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Macromedia plans showbiz site

The multimedia provider is teaming up with players Disney, Sony Pictures, and others to offer an entertainment site featuring its technology.

Jeff Pelline Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Jeff Pelline is editor of CNET News.com. Jeff promises to buy a Toyota Prius once hybrid cars are allowed in the carpool lane with solo drivers.
Jeff Pelline
Macromedia quietly is planning to wade into the consumer entertainment market with a new Web site dubbed Shockrave, which will include material from Sony Pictures, Disney, and United Media, among others.

The free site, which is expected launch on February 18, will feature games, cartoons, and music, all showcasing Macromedia technology with sound and animation, according to company sources. SegaSoft and Broderbund also will provide "exclusive content" to the site, along with Sony's Columbia TriStar Interactive unit. The company has registered an address for Shockrave on the Web, but it only is accessible through a secret password.

A company spokeswoman declined comment.

In the online entertainment market, a new and updated Rolling Stone network also is gearing up for launch on February 16. It stems from Rolling Stone's previously reported merger with JamTV in December.

Online entertainment is booming on the Web and creating moneymaking potential because of its growth. Until now, Macromedia's role has been to provide the technology to companies such as Disney. Now it is taking a more high-profile approach.

Macromedia chairman Bud Colligan also sits on the board of directors of CNET: The Computer Network, publisher of NEWS.COM.