage" and "Gauntlet," as well as titles such as "Diamond Mine" and "DinkyBomb."
http://www.ictv.com 
http://tvhead.net

(Redmond, Wash.) Nintendo of America on Wednesday released its "1080: Avalanche" snowboarding title for GameCube. The Nintendo-developed title features licensed tracks from bands including Finger Eleven, Cauterize Seether and Boysetsfire.
http://www.nintendo.com

(San Rafael, Calif.) ESPN Videogames, a joint venture between cable TV sports network ESPN and Japanese game developer Sega's Visual Concepts Entertainment, announced on Monday that Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees will serve as the spokesperson and cover athlete for "ESPN Major League Baseball." Developed by Visual Concepts, the game for PlayStation 2 and Xbox is scheduled for release in the spring of 2004.
http://www.espnvideogames.com

(San Francisco) U.K.-based video game developer Eidos Interactive on Wednesday shipped its "Deus Ex: Invisible War" title for Microsoft Xbox and the PC to retailers. Developed by Austin, Texas-based Ion Storm, the game is a sequel to the original "Deus Ex" title.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/031202/sftu107_1.html 
http://www.eidos.com 
http://www.ionstorm.com

(Austin) Aspyr Media, a publisher of Mac video games, announced on Wednesday that it shipped "Law & Order: Dead on the Money" for Mac, based on the NBC TV series, to retailers. The game was developed for PC by Legacy Interactive and converted for Mac by TransGaming Technologies.
http://www.aspyr.com 
http://www.transgaming.com 
http://www.lawandordergame.com

(Los Angeles) Phuuz Entertainment, a new media firm that plans to develop video games, films, television and other projects, on Wednesday announced its launch. The company was founded by former Film Roman executive creative director Eric Radomski, former Warner Bros. Animation vice president of production Ken Duer, and Jay Francis, former vice president and general manager of Level13.net. Among the company's first projects is an English adaptation of Japanese game developer Banpresto's "Lupin the Third" title for PlayStation 2.
http://www.phuuz.com

(Honolulu) Blue Lava Wireless, a publisher of wireless entertainment content, announced on Wednesday an agreement with Penny Publications' Dell Magazines, to develop wireless versions of the publisher's word games. Sprint PCS Vision customers will be able to download daily Dell Magazines Crosswords and Dell Magazines Word Search Puzzles for $2.49 per month.
http://www.dellmagazines.com 
http://www.bluelavawireless.com

(New York) Publisher Ziff Davis Media announced on Wednesday that it has named Derek Irwin as its new chief financial officer. Before joining the company in Dec. 2002, Irwin served as chief financial officer for TMP Advertising & Communications.
http://www.ziffdavis.com

(San Francisco) CNET News.com recently reported on "Click the Vote," a new nonprofit organization whose goal is to raise awareness and support for open-source computing and peer-to-peer file-sharing issues during the 2004 election. Founded by John Parres, co-founder of the Pho digital music email discussion list, the group hopes to rally online support and donations from the millions of users of file-sharing services and open-source software advocates. "We're concerned that things are going in the wrong direction, that we're heading towards closed computing, encrypting speech, and those things are not conducive to a thriving democracy," Parres told News.com. "I think there is a pool of energy out there that we're going to harden and focus and bring to bear on these issues."
http://news.com.com/2100-1028-5112886.html 
http://www.clickthevote.org

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> Classifieds:

> Media Buyers

This position reports to the European Marketing Manager. Responsibilities: localization of website and advertising creative, negotiate and purchase online media, manage and coordinate online marketing campaigns, administer and execute customer acquisition and retention programs, acquire, maintain and grow relationships with large portals, email marketing providers etc. Bachelor's degree in business reqd. 1-3 yrs marketing or sales exp. required. Must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of British or Spanish (Spain) online market. Excellent interpersonal skills, and superior Negotiation skills. Detail oriented, able to work independently. Send resumes to jobs@vistaprint.com
___________________

> TECORE Wireless, Software Development Engineer - MD

Real-Time Engineers to develop real-time telecom software for mobile switching platform. Must have OOA/OOD and C++/C#, ability to develop, integrate and debug in a multi-tasking, multi-threaded environment & knowledge of call processing, GSM, TDMA, CDMA, AMPS, GPRS, SS7 & IP protocols. Must have BS in Computer Science, EE or equivalent. Send resumes to HR@tecore.com Visit http://www.tecore.com
____________________

> Tallan, Account Executive - New York City

The AE position will be responsible for generating and sustaining profitable revenue streams from the sale of software development projects. The AE establishes relationships with strategic buying influences at client organizations in order to monitor and maintain customer satisfaction levels and to uncover new opportunities. Send resumes to lisa.albis@tallan.com  Visit http://www.tallan.com
____________________

> Public Relations Manager - Woburn, MA

Lois Paul & Partners, a nationally known public relations agency is currently seeking a proven PR Manager. Manages client accounts providing daily PR and editorial support. Directs media relations, writing or editing news releases, articles, speeches and presentations. Manages tours, product launches, editorial calendars and interviews. Manages team members directly or indirectly. Participates in new business prospecting including the development of pitches, presentations and proposals. Require project mgmt skills, media relations, analytical and PC skills. College degree reqd. Previous mgmt and PR exp. in high-tech reqd. Send resume with salary requirements to careers@lpp.com
____________________

> The Secure Trusted Operating System Consortium (STOS) 2003

Symposium STOS holds its 5th annual symposium Dec 1-5, at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. The symposium features tutorials, paper presentations and BOF sessions regarding creating and deploying secure and trusted systems and applications that run on them. Topics include Wireless Security, Secure OS, Open/Closed Source, Forensics, Advanced Firewall Techniques, and Authentication Solutions, but also a Darwin Kernel Hack-a-thon and Urban Wireless Challenge. Fees are $695. http://www.stosdarwin.org/dc03/
____________________

> DC Tech Council's Early Stage Capital Forum - Call for Presenters Nov 28

Showcase your company to over 300 attendees for 2004 Early Stage Capital Forum. Technology companies interested must submit a two-page outline of their business to be considered for the program. Ten companies will be selected to present at the event and one will receive funding. The deadline for business plans submission is 5 PM on Friday, Nov 28, 2003. For more information, please visit http://www.dctechcouncil.org
____________________

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List of senior executives and titles
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For more information and to purchase, visit http://www.tech-directory.com

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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.

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