Mitsubishi, Pioneer Ink Gemstar License

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 2/24/2004

New York. – Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Pioneer Electronics have agreed to license Gemstar-TV Guide International’s TV Guide On Screen interactive program guide (IPG) technology for use in digital televisions and digital recorders in North America, the companies announced.

Previously, Gemstar-TV Guide had licensed its IPG technology to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, the parent company of MDEA, for use in Japan and Europe. Pioneer now has the right to utilize the Gemstar-TV Guide in its digital cable products in North America. In addition, agreement resolves all outstanding litigation between Pioneer and Gemstar. The deal includes a one-time $14 million payment to Gemstar from Pioneer and Pioneer will pay licensce fees to Gemstar-TV Guide on a per unit sold basis.

Mitsubishi will also pay license fees to Gemstar-TV Guide based on the number of units sold, Gemstar said.

Gemstar-TV Guide has previously reached IPG licensing agreements with JVC, LG (Zenith), Matsushita (Panasonic), Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony and Thomson(RCA, GE and Scenium brands).

The TV Guide On Screen IPG is built into consumer electronics products, including digital televisions, digital video recorders (DVRs) and DVD recorders. The guide offers on-screen program listings from TV Guide that enable viewers to navigate, sort, select and schedule television programming for viewing and recording using a remote control.

The program lists are subscription-free and are continually updated. Listings include channels available in each market from terrestrial broadcasters and cable providers.