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December 14, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o MPAA Targets eDonkey, BitTorrent P2P File-Sharing Server Operators
o Electronic Arts Signs Exclusive Video Game Deals With NFL, League Players
o Google to Scan 15 Million Library Books Into Search Index
o Blockbuster to Eliminate Late Fees for Rentals in 2005
o Report: Digital TV Penetration in U.K. Nearly 56%
o Music Recommendation Software Firm Savage Beast Raises $7.7 Million
o U.K. Video Game Developer Elixir Studios Raises $1.9 Million

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

o Briefly Noted: Sirius Satellite Radio - Navteq, XM Satellite Radio - rental car agencies, Microsoft - Fujifilm, Cornice, Alltel - master ringtones, Opus 1 Music Library, Movielink - Tai Seng Entertainment, Audible - Tapwave, Two Way TV - Zone4Play, Incredible Technologies - "Golden Tee Live," Majesco, Atari, Yahoo - GameSpot, BBC - digital radio transition
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Global Mobile Expo To Focus on Premium SMS in North America
--Market Research Professional
--VP eBusiness Consulting
--Manager, Digital Media Distribution
--Contract Training Coordinator
--Director of Business Development - NY/NJ
--Sales Executive, Health And Life Sciences
--HireStrategy - Revenue Accounting Manager
--Sales And IT Recruiters Focused on Federal Sales, BD And Pre-Sales
--Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, Falls Church, VA (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
--Account Managers (Biometrics, Smart Cards, PKI)
--Marketing Communications Manager
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o MPAA Targets eDonkey, BitTorrent P2P File-Sharing Server Operators

Los Angeles -- The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), which represents the interests of Hollywood movie studios, plans to file lawsuits against operators of servers in the U.S. and Europe that aid in the sharing of movie files on peer-to-peer networks including BitTorrent and eDonkey. The studios' lawsuits will target over 100 operators of computers that "serve as traffic cops connecting those who want to steal movies with those who have a copy and want to provide it," said John Malcolm, director of worldwide antipiracy operations for the MPAA. Already, seven servers have been seized by French authorities, who are still seeking their operator, a French government representative told CNET News.com. Recently, the eDonkey file-sharing service recorded more average monthly users than the popular Kazaa network.
http://tinyurl.com/6qjoj 
http://tinyurl.com/4lfnv 
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,66034,00.html
http://www.edonkey2000.com 
http://bitconjurer.org/bittorrent 
http://www.mpaa.org 
_____________________________________________

o Electronic Arts Signs Exclusive Video Game Deal With NFL, League Players

Redwood City, Calif. -- Video game developer Electronic Arts announced that it has signed expanded five-year agreements with the National Football League and players' association, giving the company the exclusive rights to use NFL teams, stadiums and players for use in its "Madden" video game franchise. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed. News of the deal sent EA shares up 5.4% to an all-time high of $60.68 on Tuesday. The deal will likely decrease interest in rival NFL football video games, such as Take-Two Interactive's "ESPN NFL 2005." Electronic Arts said its next edition of "Madden NFL" franchise will include console-based fantasy football features and handheld game devices, and access to both NFL Films and the NFL Network for use in the games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041213/135991_1.html
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5928
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041214/electronic_arts_nfl_football_1.html
http://www.nflplayers.com 
http://www.madden2005.com 
____________________________________________

o Google to Scan 15 Million Library Books Into Search Index

Mountain View, Calif. -- Search engine firm Google announced on Tuesday that it has signed agreements with several major libraries to digitally scan 15 million books from their collections and index them so they are searchable through Google. Participating are the libraries of Harvard, Stanford, the University of Michigan, and the University of Oxford as well as The New York Public Library. To address copyright issues, Oxford will offer only titles published before 1901, while Harvard will limit its participation to 40,000 volumes and the New York library will offer only those titles no longer covered by copyright. The Michigan and Stanford libraries have agreed to offer their entire collections to Google. When copyrights apply, brief excerpts and bibliographic data will be provided in search results. The massive project, which will be underwritten by the now publicly-traded Google, is expected to take at least a decade and cost around $10 per book to scan, The New York Times reported. "Even before we started Google, we dreamed of making the incredible breadth of information that librarians so lovingly organize searchable online," said Google co-founder Larry Page.
http://www.google.com/press/pressrel/print_library.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/14/technology/14cnd-goog.html
http://tinyurl.com/4zc7l 
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,66031,00.html
http://print.google.com/googleprint/library.html 
____________________________________________

o Blockbuster to Eliminate Late Fees for Rentals in 2005

Dallas -- Video rental giant Blockbuster announced on Tuesday that it will eliminate all late fees for movie and video game rentals as of Jan. 1, 2005. Although the company projected late fees would have generated up to $300 million of income during 2005, Blockbuster expects this loss to be offset by increased store traffic and a lowering of its marketing and promotional spending. Under the plan, customers will rent movies for 2-day or 1-week periods, and games for one week -- plus a new one-week grace period where no fees will be assessed. After that period, the movie or game will be automatically charged to the customer, less the rental fee. Customers will also be able to return the rented item within 30 days, provided they pay a "restocking" fee. "Doing away with late fees is the biggest and most important customer benefit we've ever offered in our company's history," said Blockbuster chairman and CEO John Antioco.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041214/nytu067_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041214/blockbuster_late_fees_1.html 
____________________________________________

o Report: Digital TV Penetration in U.K. Nearly 56%

London -- According to a report released on Tuesday by U.K. communications regulator Ofcom, nearly 56% of U.K. households now own some form of digital TV. The Digital Television Update for the third quarter of 2004 shows that U.K. households that own at least one TV that receives digital broadcasts are increasingly buying additional set-top boxes to convert second sets in the same household. More than 1 million U.K. households now have two or more Freeview boxes for different TV sets in their homes. The update also found that Sky still commands the lion's share of the market with more than 7 million subscribers, followed by Freeview, a free-to-air digital terrestrial TV service, with 4 million. Freeview is the fastest-growing form of digital TV in the U.K., with 660,000 boxes sold in the third quarter. The U.K. government wants 100% of the population to switch to digital TV by the time they switch off the traditional analogue signal in 2012.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?J2A03460A 
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o Music Recommendation Software Firm Savage Beast Raises $7.7 Million

Oakland, Calif. -- Savage Beast Technologies, a developer of music navigation and recommendation software, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $7.7 million in venture capital funding, and named former E-Loan president Joe Kennedy as its president and CEO. The company said WaldenVC led the investment round; Labrador Ventures, Selby Ventures and MediaWin Partners also participated. Oakland, Calif.-based Savage Beast's Music Genome Project aims to provide a music recommendation engine based on the input of music analysts identifying songs based on nearly 400 different attributes. The funds will be used to market the company's current offerings as well as develop new products within the digital music space. "The new round of funding allows us to amplify our existing kiosk product as well as develop other applications for our Music Genome that will extend the technology beyond the current user base and position the company for significant future growth," said incoming CEO Kennedy.
http://www.savagebeast.com 
____________________________________________

o U.K. Video Game Developer Elixir Studios Raises $1.9 Million

London -- U.K. video game developer Elixir Studios announced that it has raised $1.9 million in a new round of financing, from existing institutional and private investors. The company also said it plans to lay off around 15 of its 60 employees in coming months as it shuffles its development teams. The company recently completed "Evil Genius" for publisher Vivendi Universal Games, and is currently working with a leading U.S. publisher on another title, due for release in 2006. Elixir will use the funds to fund current and future video game development projects.
http://www.elixir-studios.co.uk/nonflash/press/elixir_press.htm
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5921 

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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:

(New York) Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Chicago-based Navteq, a provider of mapping and traffic data reporting services, to offer Sirius subscribers updated traffic data in their cars. Data will also be integrated into new in-car navigation systems, combining route guidance and mapping with traffic. The service will initially cover 30 markets and is expected to expand to over 50 markets.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041214/nytu037_1.html 
http://www.siriusradio.com 
http://www.navteq.com

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio said on Tuesday that Vanguard Car Rental USA, operator of the National and Alamo rental car chains, has now begun offering XM radio service on several Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick car models.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041214/dctu007_1.html 
http://www.xmradio.com 
http://www.alamo.com

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. to enable owners of Windows XP-based PCs to order film prints of their digital photos from Fujifilm retail photo centers at Sam's Club, Ritz Camera Centers and Wolf Camera. Under the deal, Fujifilm's online service will be available through the Windows XP Online Print Wizard, MSN Photos and Microsoft Digital Image Suite.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041214/sftu030_1.html 
http://www.fujifilm.com

(Longmont, Colo.) Cornice, a developer of miniature hard drives for consumer electronics, announced that it plans to release a 3GB hard drive that will offer greater shock resistance, protecting the device from falls of up to five feet. The hard drives are expected to cost between $159 and $199 in players released in 2005. Colorado-based Cornice also said that Korean electronics firm Samsung will include its 1.5GB hard drive in its new SHP-V5400 mobile phone, enabling storage of hundreds of MP3 files, photos and downloaded video content.
http://tinyurl.com/4hu65

(Little Rock, Ark.) Wireless carrier Alltel announced on Tuesday that its 13 million customers can now download master recording ringtones on select cell phone handset models. The ringtones from services including RealTone Jukebox, Ringster, Modtones and Zingy will be offered starting at $2.99 each.
http://www.alltel.com/axcess/ringtones.html

(Studio City, Calif.) Opus 1 Music Library, a provider of resources for audio production professionals, on Tuesday launched its Digital Music Assistant music search and delivery system. The service allows TV and film producers to audition and license music online for use in their projects. Studio City, Calif.-based Opus 1 said its customers include the creators of "CSI," "The Sopranos," "Big Fish" and "Austin Powers 3."
http://www.opus1musiclibrary.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Movielink, an Internet-based video-on-demand joint venture between a number of Hollywood movie studios, announced on Tuesday that it has added a selection of Asian films to its library through a licensing agreement with Tai Seng Entertainment. The Movielink service offers 24-hour movie rental downloads for between $1.99 and $4.99.
http://www.movielink.com 
http://www.taiseng.com

(Wayne, N.J.) Spoken word audio content provider Audible said on Tuesday that its Internet audio service is now available to owners of the Tapwave Zodiac handheld multifunctional video game device. The Audible service will offer audiobooks, audio newspapers and magazines, radio programs and original shows on the $269 Zodiac.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041214/145191_1.html 
http://www.audible.com 
http://www.tapwave.com/zodiac.html

(London) Interactive TV developer Two Way TV announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Delaware-based interactive TV game developer Zone4Play to launch two fixed odds interactive TV betting channels on U.K. digital cable TV platforms ntl and Telewest Broadband. The Winner Channel and The Roulette Channel will allow U.K. residents to place wagers using their television's remote control.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041214/uktu005_1.html 
http://www.twowaytv.com 
http://www.zone4play.com

(Arlington Heights, Ill.) Incredible Technologies, developer of the popular "Golden Tee" coin-operated arcade game franchise, announced on Tuesday that it partnered with wireless operator Sprint on a new version of its machine, "Golden Tee Live," which will allow players to compete wirelessly coast-to-coast in real-time. Other features on the new machine include an interactive leaderboard and live-action commentary from sports announcer Jim Nantz and pro golfers Peter Jacobsen, Gary Player, Chris DiMarco, and Laura Diaz.
http://www.itsgames.com 
http://www.goldentee.com/gtlive

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco said on Tuesday that it has acquired the rights to publish Microsoft Game Studios Japan's title, "Phantom Dust," this winter for the Xbox console.
http://www.majescogames.com
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/action/phantomdust/media.html

(Los Angeles) Video game publisher Atari said on Tuesday that it plans to release an anthology of classic Atari titles for the Nintendo DS handheld in March 2005. Developed by Los Angeles-based Taniko, "Retro Atari Classics" will include the original and "tagged" versions of titles such as "Pong," "Asteroids" and "Tempest"; the tagged versions will include graphics provided by renowned graffiti artists.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041214/145302_1.html 
http://www.taniko.com

(San Francisco) Yahoo's online games site announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with GameSpot, an online gaming information site owned by CNET Networks. Under the deal, GameSpot's PC and console video game editorial content will be offered on Yahoo Games beginning in the first quarter of 2005. CNET says GameSpot attracts 1.25 million daily unique visitors.
http://www.gamespot.com 
http://games.yahoo.com

(London) In a recent report, the BBC claimed that the U.K. is not ready for the switchover from analog radio to digital radio and has called on the U.K. government to hold off on forcing listeners to make the change for at least another three years. The BBC said setting a switchover deadline now would be "undesirable," unsettling the market and alarming listeners. "Despite our commitment to digital radio as the replacement technology for analogue radio, we contend that conditions -- namely accessibility, affordability and take-up -- are not yet in place for switchover," the BBC said.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?T1035160A 
 
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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.
_________________

> 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
_________________

> VP eBusiness Consulting

Want to manage multiple eCommerce, Portal, and web content management projects for the Fortune 500? Or play a key role in the growth and strategy of an energetic small company? Or is your preference getting involved in solution architecture, eBusiness strategy, and exploring leading edge technologies? Or large-scale IT implementations for the government? Do it all as VP of eBusiness Consulting at McFadyen Consulting in Vienna , VA. Learn more at http://www.McFadyen.com Send resumes to tmcfadyen@mcfadyen.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
_________________

> Contract Training Coordinator

The Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) seeks an energetic professional to serve as the Contract Training Program Coordinator at our Herndon Training Center site. OCPE offers a positive team-based environment in a fast paced customer oriented department. Salary $27- $32K, excellent state benefits. Apply for position no. 01504z at http://jobs.gmu.edu by January 7, 2005. AA/EOE
_________________

> Director of Business Development - NY/NJ

Drive strategic sales through existing relationship with IBM Global Services. The ability to drive a business plan thru execution, and a successful track record at a startup, are pre-requisites. Successful candidates will have experience in Enterprise Software and infrastructure management, in both sales and channel management. Must have worked with IBM as a partner. Send resumes to rminaglia@evidentsoftware.com
_________________

> Sales Executive, Health And Life Sciences

IMC is looking for Sales executives with at least 5 years demonstrated experience selling biomedical informatics consulting services and solutions, such as clinical trials management tools, electronic medical records and patient safety records management. Sales experience can be in federal or commercial sectors. Ideal candidates will already have a developed pipeline. Check us out at http://www.imc.com and send your resume to mwright@imc.com
_________________

> HireStrategy - Revenue Accounting Manager

This exciting position provides the opportunity to manage the monthly revenue recognition process ensuring that revenue is properly recorded and that the process is completed in a timely manner. In addition, the qualified candidate will provide career development counseling to all staff members to help them with their professional growth. The preferred candidate will have experience using Peoplesoft Financials. An Accounting or Finance degree and a minimum of 6 years related accounting experience is required, as is a CPA or equivalent experience. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire234.asp _________________

> 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
_________________

> Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, Falls Church, VA (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
_________________

> Account Managers (Biometrics, Smart Cards, PKI) - Federal And Commercial

Precise Biometrics is a global leader in biometric and smart card authentication solutions for both logical and physical access control to the Federal government and Global 1000 organizations. We are currently expanding our sales team in North America. Requirements: 3 - 5 years exp. selling enterprise solutions in the commercial or federal market. Experience with identity management security solutions (Biometrics, Smart Cards, and PKI experience is a definite advantage). Candidates must reside in the greater DC metro area. Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@precisebiometrics.com No recruiters please. _________________

> 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
_________________

> 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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