Connecting People & Knowledge - Since May 2000
   
Today's Sponsor:

 

 


December 7, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Sony, Nvidia Partner on PlayStation 3 Graphics Chip
o Yahoo Acquires Mobile Media Content Delivery Developer WUF Networks
o Report: Napster Tops iTunes as Most-Recognized Brand in Paid Downloads
o Media File-Sharing Technology Developer Pando Networks Raises $4 Million
o Toshiba, Memory-Tech Develop Disc That Supports DVD, HD DVD
o Video Content Delivery Network Provider Kontiki Raises $8.6 Million
o Report: Advertising Keyword Prices Soar in November

 > DMW Announcements:
--Digital Music Forum - March 2, 2005  
   

 > Featured Advertisement:
--Qualcomm - Senior Legal Counsel
 

o Briefly Noted: Napster - four universities, XM - Sirius - Toyota, Cablevision - VoIP, Siren Systems - CD Baby - MediaSpan Group, Synfonic, THQ - "Ping Pals," Electronic Arts - Bernard Hopkins, China - "Soccer Manager 2005" ban, Apple - Benjamin Cohen - iTunes.co.uk, Sharman Networks - Aussie copyright trial
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Global Mobile Expo To Focus on Premium SMS in North America
--Broadcast/Video/Digital Server Engineer - Washington DC
--Market Research Professional
--Manager, Digital Media Distribution
--Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
--Engineer - Telecommunications
--Media Relations Pro Wanted
--Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Project Manager and Help Desk Positions
--Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft
--Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
--The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Sony, Nvidia Partner on PlayStation 3 Graphics Chip

Tokyo -- Sony Computer Entertainment announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with graphics chipmaker Nvidia to develop a custom graphics chip for Sony's next PlayStation video game console. The multi-year agreement will include undisclosed royalty payments to Santa Clara, Calif.-based Nvidia. The graphics chip will work alongside the "Cell" processor being jointly developed by Sony, IBM and Toshiba for the PlayStation 3, and will be "the graphics and image processing foundation for a broad range of applications from computer entertainment to broadband applications." "In the future, the experience of computer entertainment systems and broadband-ready PCs will be fused together to generate and transfer multi-streams of rich content simultaneously," said Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Ken Kutaragi. "Our collaboration includes not only the chip development but also a variety of graphics development tools and middleware, essential for efficient content creation."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041207/sftu096_1.html 
http://tinyurl.com/3zolc 
http://www.nvidia.com 
_____________________________________________

o Yahoo Acquires Mobile Media Content Delivery Developer WUF Networks

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo announced that it has acquired WUF Networks, a developer of technology that enables users to access music, photos and other content from their PCs on their cell phones. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Redwood City, Calif.-based WUF Networks is a year-old company with fewer than a dozen employees, and has not yet released any commercial services. "We expect to use their technology and expertise to continue to extend key Yahoo services beyond the desktop," Yahoo spokeswoman Joanna Stevens told The Los Angeles Times.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-yahoo7dec07.story
http://www.wufnetworks.com 
____________________________________________

o Report: Napster Tops iTunes as Most-Recognized Brand in Paid Downloads

New York -- Napster and iTunes are by far the two most-recognizable brands in the market for fee-based digital music downloading services, according to a report from New York-based market research firm Ipsos-Insight. The survey of U.S. music downloaders found that Napster and iTunes had equal brand awareness on a "top-of-mind" basis (20% each), but when given a list of leading services and asked if they had heard of them, 79% recognized Napster while 46% had heard of iTunes. The firm noted that while no other service had substantial top-of-mind recognition, a fair percentage of downloaders given a list of competitors were aware of services such as RealPlayer Music Store (41%), MusicMatch (36%), RealOne RadioPass (31%), MTV.com (31%) and Walmart.com (30%). Although Napster was the most-recognizable fee-based service, the report found downloaders rated iTunes as the "best" fee-based service. Thirty-one percent said iTunes was the "best" service, followed by Napster (23%), RealPlayer Music Store (8%), Musicmatch (7%) and Walmart.com (6%). The iTunes Store also reported the highest usage level among downloaders surveyed (32%), compared with Napster (26%), Musicmatch (12%), Walmart.com (12%) and RealPlayer Music Store (10%). "These findings support the notion that while consumers may not have fully developed perceptions of individual services and brands, experienced downloaders clearly know what they want in terms of functionality," said Ipsos-Insight vice president Matt Kleinschmit.
http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=2484 
____________________________________________

o Media File-Sharing Technology Developer Pando Networks Raises $4 Million

New York -- Pando Networks, a New York-based start-up developing digital media file-sharing technology, announced that it has raised $4 million in its first round of financing, from BRM Capital and Wheatley Partners. The company said that it will accept another up to $2 million for the round in the next two months. Pando also named iVillage co-founder Robert Levitan as its CEO. The company's technology is being developed by a team that includes company co-founder Laird Popkin, former director of digital technology for Warner Music Group, and lead architect Julian Cain, a former Mac programmer at Sharman Networks who also developed the XFactor peer-to-peer application. Pando said it will use the funds to develop next-generation Internet infrastructure and applications.
http://www.pando.com/pr1.htm
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=861104&fid=942 
____________________________________________

o Toshiba, Memory-Tech Develop Disc That Supports DVD, HD DVD

Tokyo -- Japanese electronics firm Toshiba announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Memory-Tech Corporation to develop a dual-layer disc that is compatible with both current DVD players and Toshiba's next-generation HD DVD format. The disc is meant to make for a more smooth transition to HD DVD, allowing the same one-sided disc to be pressed with either 4.7GB of standard DVD data, 15GB of HD DVD data, or both. Tokyo-based Memory-Tech will manufacture the discs, which are not expected to cost more to produce than current DVD discs. The new discs are expected to begin shipping in late 2005 alongside the first HD DVD players. Toshiba recently announced support for its technology from four Hollywood movie studios, who will release movies on the HD DVD format. The company's HD DVD is battling with Sony's rival Blu-ray high-capacity DVD format for dominance in the market.
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2004_12/pr0701.htm 
____________________________________________

o Video Content Delivery Network Provider Kontiki Raises $8.6 Million

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Kontiki, a provider of grid computing-based content delivery network services for video, software and digital content, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $8.6 million in a recent round of venture capital financing. MK Capital led the investment round; previous investors Adobe Ventures, Barksdale Group and Benchmark Capital also participated. Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Kontiki's technology, which claims 19 million worldwide users, taps the unused resources of networked PCs and servers to cost-effectively deliver high-quality video and software updates. Kontiki's customers include Adobe, CNET Networks, Ernst & Young and Palm. The company will use the funds for its product development and sales efforts.
http://www.kontiki.com/company/press/2004/pressrelease041207.html 
____________________________________________

o Report: Advertising Keyword Prices Soar in November

San Francisco -- With the holiday season in full gear, the prices that advertisers paid for keywords to reach consumers on search engines rose dramatically once again in November. According to San Francisco-based Fathom Online, a provider of search engine marketing services, keyword prices last month went up 7% overall to $1.66. The increase was less than the overall 13% increase in October, but the two months together reflect the upward trend for keyword prices since September. "Our data demonstrate clearly that retail and service advertisers are jockeying for high rankings on search engines to capture consumers," said Matt McMahon, the executive vice president of media and marketing for Fathom Online. Keyword prices for consumer services soared, increasing on average 32% from $0.96 to $.1.27 per keyword.
http://www.fathomonline.com/newspress_120604.php 

Top


>DMW Events:

 



5th Annual Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

Digital Music Forum is the premier event for music industry decision-makers focused on business models and legal issues impacting music.  The annual event brings together decision-makers from records labels, music publishers, producers and distributors, technology companies, wireless companies, rights organizations, industry bodies, radio, advertising, attorneys, artists investors and venture capitalists to examine the role of digital technologies in the future of music.

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration: $195 (until December 31st)
Pre-registration rate: $295 (Jan 1 until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)

Register online at http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1092

Phone registration: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

Top


> Featured Advertisement:

Senior Legal Counsel

Role Participate as a member of the content acquisition negotiating team, thinking through all business and legal issues based on a minimum of ten (10) years experience with licensing and distribution of content. Skills/Experience: Previous experience at entertainment/media company specializing in licensing intellectual property. Ability and willingness to participate in identifying and thinking through diverse issues related to launching a new business. Team player with personal skills needed in initiating important new business relationships. Ability to grasp new and changing technology. Existing relationships with entertainment / media industry executives a plus. Additional Skills: Negotiating distribution agreements for programming content including: U.S. copyright licenses International licensing, U.S. and international law governing licensing, understanding of regulatory environment and implications of actions, issues related to licensing and sub-licensing content, rights grant, packaging, pricing, marketing, promotions (including design and registrations paperwork), reporting, advertising and sponsorships, music performance rights, other performance and talent issues (ex: BMI, SAG/Screen Actors Guild), wholesale and retail distribution issues, transmission, security, and transfer issues. Education Requirements: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, JD degree. Member of the California Bar. Qualcomm's requisition # D1643408DMW.

To apply, go to: http://jobs.qualcomm.com/staffing/Staffing.asp?page=search

Contact Info: Send inquiries to msexton@qualcomm.com
 

Top


o Briefly Noted:

(Los Angeles) Napster announced on Tuesday that it has signed four new schools to its university program that provides discounted digital music subscription services on college campuses. Beginning in January, students at Eastern Michigan University, the University of North Carolina, North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville will join nine other schools that have made deals with Napster to offer discounted access to their students.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041207/latu041_1.html 
http://www.napster.com

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced on Tuesday that Toyota has selected XM as its supplier for satellite-delivered data services for its Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. Toyota will also offer XM as a factory-installed option on Toyota and Lexus models beginning in 2006, and expand the number of models offering XM as a dealer-installed option in 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041207/dctu011b_1.html 
http://www.xmradio.com

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio said on Tuesday that Toyota will offer its satellite-delivered digital radio service as both a post production and dealer-installed option on nine vehicle models, beginning in February 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041207/nytu062_1.html 
http://www.siriusradio.com

(Bethpage, N.Y.) Cable TV operator Cablevision announced on Tuesday that its Optimum Voice Internet telephony service has now surpassed 250,000 subscribers. Cablevision said it has been signing up 1,000 new subscribers daily in the New York area for the $34.95 per month Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041207/nytu087_1.html 
http://www.optimumvoice.com

(San Francisco) Siren Systems, a provider of music recommendation technology, announced on Tuesday that it has signed agreements to make its song recommendation services available to independent music retailer CD Baby, and across the 1,600 radio station websites operated by MediaSpan Group. San Francisco-based Siren's service charges artists $49.95 to list up to five songs in its Soundflavor recommendation engine, where they will turn up in results from users on community sites searching for music recommendations. Siren also said on Tuesday that Friendster chairman and founder Jonathan Abrams has joined the company's advisory board.
http://www.sirensystems.com 
http://www.cdbaby.com 
http://www.firstmediaworks.com 
http://www.soundflavor.com

(Berkeley, Calif.) Wireless application developer Synfonic announced on Tuesday the launch of its sports score SMS search engine, which gives users to access updated NFL football and NBA basketball scores from their cell phones. Berkeley-based Synfonic said users will be able to send a text message with the league and initials of a team's home city, and receive a text message with the latest score.
http://www.synfonic.com

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game publisher THQ announced on Tuesday that it has shipped its "Ping Pals" title for the Nintendo DS handheld to retailers. Developed by Valencia, Calif.-based WayForward Technologies, the game allows players to create and customize their own avatar on-screen persona, and chat with up to eight others simultaneously over a wireless connection using the DS touch screen interface. The title also includes single and multiplayer games where players win coins that may then be spent in a virtual mall within the game.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041207/latu060_1.html 
http://www.thq.com 
http://www.wayforward.com  

(Redwood City, Calif.) Video game publisher Electronic Arts announced on Tuesday that it has signed Bernard Hopkins, boxing's current Middleweight Champion of the World, as the cover athlete and spokesman for its "Fight Night Round 2" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. Developed in Vancouver by EA Canada, the title will feature online play for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, and is slated for release in March 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041207/75398_1.html 
http://www.fightnightround2.com

(Beijing) Reuters reports that China has banned a video game called "Soccer Manager 2005," because the game does not recognize Chinese sovereignty when it classifies Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet as individual countries. It's unclear if the game in question is a soccer title manufactured by Sega, Eidos or another developer. Websites offering the game for download face fines of up to $1,210, while cybercafes that do not prevent users from installing or playing the game could pay as much as $1,815.
http://tinyurl.com/4bp5y

(London) The Register recently reported on a domain name dispute between Apple and Benjamin Cohen, who gained notoriety as a "teenaged dotcom millionaire" when he became at 16 the youngest director of a publicly-traded company in the U.K. Cohen registered iTunes.co.uk in November 2000, before Apple had trademarked "iTunes" in the U.K. and years before it would launch its music service there. The co.uk domain registry Nominet is currently examining the case; Nominet has been less friendly to large corporations than the ICANN Uniform Dispute Resolution Process that oversees disputes for the ubiquitous .com domain.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/06/apple_itunescouk_domain_dispute 
http://www.itunes.co.uk

(San Francisco) ZDNet Australia on Tuesday continued its coverage of the recording industry's copyright infringement case in Australia against Sharman Networks, operator of the Kazaa file-sharing service. A software expert testified on Tuesday that statistics about user activity in a distributed system like Kazaa can in fact be collected, contrary to claims from Sharman Networks, and that Kazaa could have been designed to collect such data. "The technology for collecting these statistics has become very sophisticated. In the case of the Web sites, it now allows capture of information beyond the numbers of users visiting the site, to their source location, the amount of time that they spent on a page, the files downloaded and even to where their cursor was located when they viewed the Web page (over files that are not ultimately downloaded)," said Professor Leon Sterling, chair of Software Innovation and Engineering for the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at the University of Melbourne, in testimony on Tuesday. Sterling added that Kazaa could be altered from its current form to collect such data at "supernodes" -- the powerful PCs running Kazaa that are used to forward individual users' search queries across the peer-to-peer network.
http://tinyurl.com/6ocfl 
http://www.sharmannetworks.com 
 
Top


> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Global Mobile Expo To Focus on Premium SMS in North America

M-commerce and premium content/services are commonplace in Asia and Europe, but they're just emerging in N. America. Global Mobile Expo (GloMo) will bring together carriers, service providers, mobile entrepreneurs and brand specialists for the first time to discuss the future of this nascent industry. A conference and expo, GloMo will provide the stimulus needed to bring this market to the forefront and realize the vision of a wireless world". Visit www.glomoexpo.com or email info@smallscreenpartners.com to register.
_________________

> Broadcast/Video/Digital Server Engineer - Washington DC

Support US Navy Sailors world wide to Develop a next generation video server system; Will be responsible for engineering an end-to-end digital video system that includes the devices to master, author and encrypt program packages on DVD and HDD, and the devices that will playback the program packages. Includes conversion from tape-based television systems to server-based. www.omnitecinc.com   Contact Nick, via: nabid@omnitecinc.com
_________________

> Market Research Professional

SmithGeiger is a fast-growing market research and strategy firm serving all facets of the media industry, w/clients in TV, film, web, gaming, tech. Seeking media research pro with min 3 yrs market research exp. to design and implement research and consulting services. Develop custom phone and online surveys and focus group research, design data analysis plans, convert results into findings and recommendations, write reports, deliver presentations to clients. Excellent writing and analytical skills. Working knowledge of statistics, SPSS. MA, MS, MBA, PhD.  Contact brian@smithgeiger.com
_________________

> Manager, Digital Media Distribution

Define infrastructure (Billing, Platforms, Device Requirements, Network elements) related requirements for digital media distributionWork with device team to define and implement Digital Rights Management solution and provide requirements for future devices, (download capabilities, user interface for Digital Media experience, new media requirements, etc.)BA/BS in Technical, Management or related field. Functional skills include product management experience in the telecommunications or software industry (wireless preferred), experience with billing systems, ability to work in a cross functional environment and vendor management. Position located in Reston, VA.  Contact anna.early@nextel.com
_________________

> Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media

We are looking for Senior Managers within our Business Development, Digital Media area in Products and Services. We need qualified candidates in 3 functional areas, to include MESSAGING, Digital Media (games, ringtones, music) and in our BOOST area. MUST have previous digital media experience in some capacity. MUST have previous business development, product management, or partnership experience within the telecommunications and wireless industries. Positions located in Reston, VA.  Contact anna.early@nextel.com
_________________

> Engineer - Telecommunications

The Maryland Public Service Commission is seeking a Public Service Engineer III to provide policy recommendations, technical assistance, and oral and written reports relative to existing and new communications technologies. Require a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. 2 yrs of engineering exp. conducting inspections, tests, investigations and evaluations of physical facilities used by public utility companies in the production and distribution of products and services. Visit http://www.workformaryland.com for a detailed job announcement. Send State app (MS100) to jstout@psc.state.md.us Apps. must be received or postmarked by Dec 13, 2004. EOE/ADA
_________________

> Media Relations Pro Wanted

Want to join a close-knit, fast-paced team of public relations and public affairs pros? Want an environment where you can learn from the best? Ignition Strategic Communications is seeking a mid-level media relations specialist with 3-5 years agency/corporate experience. Technology experience a major plus. Position requires trade and national media relations experience, excellent writing skills. Demonstrated ability to execute high-level media relations campaigns, build client relationships and secure coverage. Journalism experience helpful. Send resume, two writing samples to: mediarelationsdc@hotmail.com
_________________

> Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director

The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that places top performing candidates within its premier technology client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to: http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
_________________

> Project Manager and Help Desk Positions

OpenAir Technologies, Inc. (http://www.openairtech.com), a nationwide provider of managed IP-PBX systems and advertising on hold solutions for the retail industry, has several Project Management as well as Helpdesk/Customer Service positions open. OpenAir Technologies, Inc. is looking for people with 1-2 years of relevant experience for our Headquarters in Reston, VA. Please send resumes to jobs@openairtech.com
_________________

> Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft

SWsoft is the leading provider of automation and virtualization software for hosting providers, TELCOs/ISPs and enterprises worldwide. We are looking for a Product Marketing Manager to lead and drive the execution of marketing efforts for our hosting software products. Candidate must have a successful and verifiable track record of broad software marketing experience and talent/potential. Compensation package includes salary, quarterly bonus and stock options. Send resumes to: jobs@sw-soft.com (subject "Product Marketing Mgr")
_________________

> Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)

Seeking highly motivated sales people with at least three years sales exp. and a track record of meeting sales objectives. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills a must - with minimal supervision. Responsibilities include consultative and solution selling to medium and large companies. Our solutions include Cisco, Microsoft, EMC, NEC, Tandberg and Verizon. Candidate must be able to develop and leverage relationships with technology partners for lead generation and joint sales opportunities. Send resumes to careers@aaanetworks.net
_________________

> The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director

The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that places top performing candidates within its premier technology client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to: http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
_________________

> Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions

Responsible for managing the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities specifying market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits to customers and non-customers. Driving a solution set across development teams (primarily Development/Engineering, and Marketing Communications) through market requirements, product contract. Send resumes to dromano@trustedcs.com For more info, visit http://www.trustedcs.com
_________________

> New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
_________________

Top


About Us
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.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information


Executive & Editorial Team
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions
News Tips & Press Releases

For a free subscription to Digital Media Wire:

Email address:
(Required) Your name:
(Required) City, State:

To unsubscribe:

Email address:

Top


Copyright 2004 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.