Daily Marauder

ONLINE SERVICES/INTERACTIVE MEDIA

MySpace co-founder Brad Greenspan sent out another missive claiming that five separate “highly credible” groups are now interested in Dow Jones who are prepared to collectively invest $600 million in new online/new media efforts for the company. The latest vote among Bancroft family members to give permission to News Corp. to follow through with its planned buy out came up short yesterday. (http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/greenspan-other-groups-interested-dow/story.aspx?guid=%7B5A7DFFDB%2DF47B%2D485A%2DAB52%2D3E4A51DF24A9%7D 7/30)

YouTube announced its second music competition, calling for the best rap and hip hop performances from the U.S. “This is your shot to claim your spot as an MC,” raps 50 Cent in the intro. Would-be rappers are vying for a $10,000 gift certificate from Guitar Center and a trip to New York to get a single produced for G-Unit/Interscope Records. Submissions to the OntheRise Rap Edition will be accepted from August 10 to August 17.

NBC Universal Cable’s Chiller announced a short film contest to scare up some talented shorts for Halloween. The “Dare to Direct” contest will be judged based on Best Picture, Creepiest Character and Scariest Special Effects, with the winner of each category getting $5,000 in cash. Shorts can be uploaded on ChillerTV.com from September 5 to September 17. NBCU TV producers will select the final winners.

Former MTV and CBS Radio exec Rob Barnett has lined up the likes of Harry Shearer, Andy Milonakis and Paul Reiser for a new Web site set to launch Tuesday featuring original video content. The new My Damn Channel will offer brief, professionally produced programming. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070731/ap_on_hi_te/online_video_pros 7/31)

In an effort to boost online ordering, Blockbuster’s new online purchase-recommendation software, developed by ChoiceStream, moves beyond the obvious to suggest movies with subtle similarities to those previously ordered. Since adding the new application, Blockbuster has lost fewer customers to rivals, and customers are putting more movies on their “to watch” lists, the company says. (The Wall Street Journal 7/31)

TV news and community site BuddyTV raised $2.8 million in first round financing led by Gemstar-TV Guide International, which has been expanding its presence on the web as of late. Recent TV Guide acquisitions include JumptheShark.com, TVShowsOnDVD.com and FansofRealityTV.com.

PC-based DVR service ReplayTV is recruiting beta testers for its new HD software suite that will enable users to record and watch HDTV on a computer. Replay’s PC DVR service, available for  free for 30 days, currently costs $49.95/year and $19.95 for each additional year. It requires a 1.3 Ghz or faster PC, Windows XP and Hauppauge WinTV PVR tuner card.

Some interesting findings from comScore’s May video streaming report:

• Online viewers watched an average of 158 minutes of streaming video per streamer.
• The average video stream duration was 2.5 minutes.
• Nearly three out of four (74.3 percent) U.S. Internet users streamed video online.
• More than one out of three (35 percent) U.S. Internet users streamed video on YouTube.com.
• The average online video viewer consumed 63 video streams, or more than two per day.

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration is entering a deal with Amazon.com to reproduce and sell to the public DVD copies of thousands of its historic films and newsreels. Offerings include the 1960 presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/30/AR2007073001589.html 7/31)

ESPN is increasing digital distribution of the X Games 13 franchise beginning August 2. ESPN is offering more than 40 hours of live coverage on EXPN.com, ESPN 360.com and ESPN mobile platforms including ESPN Mobile TV and the ESPN MVP service. The newly-redesigned X-treme Sports-focused EXPN.com will host the X Games first fan-determined contest asking users to choose the best Skateboard Street trick. Dish Network will also offer ESPN Interactive X Games, featuring a 6-screen interface. Look for coverage on iTunes as well.

NBCU also relaunched its affiliate website nbcunetworks.com, improving navigation and functionality. The new password-protected site includes automatically updated programming schedules, grids, press releases, marketing materials and content required for online spot ordering.