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ArchivesArbitron Drops MeasureCast Web Radio Ratings; New Service PlannedAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 27, 2004 - 7:43am.
New York -- Arbitron, the provider of ratings data for radio stations nationwide, announced on Friday that it will cease its weekly and monthly MeasureCast ratings, which measure Internet radio broadcast audiences, with plans to offer a revised service "better aligned with the needs of the market." New York-based Arbitron acquired MeasureCast in November 2002 and began offering the company's tally of the most-streamed Internet radio stations on the Web, but now believes that MeasureCast "does not provide the kind of information... that media planners need to justify including Internet Broadcasting in their media plans (age, sex, geography, etc.)," said Arbitron Internet Broadcast Services vice president and general manager Bill Rose. Arbitron also said that MeasureCast's method was not adequately scalable for the rapid growth of the medium. "We remain committed to the Internet broadcast business and continue to believe in the viability of this medium and its long-term market potential," said Arbitron New Ventures president Pierre Bouvard. "However, the investment needed to sustain the current method would have been far greater than the revenue potential for the service." The company did not provide details on exactly when it will launch its revised Internet radio ratings service.
Gemstar Settles Patent Dispute, Licenses TV Program Guide to PioneerAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 27, 2004 - 7:42am.
Los Angeles -- Gemstar-TV Guide International, a provider of electronic program guides for digital TV services, announced on Friday that it has ended outstanding litigation with consumer electronics firm Pioneer, and will license its program guide technology for use in Pioneer products in North America, Japan and Europe. The deal includes a one-time payment to Gemstar of $14 million, as well as license fees based on the number of Pioneer devices using Gemstar technology that are sold. "I'm delighted to have resolved the issues between our two companies, and look forward to working with Pioneer to make their customers' television experience more simple and enjoyable," said Gemstar CEO Jeff Shell. In the past several months, Los Angeles-based Gemstar has signed similar license agreements with Sony, LG, Comcast and Mitsubishi.
SanDisk, Motorola Team on New Tiny Memory Card for Cell PhonesAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 27, 2004 - 7:26am.
Sunnyvale, Calif. -- SanDisk, a manufacturer of portable storage media, has announced the release of what it says is the world's smallest flash memory format, T-Flash, designed primarily for use in cell phones. Capable of storing data such as music, images and video, the fingernail-sized memory cards will be available in capacities of between 32MB and 128MB and will cost $14 to $39. Cell phone maker Motorola will be the first to feature T-Flash cards, in new handset models scheduled to hit the market in the second half of 2004.
BBC Technology Fires Managing Director Over "Misuse of Hospitality"Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 27, 2004 - 7:25am.
London -- The BBC announced on Friday that it has fired the head of its BBC Technology interactive TV and TV production unit as a result of a disciplinary procedure for "misuse of hospitality." The BBC said that Ann Wilson's termination was in no way related to the impending sale of BBC Technology, which it announced it would look to sell off in November of last year. The BBC said then that it could save around $56 million per year by outsourcing the services that BBC Technology provides. Firms including IBM, HP, Fujitsu and Siemens have expressed interest in the unit, which will likely be sold later this year. Adrian Cocoran, the current director of operations at BBC Technology, has been appointed acting managing director while the company seeks a replacement for Wilson.
Sony Delays Launch of PSP Handheld Game Device Until 2005Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:51am.
Tokyo -- Sony Corp. has announced that it will not release its new PSP portable video game device in the U.S. in time for the 2004 holiday shopping season, instead opting to ship the PSP some time in the first quarter of 2005. Sony confirmed that the device will still launch this year in Japan, but will also delay the PSP's launch in Europe until 2005. "In order to ensure that the launch time frame is well supported, we want to allow developers and publishers sufficient time to optimize content for our new portable-entertainment platform," Sony spokeswoman Teresa Weaver told News.com. Analysts said the delay may benefit Nintendo, which plans to launch its own new portable handheld game, the dual-screened Nintendo DS, by the end of the year.
Game Developer Majesco Raises $22.5 Million in Private PlacementAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:50am.
Edison, N.J. -- ConnectivCorp, the parent company of video game developer and publisher Majesco, announced that it has raised $25.8 million in a private placement of its shares with a group of investors. The company also expects to close shortly on an additional $1.1 million in proceeds, and said total net proceeds after deducting the fees and other expenses related to the financing will be approximately $22.5 million. New Jersey-based Majesco's current titles include "BloodRayne," which will soon become a feature-length film; upcoming releases include "Advent Rising" and "Bomberman Jetters."
T-Mobile, Sony Music Partner on Intl. Mobile Music DistributionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:48am.
New York -- Wireless network operator T-Mobile and Sony Music announced on Thursday an international mobile music partnership that will bring music from Sony artists to the cell phones of T-Mobile subscribers in the U.S. and Europe. Under the agreement, T-Mobile will be able to distribute $1.99 HiFi Ringers -- featuring actual clips of song recordings -- from Sony artists including Beyonce, John Mayer and Nas, in addition to polyphonic MIDI tones, artist voice ringers and wallpaper images. The companies will also collaborate on "Artist Packs," each incorporating multiple artist-related mobile offerings.
Norwegian Browser Maker Opera Releases Details of Upcoming IPOAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:48am.
Oslo -- Opera, a Norway-based developer of Internet browser technology that competes with Internet Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla, released full details of its planned initial public offering (IPO) on Thursday. The privately held company will launch on the Oslo Stock Exchange on March 11, issuing between 12.5 and 16.1 million shares with an indicative price range between $1.13-1.41, valuing Opera at between $27.5-39.5 million. Industry experts say Opera's IPO could be the first of many hi-tech flotations this year, a reversal that surely will be welcomed by the European technology sector after a nearly three-year IPO drought. Opera's subscription period will close March 10, the company said.
Actor Vin Diesel Launches Game Publishing Label Tigon StudiosAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:46am.
Los Angeles -- Actor Vin Diesel ("XXX," "Iron Giant") has announced the launch of his own video game publishing firm, Tigon Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Former Fox Interactive game producer Cos Lazoura will serve as CEO of Tigon, which will publish games from third-party developers. The studio's first title will be "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay," based on the upcoming film from Universal Studios starring Diesel, who will also contribute his likeness and voice talent to the game. The title will be developed by Sweden-based Starbreeze, also responsible for the game "Enclave."
AOL, Cartoon Network Launch Contest for Online Game DevelopersAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:45am.
Atlanta -- Time Warner subsidiaries AOL and Cartoon Network on Thursday announced a contest that will let a video game developer create an online game for CartoonNetwork.com. The "Project Goldmaster" contest will be offered in conjunction with the Independent Games Festival, which will determine ten finalists from which Cartoon Network will choose a winner. The winner will then develop a game based on a Cartoon Network property such as "Codename: Kids Next Door," "The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy" or "Samurai Jack." Development of the title will be chronicled in an online AOL Journal, which will post video vignettes, early storyboards, screen images and interviews with the game-makers for AOL members.
ActiveCore Sells Mobile Game Division to SilverBirch for $1.75 MillionAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 26, 2004 - 7:44am.
Toronto -- ActiveCore Technologies announced on Thursday that it has sold its mobile game development division to 1607590 Ontario Limited for $1.75 million. 1607590 Ontario Limited will immediately change its name to SilverBirch Studios. ActiveCore Technologies will retain an initial 5% equity holding in the new company with a right to participate in further equity raising to maintain its ownership level. SilverBirch Studios will be headed by Kevin Birch, who resigned from ActiveCore in connection with the transaction.
Apple in U.K. Trademark Suit with Beatles' Apple Corp Record LabelAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 25, 2004 - 7:57am.
London -- Apple Computer went to court in England on Wednesday to argue for its right to continue to use the "Apple" trademark in the U.K., where the company has a past agreement with the Beatles' record label -- also named Apple -- not to use the trademark in connection with the music business, Reuters reported. U.K.-based Apple Corp. says that the computer maker breached the companies' 1991 agreement with the launch of its iTunes Music Store. In court Wednesday, Apple Computer argued first that the case should rightfully be heard in California, and not England, and also that its agreement with the record label includes use of the Apple name for "data transmission services," which the company says encompasses the music download store. The hearing on the trademark dispute is expected to last three days.
Report: Electronic Arts to Shutter Austin-Based Development Studio OriginAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 25, 2004 - 7:57am.
Redwood City, Calif. -- Video game developer and publisher Electronic Arts is planning to close its Origin Systems development studio in Austin, Texas, according to published reports. Employees are reportedly being given the opportunity to relocate to EA's California offices; the company is headquartered in Redwood City and recently announced the opening of a new development studio in Los Angeles. The company has also consolidated its Westwood and Maxis studios into the new Los Angeles facility. Established in 1983, Austin-based Origin is responsible for creating titles including "Ultima" and "Wing Commander."
Kazaa Partner Brilliant Digital Delisted from AMEXAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 25, 2004 - 7:56am.
Woodland Hills, Calif. -- Brilliant Digital Entertainment, a developer of 3D Web advertising and operator of the Altnet paid peer-to-peer content distribution network, announced on Wednesday that its shares have been delisted from the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) and will now trade on the Nasdaq's Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB). The company's shares fell over 7% on Wednesday to close at $0.26. Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Brilliant Digital's offices and the home of CEO Kevin Burmeister were recently raided as part of an Australian music industry copyright investigation of Sharman Networks, a partner of Brilliant Digital that distributes the Kazaa file-sharing application.
PBS to Launch High-Definition TV Channel on March 1Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 25, 2004 - 7:53am.
Alexandria, Va. -- PBS on Wednesday announced that its 24-hour high-definition television (HDTV) channel, the PBS HD Channel, will launch on March 1. The channel will be offered by the 236 local PBS stations that have transitioned to digital broadcasting -- reaching around 85% of U.S. households -- as well as through local digital cable systems that have agreed to retransmit the digital signal of their local public television station. The programming lineup for the month of March will include high-definition versions of "Nova" and "Great Performances," in addition to a documentary on the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Report: Broadband Games-on-Demand Subscribers to Hit 2 Million in 2007Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 25, 2004 - 7:52am.
Dallas -- The number of U.S. broadband households subscribing to games-on-demand services will grow to more than two million by the end of 2007, according to a report from Dallas-based analyst firm Parks Associates. The firm approximated that at the end of 2003 there were 100,000 U.S. broadband households subscribing to games-on-demand services, which allow users to play games online without having to download or purchase software for individual games. "Although most games-on-demand services offer small-footprint Internet games and back-catalog retail PC games, the quantity and quality of these games are improving," said Parks Associates research analyst Yuanzhe (Michael) Cai. "In 2004, more facility-based broadband service providers will launch games-on-demand services, seeking to leverage their subscriber base, increase the stickiness of broadband services, and generate additional service revenues."
Sites Offer Beatles/Jay-Z Remix Album in "Grey Tuesday" Protest of EMIAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 24, 2004 - 8:03am.
London -- A coalition of websites are offering an album free for download on Tuesday in protest of major label EMI's efforts to ban its sale or distribution on grounds that it amounts to copyright infringement. The "Grey Tuesday" protest is "a day of coordinated civil disobedience" to distribute artist DJ Danger Mouse's "Grey Album," which samples and remixes elements from rapper Jay-Z's "Black Album" and the Beatles famed "White Album." EMI, which controls rights to the Beatles catalog, has sent cease-and-desist letters demanding that retailers destroy their copies of the album and websites remove them from their sites. Several hundred websites are ignoring EMI's threats and either offering the album for free download on Tuesday, or else turning their websites' pages grey in solidarity. "The lawyers and bureaucrats at EMI have shown zero flexibility and not a glimmer of interest in the artistic significance of this work," Grey Tuesday organizers Downhill Battle wrote on their website. "And without a clearly defined right to sample (e.g. compulsory licensing), the five major record labels will continue to use copyright in a reactionary and narrowly self-interested manner that limits and erodes creativity."
Eminem Sues Apple Over Use of Song in iTunes Store CommercialAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 24, 2004 - 8:02am.
Detroit -- Rapper Eminem's music publishing company has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Apple Computer, Viacom, MTV and ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day, over the unauthorized use of one of his songs in a TV commercial for Apple's iTunes music download store, the Associated Press reported. The suit, filed by Eminem's Eight Mile Style publishing company, centers on an iTunes ad that aired multiple times on MTV in which a ten-year-old actor sings part of the rapper's Grammy-winning song, "Lose Yourself." "Eminem has never nationally endorsed any commercial products and ... even if he were interested in endorsing a product, any endorsement deal would require a significant amount of money, possibly in excess of $10 million," according to the lawsuit filed on Friday in District Court in Detroit.
SightSound Wins Music Download Patent Settlement Against CDnowAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 24, 2004 - 8:01am.
Pittsburgh -- SightSound Technologies, a company that holds patents on technology enabling the sale of downloadable music and movies, announced on Tuesday that it has settled its patent infringement litigation against online retailers CDnow and N2K, and will receive a total payment of $3.3 million in compensation. The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania ruled that Pittsburgh-based SightSound's patents are valid and enforceable. The company claims to have sold the first downloadable music on the Internet in 1995 and first downloadable movie in 1999, and says it now aims to expand its patent licensing activity. "Resolution of this dispute, after six years of vigorous litigation, is momentous," said SightSound attorney William Wells. "SightSound can now look forward with renewed strength to licensing those in the music and movie industry who seek to employ SightSound's patented technology in downloading digital music and movies over the Internet."
French Wireless Firm Alcatel Distributing New Mobile Game, Music Video ServicesAuthored by Mark Hefflinger on February 24, 2004 - 7:59am.
Cannes, France -- Alcatel, a French provider of applications for wireless network operators, on Tuesday announced a number of new wireless multimedia initiatives, including a multiplayer game and music video services. The company partnered with French wireless games firm BeTomorrow to launch "Xploded," which it says is the first Java-based mobile multiplayer game that supports up to 40 simultaneous players. In April, Alcatel and Korean wireless network SK Telecom will launch a photo-music-video service, allowing users to combine their own digital photos with music and video content that they can send to other cell phones or e-mail addresses. Finally, Alcatel partnered with Universal Mobile to jointly develop, promote and market new mobile multimedia services featuring Universal content. The companies said their efforts will result in the creation of video mailbox, video delivery portal and video ring back tone services.
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