Gemstar-TV Guide Introduces "My TV Guide," a Suite of Personalized Cross-Platform Guidance Services

Business Wire, May 3, 2007

Company Introduces Innovative Guidance Solutions for Distributors to Deliver Rich Content and Personalization Across TV, the Web and Mobile Platforms

Agreements to Collaborate on My TV Guide Web Services with EchoStar Communications, Suddenlink, Verizon, and DIRECTV are also announced

LOS ANGELES -- Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMST), a leading media, entertainment and technology company, announced today the introduction of a new suite of cross-platform personalized guidance tools and services designed to help consumers address complexity in the video entertainment landscape brought about by rapidly expanding choices and new forms of content. Called "My TV Guide[TM]," these personalized guidance solutions will enable consumers to enjoy a content-rich, integrated guidance experience as they access video entertainment on platforms ranging from traditional linear television to the Internet and mobile devices. TV Guide will offer these new capabilities to distributors and work with them to develop custom solutions for their customers.

My TV Guide tools and services will be licensed to distributors across cable, satellite, Telco, CE and mobile, including those deploying TV Guide's iGuide[TM], Passport[R], and CE IPG product lines. My TV Guide products and services, designed to complement existing interactive program guides (IPGs), will begin to roll-out later this year, with the initial phases of deployment taking place primarily on the Web. Living room-oriented applications are expected to reach consumers beginning in 2008. The company expects to generate revenues from My TV Guide[TM] products and services through licensing fees, advertising and commerce opportunities.

Rich Battista, chief executive officer of Gemstar-TV Guide said, "The introduction of My TV Guide is an exciting step forward for our company. Our unique combination of assets sets us apart from other companies in the guidance arena. We have strong, long-standing relationships with leading companies in the cable, satellite, Telco, consumer electronics and mobile arenas. In combination with the wealth of original content and data that we possess, and our record as innovators in the guidance arena, I believe that TV Guide is now uniquely positioned to work with our partners to deliver the best, personalized cross-platform guidance solutions for consumers."

Steve Shannon, executive vice president and general manager, product development and technology, Gemstar-TV Guide, said, "We conducted a great deal of research over the past 18 months as we set out to address the complexity in the current media landscape. We found that consumers are very interested in a personalized guidance experience. My TV Guide is being designed to deliver to consumers entertaining and informative content, allowing them to get closer to their favorite shows and stars, and to receive relevant programming recommendations. Through the My TV Guide services, consumers will be able to focus on the specific programs that interest them most, and they will be able to manage their viewing options at any time, and from any place."

The My TV Guide suite of tools and services will include MetaPlus[TM] Enhanced Data, Personalized Guide Services, Cross Platform Messaging, Advanced Guide Ad Services, and Client Applications.

* MetaPlus Enhanced Data includes new forms of guidance content and data to move beyond schedules to a more portal-style guide experience including program graphics, video previews and extras, celebrity and movie data, editorial recommendations, family ratings and show recaps.

* Personalized Guide Services will bring an end to the "one-size-fits-all" guidance experience by making it easy for consumers to get closer to their favorite shows and stars. This new level of simplicity will be achieved through TV Guide's proprietary Smart Recommendations[TM] technology that uses sophisticated algorithms to match viewers with the most relevant shows and favorite celebrities and sports teams. In addition, TV Guide's world-class editorial staff is creating dozens of specialized Hot Lists[TM] highlighting the best programs for specialized interests.

* Cross Platform Messaging will enable interoperability between set-top, PC and mobile devices. For example, consumers will be able to use the Remote Recording service to schedule recordings from their laptop while traveling or receive alerts on their cell phone when a favorite program is about to air.

* The Advanced Guide Ad Services leverage My TV Guide technology to bring similar capabilities of Internet advertising to interactive program guides. The service will help partners monetize their guide through targeted, graphically-rich ads. It will also offer interactive capabilities important to program promotion and conventional advertisers, including the ability to view a full-screen video, order a pay-per-view program, set up a DVR recording, visit an interactive showcase and request additional information.

* Client Applications, delivered to service operators as a toolkit, will speed up client-side implementation of the My TV Guide services. For a more personalized experience, partners will be able to deploy "MyGuide[TM]," a personalized guidance home page or TV "dashboard" which will provide a summary of favorite programs and recommendations for each member of the family on TV, Web, and mobile environments. Partners will also be able to quickly enhance their consumer Web experience by embedding Listings2Go[TM], a co-branded online television guide application.