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Technology Stocks : Gemstar Intl (GMST) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Paul Senior who wrote (2081)	2/23/2000 10:53:00 PM
From: NY Stew	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 6516

Paul, The new set-top box, expected to be available during the fourth quarter of 2000, could also offer interactive television services developed by OpenTV, including a new electronic program guide, a local weather application and other innovative interactive applications for consumers. The operative word here is could. OPTV does not have IPG technology. The OPTV technology was developed by Thomson and Sun. During this process Thomson's patent research lawyers told them that they would need to license from Starsight. This resulted in Thomson's investment in Starsight. Thomson later sold its OPTV equity stake to MIHL, now the majority shareholder. Anyway, to make a long story short, do not read too much into this. The vast majority of OPTV's business is from various News Corp satellite operations. Liberty has a stake in OPTV. My thinking on this matter: Thomson would have not sold its majority stake in OPTV to pay Gemstar licensing fees without due cause. Since News Corp and Liberty Media own 88% of TVGIA I believe they would use the IPG technology if such existed rather than attempt a takeover of Gemstar for billions in cash or later agree to be acquired. Anything can be written but the money trail is the best indicator. *Charlie Ergen is known to be in talks with Gemstar and TV Guide so one might conclude that the Echostar press release is factual on some accounts and tactical on others. Ergen is trying to negotiate another buck IMO. He is a tough SOB. So is Henry et al. They will come to terms. Regards Stew