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DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- September 23, 2002
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To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com
o Directors Guild Countersues Sellers of "Sanitized" Movies, Software
o Report: Lack of Content Cited for Low Consumer Broadband Demand
o Interactive TV Software Firm MetaTV Raises $21 Million
o Mforma Acquires Wireless Game Developer NGame
> Digital Media Wire Event: "Interactive Marketing" | NYC | Oct. 15
> Featured Section: Streaming Media East
o Briefly Noted: Google - news service, Yahoo - Games On Demand, Kazaa V2,
Microsoft - Eyeblaster - Point-Roll, Sega - Michael Crichton, Warner Music
Group - RioPort, Gist - Charter, Magis Networks - Digeo, Princeton Video
Image - Fox Sports, Walt Disney Internet Group - AT&T WorldNet, THQ -
"Summoner 2," Sega Mobile - Pocket PC, Garageband Records, Online gambling
- legal issues
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> Jobs: VP Product Mgmt., Senior Contract Mgr., VP of Media
> Events
> Marketplace
Full Classifieds located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.
To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
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o Directors Guild Countersues Sellers of "Sanitized" Movies, Software
Los Angeles -- The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has filed
counterclaims against the creators of "sanitized" versions of its members'
films, who previously sued sixteen directors for the right to sell their
edited versions. Utah-based Clean Flicks, a video store chain that sells
movies that have been edited to remove graphic language, violence and/or
sexual content, sued the DGA last week in Colorado federal court. In its
counterclaim, the DGA asks to expand the suit to include not just edited
movie retailers, but producers of movie-sanitizing software and devices
such as Trilogy Studios, ClearPlay and Family Shield Technologies. The DGA
is suing under the Lanham Act, which prohibits false advertising,
trademark infringement, and unfair competition, and "has been applied to
protect an artist's right not to be associated with an unauthorized,
edited version of his or her work," the DGA said in a statement. The group
also asked permission for motion picture studios to become involved with
the suit, as the owners of movie copyrights. "It is wrong to cut scenes
from a film -- just as it is to rip pages from a book -- simply because we
don't like the way something was portrayed or said, then resell it with
the original title and creator's name still on it," said DGA President
Martha Coolidge.
http://www.dga.org/news/pr_expand.php3?281
http://www.cleanflicks.com
http://www.trilogystudios.com
http://www.movieshield.com
http://www.salon.com/ent/wire/2002/09/21/lawsuit/index.html
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/2002-09-02-flicks_x.htm
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o Report: Lack of Content Cited for Low Consumer Broadband Demand
Washington -- More broadband connections are available than there are
customers willing to pay for extra for high-speed access, according to a
report released on Monday by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce's Office of
Technology Policy. The report cites data from a number of different
surveys and research firms. The U.S., with 10 percent of its population
using high-speed Internet, lags behind the broadband penetration in
countries such as Canada, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan. Lack of
compelling content like music and movies, which would move consumers to
pay an extra $30 per month over the standard $20 fees for a dial-up
connection to upgrade to broadband, is a major reason for the medium's
slow adoption. The report also interestingly suggests that copy-protection
technologies, which copyright owners consistently state are essential to
their willingness to distribute their content, should be determined in the
marketplace -- as opposed to the government-mandated technologies
currently being considered.
http://www.ta.doc.gov/reports/TechPolicy/Broadband_020921.htm
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20020923/D7M7BT781.html
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o Interactive TV Software Firm MetaTV Raises $21 Million
Mill Valley, Calif. -- MetaTV, a developer of interactive TV software and
services, announced on Monday that it has raised $21 million in its fourth
round of financing. Cable TV operators Comcast Corporation and Cox
Communications led the investment round; Hearst Interactive Media, Atrium
Venture Partners, Liberate Technologies, Redpoint Ventures and Rosewood
Venture Group also participated. Mill Valley, Calif.-based MetaTV develops
advanced digital services and applications such as video-on-demand,
virtual channels, information services, advertising and commerce for
television. The company will use the funds to further develop its
technology that allows network operators to deploy and manage these
services.
http://www.metatv.com/news/new/092302_ComcastCox.htm
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o Mforma Acquires Wireless Game Developer NGame
Kirkland, Wash. -- Mforma, a provider of wireless development tools,
platforms and content, announced on Monday that it has acquired wireless
game developer NGame Limited. Financial terms of the transaction were not
disclosed. Former CEO of U.K.-based NGame John Brimacombe will become
president and COO of Kirkland, Wash.-based Mforma Group. NGame has
distributed its wireless games with mobile carriers including Sprint's PCS
Vision, AT&T Wireless' mMode, T-Mobile and others. The combined company
will offer wireless network operators content including SMS, MMS, WAP and
Java games, as well as directory service, location services, weather,
general news and information.
http://www.mforma.com/releases/092302.shtml
http://www.ngame.com
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EVENT -- DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE Presents...
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Interactive Marketing: Where Success Lies Now and in the Future
New York City | Tues. October 15 | 6:00-9:00 PM
Produced with the New York New Media Association, in association with the
Interactive Advertising Bureau.
Sponsors: KMZ Rosenman | NYNMA | IAB
This executive forum brings together leaders from companies such as MSN,
Google, About.com, GoldPocket Interactive and others that are succeeding
in online media. Hear firsthand the strategies, tactics and technologies
that are working today and get a glimpse what is in store for the future.
For more information and to register:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events/imarketing_101502.htm
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==================
FEATURED SECTION
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Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm
STREAMING MEDIA EAST 2002: Javits Convention Center, NY
Conference: September 30 - October 3
Exhibition: October 1 - 3
***CONFERENCE*** Held over 4 fact-filled days, the Conference offers
industry-leading keynotes, world-class speakers, in-depth Conference
Sessions and a comprehensive Beginner's Seminar.
**EXHIBITION (FREE with pre-registration)*** Experience the tricks behind
the trade and find today's business solutions, as industry leading
companies showcase the latest in streaming and digital media advancements.
For full Conference information and your FREE Exhibition pass visit
http://www.streamingmedia.com/east
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Briefly Noted:
(Mountain View, Calif.) Search engine provider Google on Monday launched a
more comprehensive beta version of its news search service, now offering
continuously updated headlines and scanning of over 4,000 publications.
The news is grouped together using solely a proprietary algorithm
developed by Google, with no human editors. The service "pulls together
related headlines and photos from thousands of sources worldwide --
enabling you to see how different news organizations are reporting the
same story."
http://news.google.com/help/about_news_search.html
(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Yahoo on Monday announced the launch of a
pay-for-play, streamed video game service, Yahoo Games On Demand. The
service will offer 40 games at launch from developers including
Activision, Eidos Interactive, Infogrames and Take2. Games may be rented
in multi-game, monthly subscriptions or single, three-day rentals: pricing
will be $4.95 for the rental of one game for three days; $9.95 for three
games for thirty days; $12.95 for five games for thirty days; and $14.95
for ten games for thirty days.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020923/230184_1.html
http://gamesondemand.yahoo.com
(Los Angeles) Sharman Networks, distributor of the Kazaa file-sharing
network software, announced on Monday the release of an updated version of
the software, Kazaa V2. Included in the new release are features like
shared playlists, preferential placement in download queues for those who
share their own files and provide file ratings, and a new advertising
partnership with European broadband access provider Tiscali.
http://www.sharmannetworks.com
http://www.kazaa.com
(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft on Monday announced that it has signed
agreements with two rich media advertising technology firms to be able to
offer advertisers on its MSN portal and services the more interactive
formats. Microsoft will offer ad formats developed by New York-based
Eyeblaster and Philadelphia-based Point-Roll. Last week, rival AOL
announced it would adopt rich media ad-serving technology offered by
RealNetworks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020923/sfm081_1.html
http://www.eyeblaster.com
http://www.pointroll.com
http://www.advantage.msn.com
(San Francisco) Game developer Sega of America announced on Monday that it
has signed an agreement with best-selling author Michael Crichton to
develop a game based on an original concept, for release in 2004. Crichton
is known for works including "The Andromeda Strain," "Jurassic Park" and
the TV series "ER." "Unlike traditional licensing agreements in which
pre-existing properties are developed into video games, Sega's partnership
with Michael Crichton is a unique alliance bringing together brilliant
talent from two different entertainment media to create a game concept
from scratch," said Sega of America president Peter Moore.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/222660089&ticker=
http://www.crichton-official.com
(New York) Warner Music Group announced on Monday that it will make an
additional 30,000 tracks available for purchase via download through
technology partner RioPort. The songs -- which can be both burned onto CD
and transferred to secure portable devices -- will start at $0.99 each.
San Jose, Calif.-based RioPort will handle sales transactions for retail
partners like BestBuy.com, the Musicland Group, MTV.com and HP.com.
http://www.rioport.com
(New York) Gist Communications, a provider of interactive program guides
for digital television, said on Monday that its TVMAG on-screen television
magazine has been deployed through Digeo's interactive TV service in 18 of
cable TV operator Charter Communications' markets. The new service, which
will pass 600,000 Charter subscribers, will offer TV-specific feature
stories, daily recommendations for each night's viewing and soap opera
updates.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020923/nym123_1.html
http://www.gist.com/us/index.html
http://www.digeo.com
http://www.charter.com
(San Diego) Magis Networks, a developer of wireless networking chipsets
for consumer electronics, said on Monday that it has partnered with Digeo,
a provider of media center platforms and services for interactive
television. Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop a
version of Digeo's Moxi Media Center that integrates San Diego-based Magis
Networks' 802.11a-based wireless networking technology.
http://www.magisnetworks.com/news/pr_20020923.asp
http://www.digeo.com
(New York) Princeton Video Image, a developer of virtual advertising
technology, said on Monday that it launched a new animated virtual ad
platform with Fox Sports during yesterday's Fox NFL Sunday pre-game show.
The 10-second animated virtual ads featured Ford trucks interacting with
the field and the stadium in different ways: bolting through an imaginary
door at the mouth of the player's tunnel, pulling a large roll of steel
across the field, and uprooting a section of the stadium's stands,
revealing a Ford logo. New York-based Princeton Video Image also developed
the "virtual 1st down line" seen during pro and college football
telecasts.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020922/222006_1.html
http://www.pvi-inc.com
(North Hollywood, Calif.) Walt Disney Internet Group said on Monday that
it has licensed select content to be featured on Internet service provider
AT&T WorldNet's homepage. The agreement will bring articles, graphics,
sports scores and schedules, and games from Disney.com, FamilyFun.com, and
ESPN.com to the AT&T site. Walt Disney Internet Group also distributes
wireless content through AT&T Wireless' mMode service.
http://psc.disney.go.com/corporate/press/wdig/wdig/2001/2002_0923_wdig.html
http://www.att.net
(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Game developer THQ on Monday shipped "Summoner
2," developed by Illinois-based game studio Volition, for Sony PlayStation
2. Calabasas Hills, Calif.-based THQ also announced that its Seattle,
Wash.-based Cranky Pants Games development studio will create a version of
"Summoner 2" for Nintendo's GameCube console, expected to be released in
early 2003.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020923/230382_1.html
http://www.volition-inc.com
http://www.summoner2.com
(San Francisco) Sega Mobile, the wireless division of the Japanese video
game developer, said on Monday that it will now offer a range of its games
for owners of Pocket PC portable devices. Games including "Super Golf,"
"Slider," "Vampire: Master of Darkness" and "Halley Wars" will be
available for download to a PC, which can then be transferred to a Pocket
PC device for a free trial prior to purchase.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/222660251&ticker=
http://www.us.segamobile.com
(San Francisco) Garageband Records, a site that offered promotion and
distribution services for unsigned bands, announced on Monday its official
re-launch and the naming of Ali Partovi as its new CEO and a primary
investor. Previously, Partovi headed LinkExchange, which was acquired by
Microsoft for $265 million. Despite the success of its free service,
Garageband shut down in February 2002 because it couldn't sustain its
business as an independent record label. San Francisco-based Garageband
said it will now focus on selling premium services to its community of
members.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/222660223&ticker=
http://www.garageband.com
(San Francisco) Wired News on Monday reported on the questionable legality
of online gambling in the U.S., and how the issue is playing out in the
courts and in Congress. Lawmakers have repeatedly touted the Federal
Interstate Wire Act of 1960 as prohibiting online gambling, but this law
refers specifically to sporting events and contests, leaving
mathematical-based wagering such as that done in casinos on a different
legal footing. Some of Nevada's biggest casinos have already launched
online operations, following a successful ballot issue directing the state
legislature to begin issuing online gambling licenses.
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,55202,00.html
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===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm
VP Product Management - Key Management Team Member Needed
Seeking a VP of Product Management for new healthcare ASP venture. This
position will serve as the company's domain application expert and product
visionary. Extensive healthcare and claims adjudication knowledge is
required. Verbal, written, and presentation skills are key. The VP will
serve as the company's product champion, guiding all product enhancements
and new features based on market need and legislative requirements such as
HIPAA. VA based, equity opportunity. Send resumes and inquiries to
itoff@erols.com
_____________________________________________
Senior Contract Manager - Google - Mountain View, CA
Google is seeking an experienced contract negotiator. Responsibilities
include daily review of standard contracts, limited authority to draft
contractual terms and conditions for licenses and advertising services
agreements, intensive in-house client interaction. Communicate company
policies and approval processes for contract changes to sales
professionals. 3-5 years of contract negotiation. Resume to
jobs@google.com or fax (650) 618-1796. Please include position.
_____________________________________________
VP Media - Mosaic - Marina Del Rey, CA
Mosaic Data Solutions is a Canadian Based Fortune 500 Marketing Firm and
the World's leading Email Marketing Firm and provider of consumer data
products. We seek a VP of Media who will be responsible for selling Mosaic
Data Solutions (CustomOffers) own proprietary products to consumers via
Banners, Pops and Keyword purchases strategically placed around the
Internet. For immediate consideration, contact Thomas Geraci at:
tgeraci@mosaicdatasolutions.com
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====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm
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CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
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Copyright 2002 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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