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Report: November U.S. Game Sales Down 18%; 325,902 Xbox 360s Sold

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:42am.
New York - U.S. video game sales were down 18% in November compared with a year ago, despite the launch of Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console during the month, according to data from market research firm NPD Group. The reissued figures from NPD -- which previously had estimated just a 4% drop -- indicated that there will also likely be a decline in game sales for the overall fourth quarter. NPD also reported that 325,902 Xbox 360 consoles were sold during November in the U.S., where retailers remain short on supply; the device went on sale Nov. 22. Overall, the top-selling games during November were "Star Wars Battlefront II" and "Madden NFL 06," while the top-selling Xbox 360 game was by far Activision's "Call of Duty 2". A total of 1.27 million games for the Xbox 360 were sold during November, or 3.9 per console, as compared with the 2.4 games per console sold during the launch of the original Xbox.
tags: Deals | VC | Reports | Xbox 360 | U.S | Game Sales |

High-Definition Alliance to Work Towards Device Compatibility

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:41am.
New York - A group of companies representing the cable TV, consumer electronics, technology and entertainment industries on Wednesday announced the formation of the High-Definition Audio-Video Network Alliance (HANA), which aims to create "a design guideline for secure high definition audio visual networks that will speed the creation of new, higher quality, easier to use HD products." Founding members include cable TV firm Charter Communications, JVC, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, NBC Universal, Samsung and Sun Microsystems; contributing members include chipmakers ARM and Freescale Semiconductor. Some of the alliance's goals are to enable consumers to view and record five or more HD channels simultaneously; achieve home networking with a single set-top box; provide control of all devices with a single remote per room; secure content transfers between PCs and consumer electronics devices; and provide a single cable for home network connections. HANA will indirectly compete with a similar alliance formed by Intel, Microsoft and Sony called the Digital Living Room Alliance, which is working to incorporate Intel's Viiv technology into a range of devices. HANA said it will collaborate with other groups, such as the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), CableLabs, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) and the 1394 Trade Association to achieve its goals. HANA will also work in the first half of next year with Advanced Access Content System (AACS), Open Media Commons and other digital rights management technologies, to enable content sharing across devices. The alliance expects the first HANA-compliant devices to debut at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show.
tags: High-Definition Alliance | Device Compatibility |

EU Proposal Would Allow Product Placement in TV Shows

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:39am.
Strasbourg, France - The European Commission has proposed new rules to govern the distribution of "moving images" in the European Union, which for the first time may allow the practice -- common in America -- of including product placement in TV shows, Reuters reported. The use of product placement is growing in the U.S., alongside the growing popularity of digital video recorders that let viewers skip past TV commercials. But the practice has been banned in many EU nations, where current rules also limit the amount of TV advertising to 12 minutes per hour. The new rules would also bring video delivered over the Internet under the auspices of the Commission. "It would be a distortion of competition if we were to just regulate one and not all," EU Information Commissioner Viviane Reding told reporters. The new "television without frontiers" proposals still must gain approval of the European Parliament and EU member states.
tags: Product Placement | TV Shows | EU | Proposal |

Cingular Installs Filters to Enable Blocking of Mobile Phone Pornography

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:36am.
New York - Mobile network operator Cingular has quietly incorporated filtering devices and password-enabled blockers on its network, to prevent minors from buying pornography on their cell phones, USA Today reported. "We feel parents should decide what (kids) access. We're giving them the ability to control what they experience," Cingular's Mark Siegel told USA Today. The move follows the release of a mobile content ratings system from the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), a U.S. wireless industry trade group. Cingular did not announce plans to offer pornography directly to subscribers through a mobile adult content service, but the filters will help prevent mobile porn from providers including Xobile, Brickhouse Mobile and RJ Mobile from being accessible on minors' cell phones.
tags: Mobile | Cingular | Filters | Blocking of Mobile Phone Pornography |

After Exploring Digital Self-Promotion, Prince Signs to Universal Music

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:34am.
Los Angeles - Prince, the recording artist who parted ways with the traditional record industry in the 1990's and instead used his website to promote and distribute his music, on Wednesday announced that he has signed a one-record deal with Universal Music Group, Reuters reported. The artist said that he developed his own "handshake deal" without the aid of a lawyer. "I did my own agreement without the help of a lawyer and sat down and got exactly what I wanted," Prince told a press conference, adding that some things were set in writing "to ensure that business gets accomplished." The artist's last album was distributed by Sony Music's Columbia Records, but fans could also go online and pay to join his fan club, which ensured priority seating at concerts, access to soundchecks, exclusive videos, songs and other benefits.
tags: Universal Music | Digital Self-Promotion | Prince |

Micro Hard Drive Maker Cornice Raises $97 Million in Debt, Equity

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:31am.
Longmont, Colo. - Cornice, a developer of miniature hard drives used in consumer electronics devices, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $97 million in debt and equity financing. Canada's Caisse led the equity investment; previous investors VantagePoint Venture Partners, BlueRun Ventures and BA Venture Partners also participated. Simultaneously, the company entered a new lending agreement with Hercules Technology Growth Capital, which provided Cornice with debt capital. Coloradio-based Cornice develops 1-inch hard drives used in portable digital music players from Thomson/RCA and Rio, as well as in cell phones and personal storage devices. The new funds will be used to support development and manufacturing initiatives for the company's micro hard drives, as well as to expand marketing and sales efforts.
tags: Deals | VC | Equity | Debt | Cornice | Micro Hard Drive |

Report: Brits Download More Music than Anyone in Europe

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:28am.
London - According to a new report by Motorola, people in the U.K. download more music than anyone else in Europe. The report found that Brits spend, on average, about 75 pence ($1.32) per month on music downloads, roughly three times the amount spent per capita in Germany, Italy or France. "There is a strong feeling in Britain that digital music, mobile phones, digital TV and the Internet should be with us wherever we go," Motorola said. "Of the 1,000 people surveyed, almost half (48%) said having their communications and entertainment services with them all the time would make it easier to keep in touch with family, while 34% felt it would make life simpler and 27% said it would make life more fun."
tags: Music | Europe | Reports | Download | Brits |

Amp'd Mobile Entertainment Service to Feature MTV Networks Content

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:24am.
Los Angeles - Amp'd Mobile, the developer of a broadband wireless entertainment service, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with MTV Networks to provide content for its service, slated to launch on Thursday. Under the deal, Amp'd will deliver video clips, ringtones, wallpapers and other content from MTV Networks' Comedy Central, MTV, Spike TV, Logo, iFilm and other properties to its subscribers. The companies will also collaborate on original short-form mobile video content, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes clips; additionally, MTV plans to make its forthcoming Urge digital music service available to Amp'd subscribers.
tags: Mobile | Amp'd Mobile Entertainment Service | MTV Networks Content |

Acacia Research Acquires TV Monitoring Technology Patent

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:21am.
Newport Beach, Calif. - Acacia Research, a holder of patents on digital media transmission and other technologies that has launched aggressive licensing and patent infringement claims, announced on Wednesday that it has acquired the rights to a new patent related to technology for the continuous monitoring of television viewer behavior. The patented technology continuously monitors channel surfing, video-on-demand, and recorded program viewings. While the company didn't specifically mention potential licensees of the new patent, Nielsen and TiVo have partnered to develop a measurement service that incorporates digital video recording technology.
tags: Acacia Research | TV Monitoring Technology Patent |

RealNetworks Re-Launches Streaming Radio Service in the U.K.

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:19am.
London - RealNetworks on Wednesday re-launched its Radio Pass streaming music subscription service in the U.K., re-branding the service as RealMusic, The Register reported. The new service is similar to one recently launched by the company in the U.S., in that it can operate through a plug-in for Internet Explorer. For about $15 a month, RealMusic offers access to over 300 pre-programmed stations, from providers including the BBC, as well as stations where bands can post their own songs. Users can also purchase song downloads for about $1.75 each. RealNetworks said it plans to expand RealMusic into other European countries in the first quarter of 2006.
tags: Music | RealNetworks | U.K | Streaming Radio Service |

Dolby Installs 5 Digital Cinema Systems in Italian Multiplex

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:17am.
Wootton Bassett, England - Dolby Laboratories announced on Wednesday that an Italian multiplex has installed five of its Dolby Digital Cinema projection systems, in the largest European installation of digital cinema systems in a single theater. The digital systems were installed at The Furlan Group's new CineCity multiplex in Padova. Dolby said that it has now installed over 100 of its digital cinema systems worldwide.
tags: Dolby | 5 Digital Cinema Systems | Italian Multiplex |

XcopyPod Software Promises DVD Movie Transfers to iPod

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:15am.
New York - Bling Software on Wednesday introduced XcopyPod, a new application that transfers DVD movies in a user's collection into a format ready for Apple's video iPod. The company also offers software that lets users make back-up copies of DVDs and also transfer DVDs into a format for the Sony PSP -- similar to products offered by the now-defunct 321 Studios, which shut down after losing copyright litigation. "Downloads are great for new releases. But what about the movies people already have and own?" said Bling Software director Lyn Bell. "Now there is a perfect and reliable transfer/converting tool to make those movies portable for the iPod." The company does not address whether its products run afoul of copyright laws. The $19.99 XcopyPod program is available for download from Bling Software's website and from major retailers.
tags: iPod | XcopyPod Software | DVD Movie |

InterVideo DVD Copy 4 Adds Support for iPod, PSP, Cell Phones

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:11am.
Fremont, Calif. - InterVideo, a developer of DVD software, on Wednesday introduced a new version of its DVD Copy 4 software, updated to covert video and music files for the iPod, Sony PSP, 3G cell phones, memory cards and DivX media devices. The $79 application does not support the back-up or transfer of copy-protected DVD movies to other formats.
tags: Mobile | PSP | iPod | Cell Phones | InterVideo DVD | Copy 4 |

MyTV To Go Enables Transfer of Media Center PC-Recorded Shows to iPod

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:08am.
San Francisco - Software developer Proxure has launched MyTV ToGo, a $30 application that allows users to transfer TV shows recorded on a Microsoft Windows Media Center PC directly to Apple's video iPod, CNET News.com reported on Wednesday. A similar application is being readied by TiVo for roll-out to its subscribers some time next year, despite some complaints from content owners. "In making this announcement, TiVo appears to be acting unilaterally -- disregarding the established rights of content owners to participate in decisions involving the distribution and exploitation of their content," NBC said when TiVo announced the technology last month. "This unilateral action creates the risk of legal conflict instead of contributing to the constructive exploitation of digital technology that can rapidly provide new and exciting experiences for the consumer."
tags: Media Center PC | Recorded Shows to iPod | MyTV To Go |

O2 Network, Buongiorno Produce Mobile TV Soccer Show

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:04am.
London - European wireless network operator O2 announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Buongiorno, an Italian provider of multimedia mobile content, to launch a mobile TV sports talk show for O2's U.K. subscribers. "Soccer Addicts" will be a weekly four-minute-long show that incorporates both in-studio hosts and guests, and video, picture and text contributions from viewers. The first episode is set for wireless broadcast on Dec. 19.
tags: Buongiorno | O2 Network | Mobile TV Soccer Show |

Majesco Sells Rights to 2 Video Game Titles for $8 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:02am.
Edison, N.J. - Video game publisher Majesco Entertainment announced on Wednesday that it has sold the rights to two of its game titles -- "The Darkness" and "GhostRider" -- for a combined $8 million to an unnamed publisher. New Jersey-based Majesco said the deal reduces its financial obligations and improves its capital structure.
tags: Deals | VC | Majesco | 2 Video Game |

Verizon Signs on to Sponsor Cyberathlete Professional League Event

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 10:00am.
New York - Verizon announced on Wednesday that it has signed on to become the title sponsor of the "Quake 4" tournament within the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) 2005 Winter Championships, to be held from Dec. 14-18 in Dallas, Texas. Gamers at the event will compete for $30,000 in prize money. Under the deal, Verizon also becomes the exclusive provider of game servers for Cyberathlete Amateur League-sanctioned "Counter Strike" tournaments, which are held online.
tags: Deals | Verizon | Sponsor | Cyberathlete Professional League Event |

Ubisoft to Publish "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent" in Spring 2006

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 9:58am.
San Francisco - French video game publisher Ubisoft announced on Wednesday that it plans to ship the fourth title in its popular "Tom Clancy Splinter Cell" series in the spring of 2006. "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent" will be released for Xbox 360, Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube and the PC.
tags: Ubisoft | Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent |

CNET News.com: "Is Stern Worth His Millions?"

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 9:56am.
San Francisco - CNET News.com on Wednesday reported on the potential impact that the addition of radio shock jock Howard Stern's move to Sirius Satellite Radio -- which will happen in five days -- will have on the company, and on satellite radio as an industry. "We're not putting a number on it, but we do believe that if he hasn't already paid for himself, then he has contributed a tremendous amount of subscription growth over the last year," Sirius spokesman Jim Collins told News.com, referring to the five-year, $500 million contract Stern signed with Sirius. Analysts are divided over whether Stern was a smart investment for Sirius, with several commenting that it will bring a wealth of new subscribers. Others disagree, like Banc of America Securities analyst Jonathan Jacoby, who downgraded the company's stock to a "sell" rating, saying that Stern's overstated influence has already overvalued Sirius.
tags: CNET News.com | Is Stern Worth His Millions |

"Machinima" Film Created Using "The Movies" Video Game Draws Attention

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 14, 2005 - 9:47am.
Santa Monica, Calif. - A "machinima" film created within a video game that challenges players to become movie moguls and create their own movies has gained notoriety and the attention of MTV.com and The Washington Post. "The French Democracy," a film created by French designer Alex Chan using Activision and developer Lionhead Studios' "The Movies" game, documents the political situation and recent riots in France. "With The Movies we wanted to make a game that allows anyone to easily express themselves by making a short film and posting them online to share with the world," said Lionhead Studios' Peter Molyneux. "Alex's film, which is absolutely terrific, really demonstrates the potential power and impact that these films can have."
tags: Games | The Movies | Video Game | Machinima |
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