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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- December 18, 2002
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

o U.S. Ruling Contradicts Aussie Court Ruling On 'Net Libel Jurisdiction
o Report: Consumers Increasingly Paying for Online Content
o RIAA Hits Gas Stations, Grocery Stores In Anti-Piracy Sting Operations
o Vivendi Sells Stake In Satellite TV Firm EchoStar At Big Loss
o Sony, Matsushita Partner to Develop Linux for Consumer Electronics
o Activision Cuts Revenue Forecasts, Cites Weak Game Sales, Shelf Space
o Sprint Launches Listen.com Music Services for DSL, Mobile Subscribers

> DMW Publications: Special Rates for DMW Subscribers

o Briefly Noted: Blockbuster - top video game rentals/sales, Google -
Sprint PCS, Digital Bridges - BSkyB, Instant Media Network - BMG,
ElcomSoft acquittal - reactions, digital actors
_____________________________________________

> Events: Eventeurs

> Marketplace: Homeland Security Directory, Interest-Based Navigation

Full Classifieds located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.

To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html 
or contact Tinzar Than at tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o U.S. Ruling Contradicts Aussie Court Ruling On 'Net Libel Jurisdiction

Washington -- In direct opposition to a landmark Australian court ruling,
a U.S. court has ruled that several Connecticut newspapers may not be sued
in Virginia for allegedly libelous content published online in
Connecticut. The Australian ruling, falling against publishing giant Dow
Jones, said that that the U.S. publisher may be sued in Australia for
allegedly defaming an Aussie in its U.S.-based online publication. Dow
Jones now faces the prospect of defending a defamation claim in an
Australian court for content it published online from the U.S. The ruling
was seen as landmark for publishers, which may now have to confront
conforming to individual countries' particular defamation laws or else
face litigation. In the conflicting U.S. ruling, the 4th Circuit Court of
Appeals ruled that the Hartford Courant and New Haven Advocate cannot be
sued in Virginia, by a Virginia prison warden who claims he was libeled in
the online versions of the newspapers. "The facts in this case establish
that the newspapers' Web sites, as well as the articles in question, were
aimed at a Connecticut audience. The newspapers did not post materials on
the Internet with the manifest intent of targeting Virginia readers," the
appellate court judges wrote, in their ruling.
http://www.ctnow.com/news/nationworld/hc-netcase1214.artdec14.story 
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-978069.html?tag=cd_mh 
_____________________________________________

o Report: Consumers Increasingly Paying for Online Content

New York -- Consumers are increasingly paying to access online content, as
10 percent of all U.S. Internet users are expected to pony up this year,
according to a recent report from New York-based marketing research firm
eMarketer. The report indicates that 15.7 million U.S. consumers -- or 10
percent of the online population -- will purchase online content in 2002,
a number expected to rise to 21 million -- or 13 percent -- in 2003.
Individual consumers will pay $3.8 billion worldwide for online content in
2002 and organizations $44 billion, adding up to nearly $50 billion by the
end of this year. "The question of whether consumers are more willing to
pay for online content has become largely irrelevant," said eMarketer
senior analyst Ben Macklin. "The more appropriate question is whether
businesses are any longer willing to offer online content and services for
free. And the answer increasingly seems to be no."
http://www.emarketer.com/products/report.php?content_on 
_____________________________________________

o RIAA Hits Gas Stations, Grocery Stores In Anti-Piracy Sting Operations

Washington -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has
launched an anti-piracy campaign that targets small retailers, including
gas stations, convenience stores and grocery markets that are allegedly
selling illegal pirated music. After an undercover survey, the RIAA sent
letters to 78 shops in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and parts of
Texas and Florida. The letters demand that the retailers "stop all illegal
activity, pay a settlement fee and provide 'intelligence' on other pirate
music offerings" or face a lawsuit. The RIAA blamed computer technology
developments and the low cost of replication materials and equipment for
the rising number of small pirated music retailers such as those targeted
in its undercover surveys. "This new initiative should serve as a clarion
call for retail outlets of all shapes and sizes that we take music piracy
seriously and they need to get their house in order. No one should think
they operate below the radar anymore," said RIAA CEO Hilary Rosen.
http://www.riaa.org/PR_story.cfm?id=596 
_____________________________________________

o Vivendi Sells Stake In Satellite TV Firm EchoStar At Big Loss

Paris -- French media and utility conglomerate Vivendi Universal announced
on Wednesday that it has sold its 10 percent stake in satellite TV
operator EchoStar Communications, operator of the DISH Network, back to
EchoStar. Total net proceeds for Vivendi were $1.066 billion, taking a
loss of  $430 million loss in the transaction, in part to trim its heavy
debt load. The company would have owned about 5 percent of a combined
EchoStar/DirecTV, but that proposed merger failed to pass regulatory
muster.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021218/182117_1.html 
_____________________________________________

o Sony, Matsushita Partner to Develop Linux for Consumer Electronics

Tokyo -- Japanese consumer electronics firms Sony and Matsushita announced
on Wednesday that they will develop a version of the open-source Linux
operating system for use in consumer electronics devices. The software
will be freely available to developers, so long as any additions or
improvements they make are also made freely available. Linux would
initially be used to run devices such as personal video recorders,
eventually expanding to portable devices like handheld PDAs. The two
companies said that fellow electronics manufacturers Hitachi, IBM, NEC,
Philips, Samsung and Sharp have said that they would be interested in a
standard Linux system for consumer electronics.
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=528&e=2&cid=5
28&u=/ap/20021218/ap_on_hi_te/sony_matsushita 
_____________________________________________

o Activision Cuts Revenue Forecasts, Cites Weak Game Sales, Shelf Space

Santa Monica, Calif. -- Game developer Activision has lowered its
projections for revenues and earnings for the third and fourth quarter and
full fiscal years 2003 and 2004, citing weaker than expected holiday game
sales and competition for space on retailers' shelves. The company said
established game titles are selling better than its slate of
newly-developed titles, and additionally, that its own established titles,
like "Tony Hawk Pro Skater," are not performing as well as expected.
Activision also said that retailers are making conservative initial orders
for titles to accommodate for the wealth of new games released, followed
by lower than expected reorders for even top-selling titles. Santa Monica,
Calif.-based Activision now expects fiscal 2003 net revenue to be $823
million and earnings per share of $0.88, as opposed to its Oct. 29
estimate of $934 million and $1.29 per share.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021217/latu107_1.html 
http://www.activision.com 
_____________________________________________

o Sprint Launches Listen.com Music Services for DSL, Mobile Subscribers

Overland Park, Kansas -- Sprint announced on Wednesday the launch of two
digital music services from Listen.com -- one for its DSL subscribers and
one for Sprint PCS Vision cell phone subscribers. Sprint FastConnect DSL
high-speed Internet subscibers can now subscribe to San Francisco-based
Listen.com's Rhapsody digital music service, offering on-demand streaming
of a selection of over 260,000 tracks for $10 per month. Sprint PCS
subscribers with Vision-enabled phones may also access Rhapsody 411, a
service where they can browse thousands of music recommendations, artist
bios, artist discographies, full-color artist images and album art using
their cell phones.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021218/sfw021_1.html 
http://www.listen.com/sprint 
_____________________________________________

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==========================================
DMW Publications: Available for DMW Subscribers NOW!
November Law & Policy Report | Game Industry Report | iTV Chronicle
==========================================
Contact tinzar@digitalmediawire.com or call 323-464-0793 to order your
copies.
To purchase directly, go to:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm 

Digital Media Law & Policy Report  (November)
A new report every month - must-read publication on legal and policy
matters related to digital media.  38 pages of case summaries, news and
analysis, policy updates, court filings, and exclusive interviews with
legal counsel and business leaders.
**Special Reduced Rates available for a limited time**   
Price:   $19.00 Per Issue   |   $195.00 Annual Subscription  
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

Game Industry Law & Policy Report (published 11/1/02)
Special industry report covering law & policy matters impacting the game
industry. The 15-page report includes case summaries, news and analysis,
feature article and an exclusive interview with Doug Lowenstein,
President, Interactive Digital Software Association.   Price:  $19.00
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

For those who believe in ITV - "INTERACTIVE TELEVISION: The Definitive
Chronicle." Covering the period 2000 to the present, this sourcebook
presents a complete history of the news and events that have shaped the
business of iTV since the beginning of the 21st Century. Culled from
countless sources, including the Digital Media Wire database, this 175
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http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

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

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Briefly Noted:

(Dallas) Video rental giant Blockbuster has announced the top-renting and
top-selling video games in its 8,200 worldwide stores for 2002, with New
York-based Take-Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" taking the
top slot in both categories. Electronic Arts' "Madden NFL 2003" and "Medal
of Honor Frontline" were the only two other titles to make the top five in
both rental and sales categories.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021217/datu026_1.html  

(Mountain View, Calif.) Search engine provider Google announced on
Wednesday that it has partnered with wireless network operator Sprint PCS
to launch the first U.S.-based wireless image search service. Owners of
Sprint Vision-enabled PCS phones may now browse Mountain View,
Calif.-based Google's database of over 400 million full-color photos and
over 3 billion indexed Web pages.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/021218/180198_1.html 
http://www.google.com  

(London) Wireless game developer Digital Bridges announced that it has
partnered with U.K.-based satellite TV provider BSkyB, to offer the
company's Sky Active viewers the ability to download SMS and Java-based
games to their phones through their televisions. Cell phone games
including "Space Invaders," "Scooby Doo: Jeepers Creepers" and "Men In
Black II: Same Planet. New Scum" will be available for purchase by Sky
Active's 6.3 million subscribers in the U.K. and Ireland.
http://www.digitalbridges.com/newsite/newsroom/latest.php?id=96 
http://www1.sky.com/skyactive/homepage  

(Laguna Niguel, Calif.) Instant Media Network, a subsidiary of hotel
pay-per-view and video-on-demand systems provider On Command, announced on
Wednesday that it has signed a license agreement to offer major label
BMG's songs through its music on-demand service. Laguna Niguel,
Calif.-based Instant Media Network's system lets hotel guests to listen to
music on-demand through the television and purchase CDs by using their
room's TV remote control.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/021218/law008a_1.html 
http://www.oncommand.com 
http://www.bmg.com 

(San Francisco) Both CNET News.com and Wired News on Wednesday published
reactions from lawyers and lawmakers to the acquittal of Russian software
firm ElcomSoft, in the first legal test of the criminal provisions of the
controversial Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The News.com story
features commentary from Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), who said his bill that
would change the DMCA to prevent such cases as ElcomSoft's, will be
reintroduced in the next Congress without any changes.
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-978296.html?tag=fd_top 
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,56898,00.html 

(Redmond, Wash.) MSNBC.com on Wednesday reported on the technology behind
digital actors, such as the character of Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings:
The Two Towers," which the Los Angeles Times called, "perhaps the most
believable computer-generated character in a movie." Each scene in the
movie that features Gollum was shot three times: once on location with the
actor, Andy Serkis, who plays Gollum, once without him and once in a
studio with Serkis wearing a motion-capture suit.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/848187.asp?0dm=T11LT 
_____________________________________________

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

Digital Media Wire's Gift Suggestions for the Holidays:

-Verizon DSL:  SIGN UP ONLINE NOW AND YOU COULD WIN $50,000.
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000559414 

-Zones: Connecting Businesses & Technology.
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000568318

-The Palm Store: Free Software & Special Savings!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000564835

-Audiobookclub.com - The World's Greatest Selection of Audiobooks!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000555804

-Bose - Acoustic Wave Systems. Environmental Speakers. Quiet Comfort.
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000555807

-Totally Fun Toys - Toys that stimulate creativity, learning, and healthy
play! http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000556187

-Watchzone - watches at great prices!!!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000556190

Other Great Gift Ideas:

-Art Gazebo - Custom-framed prints at 40-50% off!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000578489  

-Thompson Cigar: Since 1915! Great Value!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000574586  

-Zany Brainy - Kids learn best when they are having fun!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000580256

-Wine Enthusiast - Ultimate Wine Cellar, Accessory, and Unique Gift Guide
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000555777

-Nirvana Chocolates - Delicious Belgium Chocolates!
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000556080

-Eddie Bauer: Quality. Classic. Comfort.
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000554928

-Road Runner Sports - World's Largest Collection of Running Shoes
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000556083

-Jos. A Bank - Quality Men's Apparel.
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000000555991
______________________________________________________

HOLIDAY PERSONAL SHOPPER
I can help anyone in any department with any gift buying needs... or offer
suggestions... be it jewelry, home, accessories, mens or ladies clothing,
etc..and can be reached at 310-550-5900 ext 2007.  GEMMI
______________________________________________________

Rock & Roll One Of A Kinds!

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

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

_____________________________________________

====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm 

HOLIDAY CATERING...The best staff and food in town!

Eventeurs uses the top chefs and most attractive staff in the business. We
can do an amazing holiday party for you and work within your budget.
Please call Alan Dunn at 323.466.1835 or go to http://www.eventeurs.net
_____________________________________________

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

Only 35 copies remaining of Directory of Homeland Security

This is your company's final chance to purchase the inaugural edition of
the Directory of Homeland Security: a 160-page book that lists all federal
and state agencies involved in homeland security. The directory includes
names of over 1,500 homeland security officials, profiles of 500 agencies
involved in homeland security, and a detailed list of technology companies
in this sector. The directory is sponsored by NETSEC, Greenberg Traurig,
AT&T and the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

To purchase the directory, go to: http://www.homeland-directory.com
_____________________________________________

Etronica helps you "Find the Good Stuff FAST!"

Etronica's unique software toolset enables "Interest Based Navigation" of
Digital Content. The Patent Pending software tools can be incorporated
directly into content websites and portals, installed in TV settop boxes
or integrated as OEM components. The tools drive the automatic tagging,
indexing, and categorization of text. A recommendation engine suggests
highly relevant new information to users as they interact. Personalized
advertising and commerce offerings can also be automatically served.
Contact us to learn more: info@etronica.com
http://www.etronica.com
_____________________________________________

Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
exceptional value to individuals and companies determined to capitalize on
the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Digital Media
Wire, the first in a series of business-intelligence publications,
delivers original daily briefings on the business, legal and financial
developments shaping digital media.

Digital Media Wire is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
network of publications that includes 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 62,000 individuals from
over 70 countries worldwide each business day.

Upcoming publications, events & information at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

Questions, Comments & Suggestions to:
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com 

News Tips, Scoops & Press Releases to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com 
_____________________________________________

Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
Marketing Director: Tinzar Than

Copyright 2002 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.