New DirectTv deal: Maybe no more starsight guide....
Gemstar-TV Guide and DIRECTV Sign IPG License and Distribution Agreement
Tuesday December 2, 4:59 pm ET
DIRECTV to License Gemstar-TV Guide Intellectual Property and Incorporate TV Guide Brand in its IPG
DIRECTV Will Also Launch TV Guide Channel
LOS ANGELES & EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 2003-- Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (NASDAQ:GMST - News) and DIRECTV, Inc. today announced a licensing and distribution agreement for DIRECTV to utilize Gemstar-TV Guide's intellectual property and technology, as well as its TV Guide brand, in interactive program guides ("IPGs") across its subscriber base. The agreement provides DIRECTV with a patent license that allows DIRECTV to use Gemstar-TV Guide intellectual property and technology in its own IPG or in alternative IPG products supplied to it by its vendors, beginning in January 2004. Under this agreement, Gemstar-TV Guide will receive fees from DIRECTV rather than continuing to receive fees from DIRECTV's set-top box suppliers. The specific terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed.
"This agreement demonstrates the value of our technology and intellectual property, and indicates that our new flexible licensing approach is being well received in the marketplace, creating a strong foundation for successful business relationships going forward," said Jeff Shell, CEO, Gemstar-TV Guide International. "Gemstar-TV Guide continues to be the leading provider of guidance content and information in this increasingly complex world of television. We're looking forward to building on our relationship with DIRECTV to give their customers easy and entertaining ways to find out 'what's on.'"
"Partnering with Gemstar-TV Guide is a natural step for DIRECTV to take, because our customers are accustomed to having access to the most advanced and compelling television technology, coupled with the widest array of entertainment programming available," said Roxanne Austin, president and COO, DIRECTV, Inc. "This agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuously bring innovative technologies to the DIRECTV platform that will enhance our customers' viewing experience."
Distribution Agreement for TV Guide Channel
In the first quarter of 2004, DIRECTV will launch the TV Guide Channel on its "Total Choice" tier, which is its most widely distributed programming package. TV Guide Channel combines entertaining and informative television guidance and original programming. With its vast library of interviews and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, TV Guide Channel provides viewers with a rich array of program information and recommendations to help them make the most of their television experience.
About Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc.
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc., is a leading media and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at www.gemstartvguide.com.
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the Company's transition to a new management and corporate governance structure; an ongoing SEC investigation and pending litigation; the timely availability and acceptance of new products; the impact of competitive products and pricing; and the other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the most recent reports on Forms 10-K, 8-K and 10-Q, each as it may be amended from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: Gemstar, TV Guide and TV Guide Channel are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. and/or its affiliates. The names of other companies and products used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
About DIRECTV:
DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital multichannel television service provider with more than 12 million customers. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics Corp. Hughes Electronics Corporation, a unit of General Motors Corporation, is a world-leading provider of digital television entertainment, broadband satellite networks and services, and global video and data broadcasting. The earnings of HUGHES are used to calculate the earnings attributable to the General Motors Class H common stock (NYSE:GMH - News).
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Contact:
Gemstar-TV Guide
Media:
Christine Levesque, 212-852-7585
Analysts:
Amanda Tappen, 212-852-7333
or
DIRECTV
Bob Marsocci, 310-964-4656 |
