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Judge Tosses Illinois Law Banning Sale of Violent Video Games to Minors

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 10:09am.
Springfield, Ill. - A federal judge has tossed out Illinois' recently enacted ban on the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors. U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kennelly said in his ruling on Friday that the state came "nowhere near" proving that the law wasn't an unconstitutional restraint on First Amendment free speech protections. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who backed the legislation, said he intends to appeal the ruling, as well as aid efforts to "stigmatize" retailers who sell violent games to minors. "This battle is not over," said Blagojevich. "Parents should be able to expect that their kids will not have access to excessively violent and sexually explicit video games without their permission." Illinois retailers praised Judge Kennelly's ruling. "It's unfortunate that the state of Illinois spent taxpayer money defending this statute. This is precisely what we told them would happen," said David Vite, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. Similar laws have been declared unconstitutional in the state of Washington, the city of Indianapolis, and St. Louis County. The video game industry has also filed suit to stop two other recently passed statewide video game sales bans in California and Michigan from taking effect. Last week, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.) floated legislation that would create a federal ban on the sale of violent video games to minors, and plan to introduce it when Congress reconvenes.
tags: Law | Minors | Judge | Violent Video Games | Illinois Law |

RealNetworks Launches Web-based Version of Rhapsody Music Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 10:07am.
Seattle - RealNetworks announced on Monday that it has launched a Web-based version of its Rhapsody digital music subscription service, allowing users to stream songs to their PCs without having to first download the company's PC jukebox application. The Web-based Rhapsody will allow users to stream 25 songs per month for free, or an unlimited number for $9.99 per month. "If it turns out the vast majority decide they want to listen for free that's great because the Internet advertising market is doing pretty well, too," RealNetworks CEO Rob Glaser told the Associated Press. To be able to download songs, subscribers must still download the company's PC jukebox application. The company also launched a Web services initiative, enabling third party websites to link directly to full-length songs offered for free streaming on Rhapsody.com, as well access RSS feeds of music-related editorial content offered on the site. Glaser added that the service hopes to enable third-party sites to stream Rhapsody songs directly from their own sites in the first half of next year.
tags: RealNetworks | Website | Rhapsody Music Service |

U.K. Indie Label Group Offers Joint Music Podcasting License

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 10:04am.
London - The Association of Independent Music (AIM), a U.K. trade group of independent record labels, announced on Monday that it has launched a trial of a global music podcasting license, which grants rights for copyrighted songs to be included in downloadable MP3 podcasts. So far, the tangled rights associated with recorded music have meant that mostly unsigned artists have allowed songs to be included in podcasts -- the majority of which are currently talk programs. The AIM podcast license will include only songs approved by individual labels, and will require that podcasters talk over, or provide station ID during the first and last ten seconds of each song. Podcasters will also be required to provide usage information back to AIM, such as the total number of podcast downloads and any price charged. "Music from AIM's member labels will now be available to podcasters without the fear of operating illegally," said AIM chairman and CEO Alison Wenham. "We believe there will be huge global demand for the AIM podcast license." AIM's 900 member labels include Beggars Group, V2, Nettwerk and Ninja Tune.
tags: Deals | U.K. Indie Label Group | Music Podcasting License |

Gemstar-TV Guide Unloads SkyMall Unit for $52 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 10:01am.
Los Angeles - Gemstar-TV Guide International, a provider of electronic program guides for digital TV services and the publisher of TV Guide magazine, announced on Monday that it has sold its SkyMall business for $52 million, to a private equity group led by Spire Capital Partners. Los Angeles-based Gemstar acquired SkyMall, which publishes an in-flight shopping catalog, in 2001. "Gemstar-TV Guide is focused on building upon the company's core assets including the TV Guide brand, our guidance technology and our leading entertainment and editorial data and content," said Gemstar CEO Rich Battista. "SkyMall is not core to the company's plans going forward, as we pursue our new cross-platform guidance strategy."
tags: Deals | TV Guide | Gemstar | SkyMall Unit |

Developer Sues Electronic Arts Over Feature in "Madden NFL 06"

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:59am.
Redwood City, Calif. - Video game publisher Electronic Arts has been sued by an independent game developer, who claims the company stole a game idea of his and incorporated it into its "Madden NFL 06" game, Reuters reported. Game developer Pernell Harris, who owns the development studio Virtual Jam, says that he met with EA in late 2003 and pitched his idea for a game -- "Heart of a Champion" -- where players control every aspect of an athlete's career, from high school through professional play. Harris, who is seeking unspecified damages, alleges that EA breached a confidentiality agreement and an "implied in fact" contract when it included similar features in "Madden NFL 2006."
tags: Electronic Arts | Developer | Madden NFL 06 |

Yahoo Teams with FIFA to Re-Launch Official 2006 World Cup Site

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:57am.
Sunnyvale, Calif. - With the final draw for the event scheduled for Friday, Yahoo said that it has teamed with FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, to re-launch FIFAworldcup.com, the official site of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The site will provide coverage of both Friday's draw and the tournament's 64 matches, as well as vintage video highlights and information about Germany and the specific host cities. In addition, the site this week added three new language versions this week -- Portuguese, Italian and Korean -- and is now available in a total of seven languages. In 2001, Yahoo and FIFA entered into an exclusive, multi-year deal to jointly produce, market and operate the official World Cup web site. The deal also included the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.
tags: Yahoo | FIFA | Website | World Cup Site |

TV Search and Monitoring Firm Critical Mention Raises $4 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:54am.
New York - Critical Mention, a provider of television search and monitoring services, announced on Monday that it has raised $4 million in its second round of venture capital financing. CIBC Capital Partners led the investment round; Silicon Alley Venture Partners, Stonehenge Capital and other previous investors also participated. New York-based Critical Mention's service tracks broadcast and online video content as well as associated text for 300 customers in the corporate communications, financial services, public relations, non-profit and government sectors. The company will use the funds to expand its data collection network, increase sales and marketing initiatives and accelerate new product development. "This latest round of financing positions us to further accelerate our growth in both traditional broadcast monitoring as well as emerging TV search and video syndication markets," said Critical Mention founder and CEO Sean Morgan. "2006 will be the year that video on the web goes mainstream, and we are excited to be part of this massive growth trend."
tags: Deals | VC | Critical Mention | TV Search and Monitoring |

RSS Developer Attensa Raises $9 Million

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:52am.
Portland, Ore. - Attensa, a developer of RSS network infrastructure software that automatically delivers prioritized, relevant news and information feeds over the Internet, announced on Monday that it has raised $9 million in its second round of venture capital financing. RSS Investors led the round, which included participation from SmartForest Ventures. Oregon-based Attensa faces competition in the market for providing RSS aggregation software with firms including Yahoo, Google and Microsoft. The company will use the funds for development of its Web-based RSS reader and aggregator application, as well as versions for mobile and enterprise markets.
tags: Deals | VC | Attensa |

Sony PlayStation, Bruce Willis Partner for Children's Charity Benefit

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:50am.
Foster City, Calif. - Sony Computer Entertainment America announced on Monday that it has partnered with the Bruce Willis Foundation to produce BANDtogether, a music and gaming festival that will raise money to benefit Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity and Save the Children. The Dec. 10 event will be hosted by Willis' three children, and will feature a half-pipe where pro skaters Tony Hawk, Bam Margera and others will perform; musical performances from Hot Hot Heat, The Bravery, The Like and others; a "Scratch DJ Academy" hosted by DJ LP; and gaming stations featuring PSP and PlayStation 2 consoles. "My daughters and I have been moved by the recent tragedies that have impacted our nation, and they have shown us that now is a time to react and support those in need," said Bruce Willis. "Through the PlayStation partnership, the Bruce Willis Foundation will be able to reach even further into the community and educate young people on how they too can make a difference."
tags: Deals | Sony PlayStation | Bruce Willis | Children's Charity Benefit |

CNN Launches Subscription-based Online Video News Feed Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:42am.
Atlanta - Cable news network CNN on Monday announced the launch of an online, subscription-based on-demand news feed service. CNN Pipeline allows viewers to view multiple, simultaneous news feeds without commercials, and includes access to CNN International. The service, which includes a proprietary downloadable media player, will be offered in 25 countries for 99 cents a day, $2.95 per month or $24.95 per year.
tags: Internet | CNN | Online Video News Feed Service |

AOL Adds Sports Content from Rivals.com, RSS Feeds from MTV

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:40am.
Dulles, Va. - America Online said on Monday that it has signed a content syndication and distribution agreement with Tennessee-based Rivals.com, which operates more than 150 college and high school sports news and information sites. Under the deal, visitors to AOL.com will have access to audio, video and news from the sites in time for the kickoff of Bowl season. Separately, AOL said on Monday that it has added RSS feeds from MTV Networks to its video search engine. Content from channels including MTV, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, Nickelodeon and Spike will now be available from AOL.com's Video On Demand tab, AOL Search and Singingfish.com media search engine.
tags: Deals | RSS | MTV | AOL | Sports Content | Rivals.com |

Mitsubishi Electric to Sponsor MTV's HDTV Channel

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:38am.
New York - Mitsubishi Electric, the Japanese developer of high-definition televisions, announced on Monday that it has signed on as the charter sponsor of MHD, the new high-definition music channel from MTV Networks. Launching on Jan. 16, MHD will offer HDTV content from MTV, VH1 and CMT, in addition to original music-based programming sponsored by Mitsubishi Electric. The new MHD studio in Vail, Colorado, will also use Mitsubishi technology for its production and feature Mitsubishi HDTVs on-set.
tags: Deals | MTV | Mitsubishi Electric | HDTV Channel |

Music Choice Expands Agreement with Cox

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:36am.

New York - Music Choice, a provider of digital music audio and video channels to cable and satellite TV providers, announced on Monday an agreement to enhance the content it provides to Cox, the nation's third-largest cable TV provider. Beginning in January, Cox digital cable subscribers will have access to Music Choice On-Demand, which includes hundreds of music videos, concerts, studio performances and artist interviews at no additional charge.
tags: Deals | Music Choice | Cox |

Frontier Silicon Develops Car-based Mobile TV Chip

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:35am.
London - Frontier Silicon, a U.K.-based semiconductor firm, announced that it has launched a new mobile digital TV module called Roadster T-DMB that will allow the reception of terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasts (T-DMB) in vehicles. The device can provide video and data combined with GPS information, which can offer traffic and place-of-interest information as well. The company said the module would provide a different way to view mobile TV in areas where people are used to listening to the radio. Roadster T-DMB is initially aimed at Korean car manufacturers, where the first commercial mobile TV, radio and multimedia services were launched in early December by six major broadcasters in the Seoul area.
tags: Frontier Silicon | Car-based Mobile TV Chip |

Destra Signs SonyBMG Songs for Australian Mobile Download Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:33am.
Richmond, Australia - Australian digital media and Internet services company Destra announced that it has signed an agreement with SonyBMG Australia, to offer tracks from the major record label's artists as full-track downloads to mobile phones. The deal also includes master recording ringtones, wallpapers and mobile video clips. Destra also maintains a Web-based digital music service that offers a library of 550,000 tracks.
tags: Deals | Music | SonyBMG | Destra | Australian Mobile Download Service |

Playboy Launches "Bodcasts" for Portable Video Players

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:30am.
New York - Playboy.com on Monday announced the launch of Playboy Bodcast, an online video service that lets users download content updated daily to portable players like Apple's video iPod. Features will includes a "Joke of the Day," "Ask Hef Anything" and "From the Mouths of Babes." While the current iteration will not include pornographic images, the company added that it plans to offer "sexier, premium Playboy Bodcasts" in the future.
tags: Playboy | Bodcasts | Portable Video Players |

Tao Introduces Portable Wireless Media Player

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:28am.
San Francisco - Consumer electronics developer Tao on Monday introduced its Tao Wireless Media Player, which allows users to wirelessly download content directly from Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as from the PC to the player, and from Tao players to other Tao players. Tao said it has agreements to offer downloadable content from services including SoniqCast, which offers 10,000 books and 1,000 publications, and PassAlong Networks, a legal peer-to-peer service that offers 1.6 million songs. The 20GB Tao Wireless Media Player is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2006.
tags: Portable | Tao | Wireless Media Player |

NetCableTV Introduces PermissionTV Service

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:26am.
San Francisco - NetCableTV on Monday introduced PermissionTV, its platform for distributing TV programming over the Internet. The company is targeting the technology at media companies, content rights owners and aggregators who wish to publish their own branded, broadband TV channels supported by either advertising, pay-per-view, subscriptions or a combination of the three. PermissionTV includes a set of video asset management tools, a peer-to-peer-based transmission system, and a desktop program guide and video player application. Boston-based NetCableTV said the PermissionTV system will be available for purchase and deployment later this month.
tags: NetCableTV | PermissionTV Service |

Setanta Sports, Servecast to Offer Champions League Webcasts in U.S.

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:24am.
Dublin, Ireland - Setanta Sports, an international TV sports broadcaster, announced on Monday that it has partnered with new media firm Servecast, to offer the first live Champions League Football matches streamed over the Internet in the U.S. and Ireland. Setanta will offer a broadband subscription service that includes live and archived matches, video news, player interviews and highlights packages for the Champions League, an annual international competition that features Europe's most successful football clubs.
tags: U.S | Setanta Sports | Servecast | Champions League Webcasts |

Sega Buys Rights to Official 2008 Beijing Olympics Video Games

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 5, 2005 - 9:22am.
Tokyo - Japanese video game developer Sega announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement with International Sports Multimedia, exclusive licensee of the International Olympic Committee, to become the publisher of the Official Video Game of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The agreement grants Sega the exclusive rights to publish Olympics video games for console, PC, arcade and handheld systems worldwide. The company also plans to publish Olympics mobile games in Asian markets.
tags: Sega | Game | Beijing Olympics Video Games |
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