NDS Group has entered into a multiyear licensing agreement for Macrovision Solutions’ electronic programme guide patents. Under the agreement, NDS will be able to offer licensed EPGs to its pay-TV platform operator customers in specified countries. “We believe operators will benefit from having the option to license Gemstar’s EPG patents alongside NDS’ own leading technology […]

Macrovision Solutions Corporation says UPC Broadband has entered into a multi-year license for IPGs in several European countries. Meanwhile Macrovision has signed an agreement with UPC to distribute certain IPG and interactive television technologies developed by UPC to other service providers.

Sky is reportedly considering reopening its EPG slot queue to channels broadcasting in the HD. If so it would be the first time new channels could come directly on to the EPG since applications were closed in October 2007. Room for the additions would be made by a software download, following which the EPG available […]

TiVo and US satellite TV provider EchoStar return to a Texas court this week in the latest round of a longstanding fight over a TV recording technology patent. The legal dispute dates back to 2004, when TiVo charged that satellite TV provider EchoStar Communications Corp’s Dish network system violated TiVo’s patent for 'Time Warp' software, […]

The European Commission has cleared France's E99 million state aid for Quaero, the multimedia search index being built by a consortium of electronics and other companies. Former French president Jacques Chirac agreed to fund Thomson for the project back in 2005. The EC said the project in fact “brings positive externalities for the community as […]

Sky is planning a reshuffle of its electronic programme guide (EPG) to create more spaces in 13 of its genres. The broadcaster is planning to fill gaps created by channel launches and departures, with existing channels moving up in the guide. They will, however, retain their positions relative to each other. Six genres – lifestyle […]

Evolving Systems, provider of software solutions and services to the wireless, wireline and IP carrier market, has confirmed that its Tertio Service Activation solution and Tertio Service Verification solution have been selected by German broadband carrier Unitymedia to support their growth strategy for triple play services. Unitymedia’s core business is TV, with more than five […]

Gore's Current files IPO to fund growth Al Gore's Current Media, the online media company, plans an initial public offering that could see it raise up to $100 million. Current's planned IPO comes at an uncertain time for equity markets worldwide. The planned flotation comes as Current attempts to capitalise on growing interest in its […]

Digital channel Rapture TV has claimed that Ofcom did not fully investigate its complaint that BSkyB overcharged for its electronic programme guide listing in an appeal against the regulator’s ruling. Rapture, which airs a mix of entertainment and extreme sports programming, originally complained to Ofcom that its annual EPG bill of £76,500 from Sky was […]

The DVB Project has announced the adoption of new procedures in its efforts to promote the wide availability of technology based on DVB standards. This initiative is the result of a broad review, still on-going, undertaken by DVB on its policy governing intellectual property rights (IPRs). DVB launched the review in response to members' concerns […]