OpenTV has entered into an agreement with TV Guide Interactive an affiliate of Gemstar-TV Guide International the developer of the cable industry’s most widely-distributed interactive program guide (IPG).
Gemstar-TV Guide’s newest IPG, i-Guide, will be integrated with OpenTV’s middleware.
This deal will allow network operators to choose both the leading IPG and the world’s most broadly deployed middleware solution. With this integrated solution, OpenTV and Gemstar-TV Guide will be able to provide network operators with a broader choice of subscriber applications and services, shorter test and launch windows, and a flexible IPG solution that can work with different set-top boxes and platforms.
Upon completion of the integration, it is expected that Gemstar-TV Guide will market i-Guide through its sales and marketing staff, and that it will be offered worldwide on set-top boxes (STB) enabled with OpenTV Core middleware. It is anticipated that the integrated version of i-Guide will operate on set-top boxes enabled with OpenTV Core middleware including Motorola and Scientific-Atlanta boxes. i-Guide features fast, intuitive navigation to advanced interactive services such as on demand, HDTV and dual-tuner DVR options and, like other TV Guide-branded products, makes it easier and more enjoyable for consumers to find out “what’s on” among an expanding number of choices.
“We are excited to partner with such a respected brand as Gemstar-TV Guide to integrate their IPG with OpenTV’s industry-leading middleware,” said James A. Chiddix, OpenTV’s chairman and CEO. “This agreement signals a new chapter in iTV deployment by opening up platforms worldwide and by enabling network operators to build and launch applications without having to do native TV Guide integration.”
murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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