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Media

An all-in-one media hub that will turn heads

As impressive as the "ITC One" media system may be, some have observed that its design doesn't live up to its extensive functions. It's understandable that appearance wasn't a priority, though, given that it's one of the few compact all-in-one systems of its kind.

All that will change, however, if they catch on--and a company called DVico is trying to get ahead of the pack with a multimedia hub of its own. "TViX," as it's known, is an HD multimedia system that plays 1080p video, DVDs, and MPs while storing files … Read more

On the eve of OnMedia NYC: media and advertising industries still optimistic about 2008

I'm off to New York for the OnMedia conference from January 28-30. The two-and-a-half day event features technology CEOs from Silicon Valley leading presentations and debates with their counterparts in global advertising and media. It will be a dynamic crowd that's coming together to discuss emerging user trends and new opportunities in the marketing, branding, advertising, and public relations industries.

The list of speakers includes web 2.0 entrepreneurs such as Steve Rosenbaum (CEO, Magnify.net), Ami Kassar (Chief Innovation Officer, ideablob), and Matt Colebourne, (CEO, coComment); established content players such as Jim Spanfeller (President, Forbes.com) and … Read more

'The Office', 'CSI', and 'Ugly Betty' get it

Along with being entertained, what can we learn from them?

Over the years, and long before the Web entered into the mix, people have become very attached to their programs. While the networks may, and perhaps still do, have some trepidation about copyright issues and online file sharing, they've also realized that the Web gives them even more opportunities to get in front of their audiences.

The networks and shows aren't limited to the 30 or 60 minutes a week any more. The Web provides a 24-7 connection, and thanks to mobile access, nearly unlimited potential. But just like any other business, success on the Web isn't guaranteed. Let's take a look at three examples across the three major broadcast networks.… Read more

CBS reports early success with Last.fm music streaming

Fresh off launching an ad-supported streaming music service for its Last.fm property, CBS Interactive is already touting success.

According to a release from CBS on Friday, there were 85 percent more unique listeners on Last.fm on Wednesday, January 23--the day that CBS Corporation and Last.fm announced the service--than there had been on the previous Wednesday. The next day, Thursday, saw an 80 percent increase from the previous Thursday, which CBS took as evidence that it wasn't just a single-day phenomenon.

Last.fm had previously offered streaming music primarily in 30-second clips. But thanks to licensing agreements … Read more

Read any media card in the known universe for $17

Over the years I've amassed a diverse collection of memory cards, from moldy old SmartMedia to brand-spankin'-new microSD. The iMONO 80-in-1 High Speed Card Reader accommodates them all--and then some. You can pick one up for a mere $17 plus shipping.

Okay, I know what you're thinking: There are 80 different kinds of memory cards?! Well, if you count up all the variants of the major formats and, um, carry the one... hmm, I still don't get anywhere near 80. But better safe than sorry, right? This could be the last card reader you'll ever … Read more

Marketing software vs. marketing hardware

Here's a thought experiment: If you consider marketing as a function of information technology, and you consequently divide it into software and hardware, then you may draw an interesting analogy to what's currently happening in the wireless industry. Like the mobile industry, in particular handset phone makers, who experience a shift from hardware towards software, successful marketers ought to start focusing on what I call "marketing software."

Let me explain. Under marketing hardware I file the static, robust marketing framework long established in theory and practice: brand architecture, trademarks, direct mailing, loyalty programs, trade show booths, … Read more

In the free music space, can CBS succeed where others have failed?

It's no secret: ad-supported streaming music, held up as an alternative to both paid downloads and free-for-all piracy, has hit some twists and snags. A number of well-funded start-ups, like SpiralFrog, dove into the space and few have emerged intact. Only one, Imeem, can really claim to be a success--it has licensing deals with all four major music labels--but it's still been criticized for a tepid user experience.

So it was a bit of a surprise when CBS' big announcement about Last.fm, the music-based social network it purchased last year, was the launch of a free, ad-supported … Read more

InfoUSA to acquire Direct Media

InfoUSA, which got a boost last year from its Super Bowl ads, is planning to bulk up its marketing database business again, the company said Wednesday.

But this time it's looking to add a little heft to its mass-mailing business with an acquisition of Direct Media, a Connecticut-based direct marketing company. The companies have signed a definitive agreement and expect to close the deal by the end of the month. Terms were not disclosed.

InfoUSA plans to take Direct Media and operate it as a wholly owned subsidiary. And apparently, InfoUSA has run this game plan before. Over the … Read more

AT&T's Mobile TV service to debut with the LG Vu?

If leaked sources are to be believed, AT&T may break out a new mobile TV service courtesy of Qualcomm's MediaFLO in the form of the very sleek and sexy LG Vu. RCR Wireless News reports that AT&T is going to launch the live broadcast service with two exclusive channels as early as February 5. Verizon Wireless currently offers eights live TV channels as part of its own deal with MediaFLO in the form of V Cast TV, but does not currently have any "exclusive" channels, though some will be added in the future.… Read more