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News in Brief

SONY DADC Global President and CEO, Dieter Daum, will step down from his position at the end of February 2015. Daum joined Sony DADC in 1986 and has led the company since 2003. Current SVP of Operations, Dietmar Tanzer, has been appointed as President of Sony DADC International, effective March 1. In that role he will oversee all of Sony DADC's business operations in Europe, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India and Sony DADC BioSciences. Russell Taylor will continue to provide his executive leadership and has been appointed as Deputy President & CFO Sony DADC International, effective March 1.

IRDETO monitored illegal downloads of films in the US and over 200 countries worldwide from January 1 through February 14. The company revealed that the Academy Awards draws massive consumer interest outside the US, evidenced by a 385% increase in piracy worldwide for nominated films following the announcements on January 15. While Gone Girl was the early frontrunner after nominations, American Sniper took the lead and is currently the most pirated film in the world post-nomination, according to the data.

DVD AND BLU-RAY DISC rental company Redbox has announced it will be shutting down its Canadian operations and pulling 1,400 of its kiosks across the country, including over 80 throughout Metro Vancouver. The Chicago-based company first entered the Canadian market in 2012, bringing low-cost options to consumers. However, the quickly changing industry with the likes of Netflix and Video on Demand was too much for the rental company to handle. The last day for kiosk rentals will be Friday, February 13, while the last return date is March 5.