And some more recent news:
Press Release Source: OpenTV Corp.
OpenTV and AUSTAR Extend License Agreement
Monday October 4, 6:55 pm ET
Deal Includes the Development of a Suite of OpenTV Broadcast Associated Applications
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- OpenTV Corp. ("OpenTV"; Nasdaq: OPTV), one of the world's leading interactive television companies, and Austar United Communications ("AUSTAR"; ASX: AUN), a leading subscription television provider in Australia, have signed a network license agreement allowing OpenTV to continue to supply its broad range of interactive television applications and products, and in addition, will develop and license a suite of broadcast associated applications. The agreement was announced by James A. (Jim) Chiddix, OpenTV's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and John Porter, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of AUSTAR.
The deal extends OpenTV's core license agreement with AUSTAR for five years, and includes the delivery of up to six enhanced broadcast applications for Sports Active, the company's latest offering in its lineup of interactive services. OpenTV and AUSTAR have also agreed to deploy an updated interactive weather application in association with The Weather Channel that will offer significantly increased information and functionality. The new iTV services will provide AUSTAR's subscribers with greater control over how they view the programming, allowing them to watch what they want, when they want, and eschewing traditional linear television.
"We are excited to expand our relationship with AUSTAR and support their commitment and successful exploitation of interactive television services," said Chiddix. "They have concentrated on using the technology to improve their business, and because of that have a strong, consumer-friendly service. We look forward to exploring the opportunity to further leverage our relationship to provide AUSTAR with compelling new interactive applications that will help to further differentiate the viewing experience for their subscribers."
"With this long-term agreement, AUSTAR has assured itself of fully benefiting from the quality support, sophisticated and turn-key application developments originating from OpenTV," said Porter. "Subscribers are the ultimate benefactors, as our lineup of interactive services will be fortified with even more great products and applications. We are pleased to be extending this mutually beneficial relationship."
About OpenTV
One of the world's leading interactive television companies, OpenTV provides a comprehensive suite of technology, content, games, tools, applications, and professional services that enables cable and satellite network operators in more than 95 countries to deliver and manage iTV services on all major digital TV platforms. OpenTV has its Corporate Offices in San Francisco, California and regional offices in the United States, Europe and Asia/Pacific. OpenTV and the OpenTV logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of OpenTV, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All OpenTV products and services may not be available in all geographic areas. For more information, please visit www.opentv.com.
Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Information
The foregoing information contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory factors. In particular, factors that could cause our actual results to differ include risks related to: market acceptance of interactive television services and applications such as ours; delays in the development or introduction of new applications and versions of our service; technical difficulties with networks or operating systems; our ability to manage our resources effectively; changes in technologies that affect the television industry; and the protection of our proprietary information. These and other risks are more fully described in our periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be obtained online at the Commission's Web site at www.sec.gov. Readers should consider the information contained in this release together with other publicly available information about our company for a more informed overview of our company. We disclaim any intention to obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
About Austar United Communications
AUSTAR (Australian Stock Exchange "AUN") is a leading provider of subscription television services in Australia, providing principally satellite delivered services to regional and rural Australia. AUSTAR also offers mobile telephone and internet services. AUSTAR's 50% owned joint venture, XYZnetworks, is a significant program provider in the Australian market and owns and/or distributes Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Discovery, Channel [V], Club [V], MAX, Arena, The Lifestyle Channel, Lifestyle Food, CountryMusic Channel and The Weather Channel to over 1.2 million subscribers. In addition, AUSTAR was the first company in Australia to launch digital interactive television. www.austarunited.com.au.
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Source: OpenTV Corp. |
