The new Gemstar [GMST] cut a kinder, gentler deal Tues, when it agreed to license its patents and technology to Time Warner Cable’s digital subs, a stark contrast to Gemstar’s previous strategy of protecting its patents. The deal means MSOs can begin to develop their own IPGs, as TW Cable is doing with planned network-based DVR service Mystro, or use Gemstar with alternative IPG products from other vendors. "They can do it in a way where they don’t have to work around the patents," Gemstar CEO Jeff Shell says. "We never once put a gun to their head…Now, we’re partners rather than adversaries." Shell doesn’t expect Time Warner Cable to roll out TV Guide’s IPG in its entirety or does he expect the MSO to roll out Mystro without any TV Guide involvement. "It’s not black-and-white. I expect something in the middle…It’s important for us to have Mystro include some of our content and tech as an element." The deal also seems to fit Time Warner’s modus operandi: deploying a bit of everything. Just as with set-tops, the MSO has built up an arsenal of IPG products, including S-A’s [SFA] Sara and Pioneer’s Passport. It’s also trialing Microsoft’s [MSFT] IPG. With vendors competing for deals with Time Warner, "this sort of thinking helps keep costs down and keeps quality high," TWC says.

The Daily

Subscribe

Let’s Not Make a Deal

S&P ’s TMT deal tracker reports that media and telecom M&A plunged to a 13-month low in February, with North American media and telecom companies striking 96 transactions worth nearly $160 million in

Read the Full Issue
The Skinny is delivered on Tuesday and focuses on the cable profession. You'll stay in the know on the headlines, topics and special issues you value most. Sign Up

Calendar

Apr 25
2024 Cablefax 100 Awards Magazine Release: April 25, 2024
Jun 13
2024 American Broadband Congress Conference Registration is Open!
Jun 26
2024 FAXIES Awards Nominations Are Open!
Full Calendar

Jobs

Seeking an INDUSTRY JOB?
VIEW JOBS

Hiring? In conjunction with our sister brand, Cynopsis, we are offering hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors, The result will be an even more robust industry job board, to help both employers and job seekers.

Contact Rob Hudgins, [email protected], for more information.