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December 10, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Supreme Court to Decide Legality of Peer-to-Peer Networks
o Report: "Halo 2," "Grand Theft Auto" Push November Game Sales Up 11%
o Yahoo Partners With X1 Technologies on Desktop Search Engine
o Google Tests Service That Suggests Queries for Searchers
o RSS-Based News Search Engine Feedster Receives Financing

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

o Briefly Noted: Apple iTunes - PayPal, Harry Fox Agency - "Express Live" licenses, SoundExchange - performance search engine, Thomson - HD DVD - Blu-ray, Microsoft Tablet PC - game developers, GSN's "You Win Live" - GoldPocket Interactive, Jamdat Mobile - Boost Mobile, Think Computer Products - wireless MP3 headphones, Child surgery - video games
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> 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
--Sales And IT Recruiters Focused on Federal Sales, BD And Pre-Sales
--Marketing Communications Manager
--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
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Supreme Court to Decide Legality of Peer-to-Peer Networks

Washington, D.C. -- The Supreme Court said on Friday that it will hear a case deciding whether file sharing services like Grokster and StreamCast Networks can be held liable for the copyright infringement of their users, Dow Jones Newswires reported. The recording industry said that it is losing up to $1 billion a year in sales to illegal downloaders. "The infringement Grokster and StreamCast foster is inflicting catastrophic, multibillion dollar harm," the entertainment industry said in its high court appeal. Grokster and StreamCast, however, argue that current copyright laws don't cover new computer technologies, such as file-sharing, and urged that Congress be allowed to decide the issue. The case stems back to 2001, when the entertainment industry sued the two services. That case was dismissed, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals subsequently ruled in favor of the peer-to-peer networks. The Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments in March, with a ruling following by June 2005.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G52121FF9 
http://tinyurl.com/42aka 
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o Report: "Halo 2," "Grand Theft Auto" Push November Game Sales Up 11%

Los Angeles -- U.S. video game sales grew 11% in November, with two titles accounting for 30% of all games sold during the month, according to a Reuters report that cited data from NPD Group. Without 3.3 million in sales for Microsoft's "Halo 2" and 1.5 million for Take-Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," overall sales would have fallen 21% during November, compared with last year's figures. Even with the two top-sellers, November game sales growth was still lower than what analysts had expected. The NPD data also showed that sales of Microsoft's Xbox console grew 52% compared with November 2003, while Sony's PlayStation 2 saw an 18% decline.
http://tinyurl.com/3ow9a 
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5901 
http://www.npd.com 
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o Yahoo Partners With X1 Technologies on Desktop Search Engine

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Following the lead of Google and Microsoft, Yahoo has announced that it is developing a new search tool that will allow users to search their own hard drives for items including email, photos, music, and documents such as Word and PDF files. The company has partnered with Pasadena, Calif.-based X1 Technologies, which was founded by Idealab CEO Bill Gross, on development of the downloadable desktop search tool, expected to begin testing in January. Google released a desktop search tool in October, and Microsoft has said it plans to begin testing its own desktop search by the end of the year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041210/yahoo_desktop_search_5.html
http://tinyurl.com/6y6na 
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o Google Tests Service That Suggests Queries for Searchers

Mountain View, Calif. -- Google this week quietly began testing a new feature, Google Suggest, which tries to guess what users are searching for when they type search queries. When users begin to type a word, the feature opens a drop-down list of possible matches that includes how many results the search engine can deliver for each possible match. For instance, typing "ch" produces a list that includes "Christmas" (87.9 million results), followed by "cheap flights" (14.7 million), "cheats" (42 million) and "chat" (175 million). Google said that it does not base the suggestions on a user's personal search history on Google, but rather said that "our algorithms use a wide range of information to predict the queries users are most likely to want to see," including the overall popularity of various searches.
http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=1&hl=en 
http://tinyurl.com/67xhg 
http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/041210-084522 
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o RSS-Based News Search Engine Feedster Receives Financing

San Francisco -- Feedster, a news search engine that delivers results from over 1 million RSS and weblog syndicated sources, announced that it received an undisclosed amount of funding from Omidyar Network, a venture capital firm created by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar. The company has also received funding from members of the New York Angels. Feedster culls its results from 50,000 professional news sources, including The New York Times, BBC and CNET, in addition to hundreds of thousands of independently-produced news websites, and sorts the results by source type. The company recently teamed with WashingtonPost.com to facilitate the selection of nominees for that site's "The Best Blogs -- Politics & Elections 2004 Readers' Choice Awards." "We recognize that Feedster is fulfilling a need in the marketplace by delivering more relevant information from individual commentary, blogs, and edited news sources," said Doug Solomon, vice president of investments for Omidyar Network. "By leveling the playing field between consumers, web services developers, traditional media publishers and organizations, Feedster enables the public to create a richer, more diverse and connected exchange of information."
http://feedster.blogs.com/corporate/press_releases/index.html
http://www.omidyar.net 

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>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


 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Cupertino, Calif.) Apple announced on Friday that its iTunes Music Store in the U.S. will now accept payments from PayPal, a unit of eBay that provides online payment processing services. PayPal payments will be enabled for the purchase of music downloads, audiobooks and gift certificates. Apple will give the first 500,000 customers who open a new iTunes account in the U.S. using PayPal five free song downloads from the service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041210/sff017a_1.html 
http://www.paypal.com

(New York) The Harry Fox Agency, which represents U.S. songwriters and music publishers, announced this week that it has launched an "Express Live" licensing service for the new crop of services that offer live concert CDs or digital downloads to concertgoers immediately following the performance. Acts including the Pixies and Devo have used such services to sell CDs from concerts on recent tours. The Harry Fox Agency licenses are limited to recordings sold directly to consumers at the venue, or through mail-order. They also require that set lists be submitted 15 days in advance, with a grace period allowed for unanticipated songs to be added for licensing.
http://www.harryfox.com/public/pressrelease120604.jsp

(Washington) SoundExchange, the recording industry entity set up to collect royalties paid by webcasters to stream music online and distribute them to artists and record labels, has launched a new search engine that allows users to find out if there have been performances by an artist or of a specific song reported for payment of royalties. The PLAYS (Performance Log Archive of Your Songs) searchable database will include performances on satellite radio, digital cable and satellite TV services, and Internet broadcasts. "Artists and record labels will soon be able to more accurately oversee their accounts at their own convenience and to make claims for performances for which they are owed," said SoundExchange executive director John L. Simson. Since 1988, SoundExchange has processed over 250 million performances and allocated over $22.5 million in royalties.
http://www.soundexchange.com/news/documents/PLAYS_Press_Release.pdf

(Paris) Thomson, a provider of video equipment and services to the media and entertainment industries, announced on Friday that it will support the two competing next-generation high-capacity DVD formats, HD DVD and Blu-ray, with its Technicolor business that provides services to film and TV producers. The company added that it plans to release consumer DVD players that support Toshiba's HD DVD standard through its Thomson and RCA brands, while making no such commitment for Sony's rival Blu-ray DVD standard.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041210/105149_1.html 
http://www.thomson.net

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft is developing tools that game developers can use to create titles for the company's Tablet PCs, according to a report on the website Microsoft-Watch.com. The company partnered with Oregon-based 3 Leaf Development on the creation of both the software development kit (SDK) and a title for Tablet PC called "Arcs of Fire." While most Tablet PC models do not support the advanced video cards necessary for many popular PC and console titles, Microsoft hopes that the kit will spur developers to expand the functionality of the devices. Both a beta version of "Arcs of Fire" and the SDK are expected to be released in early January.
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/article2/0,1995,1738399,00.asp
http://www.3leaf.com 
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/tabletpc/default.mspx

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Cable TV network GSN (Game Show Network) on Friday announced that it will launch a new enhanced television series on Dec. 12 that is powered by Los Angeles-based GoldPocket Interactive. "You Win Live" is a live show that will challenge viewers to submit answers via their computers to questions taken from episodes of network shows "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," "Win Ben Stein's Money" and "Weakest Link." GSN will award at-home contestants over 900 prizes totaling more than $30,000. The network added that Burger King has signed on as an interactive sponsor for the show, asking viewers to answer bonus questions pertaining to Burger King commercials airing during the show.
http://www.gsn.com 
http://www.goldpocket.com

(Los Angeles) Wireless entertainment publisher Jamdat Mobile said on Friday that it has signed a distribution agreement with wireless carrier Boost Mobile, to offer Jamdat mobile games to Boost Mobile subscribers. Los Angeles-based Jamdat will provide titles including "Jamdat Bowling," "Tony Hawk's Underground" and "Pitfall."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041210/105278_1.html 
http://www.jamdatmobile.com 
http://www.boostmobile.com

(Irvine, Calif.) Consumer electronics maker Think Computer Products on Friday released its Think Headtrip wireless MP3 headphones. The flash memory-based device contains the MP3 player, rechargeable battery and flash memory storage within the headphones unit itself. The PC-based player, which supports MP3 and Microsoft's WMA audio format, will be priced at $89 for 256MB, $69 for 128MB and $59 for 64MB.
http://www.thinkcp.com

(Trenton, N.J.) The Associated Press on Friday reported on a new study that shows that allowing children to play video games on a Nintendo Game Boy before undergoing surgery, and even on the operating table, can reduce stress and relax them better than tranquilizers or having a parent beside them. "We find that the children are just so happy with the Game Boy that they actually do forget where they are," Dr. Anu Patel, an anesthesiologist at University Hospital in Newark, told the AP. Surgery-related stress in children has proven to lead to long-term psychological problems, in addition to a temporary blood pressure spike and the release of stress hormones that can delay healing healing.
http://www.salon.com/news/wire/2004/12/10/games2/index.html 
 
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> Sales And IT Recruiters Focused on Federal Sales, BD And Pre-Sales

Looking to join a quality Sales and Information Technology Recruiting Firm? immixSearch, a division of the immixGroup, seeks 3 additional Recruiters entering 2005. Since 2000 we've established the immixSearch name and placed candidates with 75 leading Federally - focused Software/Hardware Vendors, Big4's, and SI's. Plan includes a base/draw plus lucrative commission plan. Join other top billers and make 2005 your best year yet. Send resumes to kurt_wilkinson@immixgroup.com
_________________

> Marketing Communications Manager

Local software company seeks marketing communications manager responsible for all aspects of press and analyst relations, lead generation programs (tradeshows/events), reference programs, company website, and updating collateral to support sales and pre-sales. Candidates must be detail- oriented and possess exceptional planning, coordination, verbal and written communication skills and a flexible; can-do; attitude required within a small company organization. Requires 5 plus years of technology-related marcom experience. See our website http://www.managedobjects.com for full job description. Send resumes to marketing@managedobjects.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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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")
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> 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
_________________

> 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.
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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.

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


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