ESPN X Action Figures Enter Market
Trust JAKKS Pacific to be on the "cutting–edge" of the analog toy world... they’ve just announced their new family of action figures, vehicles and playsets as well as accessories, all via their Road Champs division, for X Gamers. The toys will offer play within xtreme competition arenas, such as bike vert, street luge, skateboarding, snowboarding, wakeboarding and even freestyle Moto X. These toys are all licensed and will also include trading cards. Plus, JAKKS is going to create die–cast vehicles that use their Road Champs BXS and MXS brands and they have license agreements with more than 30 top BMX freestyle and 40 top MXS motocross riders. ...back to newsletter index.
HitMusic.com Releases Top Requests
Looks as though most requests for streaming songs and videos on HitMusic.com. The site includes pros such as Madonna, Metallica, and Missy Elliott and newbies, Vertical Horizon, Creed, and Destiny’s Child. To date, HitMusic.com averages more than 1.5 million hits per month. The list, Top Hits of 2000, was developed to reflect the users’ requests, which indicates that the number one video is Madonna’s song "Everything You Want" from her album, Music. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Intertainer Now Offers EMI’s Videos
If you’re a fan of Intertainer, the entertainment on demand broadband network, now there’s even more for your viewing pleasure. Intertainer now has a long–term agreement with EMI Recorded Music to provide EMI’s music videos from the EMI library, which includes Capitol Records, Priority Records, Virgin Records America and Blue Note Records. And Intertainer will work with EMI to market and promote both established and new artists. The free music videos are available on all three Intertainer platforms that include Intertainer.tv, Intertainer.com, and Intertainer’s digital cable entertainment on demand.Head over to Intertainer’s site. . . .back to newsletter index
Priests in Penance
The Holy Synod, the governing body of the very traditional Greek Orthodox Church, isn’t happy with a group of monks who produced a platinum album of rock music entitled Tsipaki or Little Computer Chip, which protested the invasion of privacy. The bearded monks’ video revealed them jamming on a hilltop and included actors in gold paint and footage from the Gulf War. The monks’ first record, "I Learned to Live Free", received notoriety, and now their latest, "SOS", will be released this year. The monks chose to create their music after becoming unhappy with the lyrics of popular songs that young boys were playing at camp. ...back to newsletter index.
Music Creation Platform Debuts
The Tonos TC8 has now been launched by Tonos Entertainment, and what you have here is a music creation platform that features an easy–to–use home recording and mixing tool. Featured is an 8–track digital record and mixer. Musicians can record as many as eight separate tracks as well as insert their own sfx, such as reverb, distortion, equalization and compression. You can easily hook up with other musicians to create projects together, or go solo on your own, individual projects. Once you download the TC8, you can enter the "Collaboratory" which serves as an online music studio. You can start your projects here or have others join in with their own, specific skills. There’s a searchable multimedia database so you can find collaborators to help you finish your work. Plus, you’ll have access to industry pros that are dedicated to finding and help undiscovered talent, as well. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Toshiba — Another MPEG–4 Wireless Solution
Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. has been busy developing another single–chip with a low–power MPEG–4 encoding and decoding solution that designers should appreciate when creating digital TV, remote security and surveillance or mobile interactive multimedia devices. The chip, TC35273XB which will be available in the third quarter of this year, integrates an MPEG–4 CODEC with 12–MB of embedded DRAM, which enables you to access streaming media in wireless applications with lower–power dissipation. Approximately 30 million cumulative shipments of MPEG–4 chips are anticipated to sell from 2001 through 2003, going up to 60 million shipments in 2004, according to Cahners In–Stat Group. Most of the devices will go into the mobile handset market. ...back to newsletter index.
Sierra’s Prickly Black Cactus
A newly formed company, Black Cactus, out of South London, England, is developing a PC CD–ROM game called Warrior Kings, a real–time 3D strat, which will be published under Sierra’s name. The company was founded in January 1999 with eight employees and currently is home to 21 professionals. Warrior Kings takes you to a medieval world where, in a confusing land of demons and knights, the small kingdoms are struggling for supremacy. To eliminate the chaos and restore the country to a single empire you must become the Warrior King. Here you’ll attempt to take over the kingdom by controlling the economy and using five different formation types. You can play in single player mode with an evolving game path or in multiplayer mode with multiplayer maps for up to eight players. ...back to newsletter index.
Strategy First and CDV — The Russians Are Coming!
CDV Software Entertainment USA Inc. must be doing something right. Strategy First Inc. is going to publish another CDV title, European Wars: Cossacks for PC CD–ROM, after already publishing CDV’s successful Sudden Strike. Under the agreement, Strategy First gets the North American publishing rights to produce what is described as a real–time strat that is based on accurate historical events, including more than 85 large–scale wars and battles, of XVI to XVIII Century Europe. You’ll be involved in the Thirty Year War, the English Revolution, the Spanish Succession, and the Seven Year War, which involves 8,000 units and more than 80 different unit types. You can participate in single–player mode or play over LAN and the Internet with up to eight players. European Wars: Cossacks will be available in the second quarter of this year and will be distributed by Infogrames in North America. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Second FLY! Features Announced
With the upcoming FLY! II, developed by Terminal Reality and to be published by Gathering of Developers, digital pilots will find some exclusive aircraft available for their joysticks: How about the single–engine turboprop known as the Pilatus PC–12, probably the most advanced, single–engine turboprop around as well as the Bell 407 helicopter which you will use to fly a variety of adventure missions. Other aircraft that have been improved in this new version of the flight sim include the Cessna Skyhawk single–engine prop; Beechcraft KingAir twin–engine turboprop; Raytheon Hawker business jet; Twin–Engine prop; and Single Engine turboprop. Additionally, there is new scenery incorporated into the game, all powered by Perspective Consulting’s Terrascene 2 system. Such allows you to navigate within a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) environment. You’ll also be able to download community adventures and challenges and even airports will now have their own vehicles, such as emergency vehicles and fuel trucks. FLY! II will debut this spring and is for both Mac and PC gamers. ...back to newsletter index.
Game Get Together in Sweden
There’s a new game expo set for all folk involved in the Nordic digital entertainment industry — it’s called NIME:01 and will conducted at the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre, located in Gothenburg, Sweden. With the market in Europe expected to reach the $7.8 billion altitude by 2003, such an expo is of definite interest to exhibitors. Companies already signed up include the likes of Creative Labs, Digital Illusions, Infogrames, Konami, Logitech, MCV Media, Microsoft and Ubi Soft. ...back to newsletter index.
Tool Adds Interactive Video to Websites
There’s a new version of the Internet Video Operating Platform, known as IVOP. From Interactive Video Technologies, this new releases offers a seamless, web–based infrastructure platform that enables distinctive, different and fun websites through the incorporation of interactive video. The app offers a single source for the rapid creation of, launching of, managing of and monitoring of web–based business apps for narrowband broadband deployment. Components include development tools for the creation of business apps that integrate various interactive elements with streaming video; an Asset Management System via web–based interfaces for uploading, publishing, searching, previewing and downloading of assets; Intelligent Video Hosting that hosts rich media content at several of the leading, hosting infrastructure companies, choosing the best provider based on performance at run–time; and Video Sniffer that seamlessly detects an end user’s OS, browser and video player to deliver an optimal viewing experience. ...back to newsletter index.
Ten Classic Genesis Games for DC’ers
Rushing right out of the 16–bit world and into the realm of advanced video gaming, via the Dreamcast, is Sega’s new Dreamcast Smash Pack game bundle. The games, all from the 1990’s, include: Altered Beast, Columns, Golden Axe, Phantasy Star 2, Shining Force, Sonic the Hedgehog, Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage 2, Vectorman and Wrestle War. Er, this is one slight addendum here — this bundle is only available with the Dreamcast unit itself! In other words, when you buy the Dreamcast Smash Pack offering, you’re buying the Dreamcast unit itself and a controller as well as these 10 games — all for a price of around $179.99. To help even further entice buyers, the company is also tossing in Virtua Cop 2 (the light gun version) and the puzzle game called Sega Swirl. And why not release a separate CD–ROM SKU that contains only the games? Hmmmmmm, mebbe that’s already in the works. ...back to newsletter index.
Stay tuned...
Adobe Ships Premiere 6.0
Adobe’s Premiere 6.0 is now available. This is the latest version of Adobe’s digital video editing software that enables video and business pros to easily edit digital video on a desktop and then publish it on the web in formats that include: RealNetworks RealMedia, Microsoft Windows Media’ and Apple QuickTime. Adobe Premiere 6.0 enables folk to use a finished product by re–purposing it for the web, and offers an enhanced user interface, new editing tools and other Adobe applications that include Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe GoLive. Additionally, Adobe Premiere 6.0 now has new audio features that include an audio mixer and a SmartSound QuickTracks CD. Adobe Premiere 6.0 software for Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows NT and Macintosh OS 9.0.4 sells for $549. Upgrades for Adobe Premiere sell for $149 and Adobe Premiere LE for $199.Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Activate! Yourself for Free
If you’ve already got Kaon’s free HyperSpace 3D Java viewer, you can now get a free Activate! tool that lets you customize lighting and compression settings, create shadows, add 2D and 3D hotspots, specify rollover images and sounds, add hotlinks, and more. Kaon Interactive provides solutions for 3D photorealistic content for the Internet, and their Activate! technology is the first to provide a combination of 3D models for the Internet. ...back to newsletter index.
VBrick Solid Software
Another low–cost solution comes from VBrick Systems in the form of software that enables you to capture live MPEG video streams and then save them as JPEG images, which is useful in providing low frame–rate video on the Internet, and security monitoring, as well as other situations. VBrick is known for their low–cost TV–quality video networking solutions. VBrick uses the MPEG video standards, as opposed to the ISDN–class video–conferencing systems, to provide the best quality video at cost–effective prices, which are used by broadcasters. This software will be available in February, and will sell for less than $500 per seat license. ...back to newsletter index.
Microsoft’s Next Game Focus
O.K., all gamers are well aware that Microsoft is totally focusing on the development of their Xbox nextgen system for release this fall. What you probably might not know is that the company is alleged to also be engaged in work on a new handheld system, as well. Heck, why not? They’re confronting Sega, Sony and Nintendo with their console system, and they might as well take on Nintendo’s GB franchise, including the highly anticipated Game Boy Advance unit. Portable games are going to be an even bigger market, and with Microsoft’s penchant for engaging popular environments, odds are such a rumor could well be true! ...back to newsletter index. ...back to newsletter index.
PlayStation 2 Goodies from InterAct
Two new accessories will aid your PS2 and PSone gaming... they are the new Pro Shock Mini Arcade Stick for the latter game system that packs in eight fire buttons, automatic firing, eight–way joystick as well as slomo gameplay. Plus, toss in the rumble capabilities and you’ll be shaking and rolling with your punches. Then there’s the GameShark 2 game enhancement peripheral for the PS2 which gives you a ton o’ codes for the latest games, all built–in. But there’s more — as you know, the PS2 is totally compatible with the PSX, so this product also comes with an extra CD loaded with more PSX codes, as well. The manufacturer is InterAct Accessories and the GameShark 2 is now available, with the Pro Shock getting set to roll–out by month’s end. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Logitech’s QuickCam Traveler Has Two Lives
Logitech launches its first dual–purpose camera, QuickCam Traveler, combining easy web communication with the freedom of a digital still camera.When detached from the PC, the camera’s control panel enables you to easily snap, save and delete pictures with a storage capacity of up to 60 high–resolution images (640 x 480) and 200 low–resolution images (320 x 240). These pictures can be transferred back to the PC with the cam’s easy one–touch QuickSync. Other features include a self–timer, macro setting and resolution adjustment. When attached to the PC, QuickCam Traveler becomes a high–quality VGA camera capable of recording video at up to 30 frames per second. Additionally, the cam is equipped with a CCD sensor to provide enhanced image quality and possesses a built–in microphone. ...back to newsletter index.
Streaming Servers Market to Skyrocket
According to Cahners In–Stat group, watch for the market for servers that deliver multimedia to the web to jump to some $1.4 billion by 2005. The company indicates that the number of streaming media servers will continue double every year through 2003, with growth continuing in 2004 and 2005, but at a somewhat slower rate. Additionally, their research uncovered that fact the servers will be able to greatly increase the number of simultaneous streams; that streaming media does, indeed, increase the "stickiness" of a website; and having those companies who have expertise in managing and operating such servers offers economies of scale. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Decline in Digital Entertainment Sales
Looks like the year 2000 was not a banner year for companies engaged in the creation, and manufacture of, elements for video gamers. Sales are down some five percent, according to The NPD Group. Affected were accessory, hardware and software units, with total sales last year reaching $6.5 billion. In 1999, that number is $6.9 billion. All was not as gloomy, for those engaged in portable arenas found their software sales up some 26 percent and accessories up 56 percent in dollar growth. Yep, this is a transitional period as we prepare for the onslaught of the nextgen systems, so such a decline certainly has not caused game publishers to yet take a leap into oblivion. Also, one has to consider that in order to attract buyers, most of the current systems also lowered their unit price, affecting overall revenues. Chin up, folks, for the 32 and 64–bit systems will certainly return a spring to the market. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
Music On Your PS2
Yep, this will soon be out and about — well, in April, to be exact — that will enable you to actually generate and play music on your PlayStation 2 unit. Called MTV Music Generator 2.0 from Codemasters, this is the iterated version of the company’s MTV Music Generator that was released last year for PC and PSone users. Truly a first, inasmuch as no other program, for any of the nextgen console systems, can generate music. ...back to newsletter index.
Pickin’ Up the PS2 Base
With a goal of shipping some ten million PS2 consoles throughout the world by the end of March, looks as though Sony is gonna have to double their production of this unit. Otherwise, such a lofty goal shall not be met. The next three months should see a real influx of the product, which is good for Sony, as should these shortages continue to the fall, expect impatient consumers to pick–up on the new Nintendo and Microsoft products rather joyously. The PS2 shortages, according to the company, were due to an inability to acquire the graphics chips necessary to fuel the unit’s display capabilities. Yep... wonder who runs their production and assembly operations? These folks should be re–examined as to how they create their projections! ...back to newsletter index.
DoMiNo in Your Home
C–Cube, a leader in digital media processing is working on a solution to the networked digital home, the C–Cube DoMiNo Network Media Processor architecture. Consumer products are due out in the fourth quarter of this year that incorporate this architecture. The DoMiNo Network Media Processor is a highly integrated, flexible and powerful system–on–chip architecture that combines audio–video (AV) processing with network connectivity that you can customize for a variety of applications in the networked digital home entertainment market. DoMiNo will meet the specifications of the current hybrid analog–digital world as well as the all–digital, connected environment of the future. This is good news to the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who will be able to integrate, cost effectively, video recorder functions such as slow motion, fast forward, pause and rewind into live TV. Using DoMiNo you’ll be able to replace your analog VCRs with DVD recorders and options such as the ability to watch a DVD movie while simultaneously recording a TV program, convert music from CD audio to MP3 format listening, edit a home video using your digital camcorder, transmit your movie via MPEG streaming, and then archive your movie on DVD. . . .back to newsletter index.
Only US Cell Phone Op To Close
Unfortunately, there are about 2,500 workers in Harvard, Il who will be receiving pink slips from Motorola. The company is closing the only U.S. cellphone operation to see if such can help raise their declining profits. The job cut will occur on June 30th and represent about two percent of the company’s worldwide work force. Motorola will be outsourcing more jobs, deliver far fewer models of cell phones, and attempt to make more efficient ongoing production. Some 2,500 employees will be retained to continue work in R&D, marcom operations and customer service. ...back to newsletter index.
Play It Again, Playcycle
Have you got a pile of video games that you don’t play any longer? Head over to Playcycle and you can buy or sell used consoles, accessories and video games. The market for previously used items is hot, with sales soaring to $1.3 billion. At Playcycle if your game sells you’re charged $1 for the transaction, there’s no other cost such as posting and membership to you. You get to tell what you want to buy or sell, choose from either a negotiable price, fixed price, auction, or reverse auction formats, and you view the market in real–time regardless of platform and transaction formats. Find out more ...back to newsletter index.
Twin Galaxies Has an Unreal Contest
Already known as an authority since 1981 of player rankings, game stats and championship tournaments, Twin Galaxies is taking another big step — announcing a new invitational league geared at the Unreal Tournament players. Additionally, Twin Galaxies is hosting an Unreal Tournament competition that will award the winners the largest cash prize, to date, of $25,000. Twin Galaxies’ competitive league will bring together athletes recognized for their skill and accomplishments, in 1v1, TDM and CTF play. Twin Galaxies’ Electronic Gamers’ League provides competition of other online games, as well. See Twin Galaxies site ...back to newsletter index
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XFL to Play in Sandbox
Those rough, tough upcoming XFL football games that are owned by both the World Wrestling Federating Entertainment, Inc., and NBC, are coming to Sandbox.com and XFL.com just prior to, and during, the XFL season. The first game starts on February 3 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Under a one–year exclusive agreement, the XFL has enlisted Sandbox to host and maintain, as well as develop, their fantasy football games. Also part of the agreement, the XFL will sell all game sponsorships and banner advertising within the games. If you register to play you’ll become part of Sandbox’s 5.4 million member database. ...back to newsletter index.
PIM & Biz Info Wireless–Ready
Just pumping out from the folk at Synchrologic is a new service that can synchronize your calendar, all of those important contacts, those oh–so–nerve–wracking travel itineraries, those many–time–forgotten "to do" lists, and your memos, all via the web. Called ReadySyncGo, the truly amenable feature is that this app for mobile pros is downloadable at no cost from the company’s website! Companies based behind corporate firewalls can also use this app, and the app can also be used in an ASP model. This PIM synchronizes info to your mobile device, including Palm–powered handhelds, cell phones, PCs, laptops and pagers. Plus, it’s totally secure, scalable and can be implemented by an IT department. Details. ...back to newsletter index.
