GuideWorks Announces Availability of Application Programming Interface

Third-Party APIs Published for Widely Deployed Interactive Program Guide and Navigation System for Digital Cable TV.

GuideWorks, an interactive program guide (IPG IPG Implantable pulse generator, see there ) development group formed by Comcast Corporation and Gemstar-TV Guide International Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. is a media company that licenses interactive program guide technology to multichannel operators, such as cable and satellite television providers, and consumer electronics manufacturers, video recorder scheduling code under brands such as VCR , today announced the availability of a developer application programming interface (API) for its i-Guide digital cable interactive program guide. The i-Guide IPG was launched in 2004 and is being rolled out to millions of digital cable customers across multiple cable operators.

The open standards Specifications for hardware and software that are developed by a standards organization or a consortium involved in supporting a standard. Available to the public for developing compliant products, open standards imply "open systems;" that an existing component in a system can be replaced architecture of this new API set will enable third-party developers to create interactive applications for digital cable television. Working with these standards, application developers can create interactive and enhanced television applications, such as gaming and polling features that can be integrated with the i-Guide IPG.

The API set brings applicable guide functions to third-party applications and contains interfaces for sharing the TV screen display, the consumer interface control, and important set-top box resources with the GuideWorks software. This API set's interface enables third-party applications to gain focus when customers tune to designated channels or launch them using on-screen buttons within the GuideWorks user interface. The APIs also support integration with parental controls, program reminders, multi-tuner DVR (1) (Digital Video Recorder) A device that records video onto a hard disk from one or more ceiling mounted video cameras. Part of a security system, the DVR typically supports 4, 8 or 16 separate camera channels. capabilities, and VOD functionality. Additionally, the interfaces give third- party applications the ability to invoke and give focus to many GuideWorks IPG screens, including program listings, program information and digital video recorder See DVR. (DVR) management.

"Since forming GuideWorks, Comcast and TV Guide have emphasized the importance of developing an open platform that will help encourage innovation and allow third-party developers to expand the capabilities of digital cable's interactive program guide," said Gerard Kunkel, President of GuideWorks and Vice President of Business Development for Comcast. "We're looking forward to working with application developers to bring more entertainment and information to consumers and increasing the value of their digital cable service." "We look forward to working with GuideWorks to leverage our experience as a leading worldwide provider of interactive applications, games, advanced advertising solutions and infrastructure," said James A. Chiddix, OpenTV's chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. "This is an excellent opportunity for us to help U.S. cable operators bring new, innovative technologies and applications to their customers."

"The introduction of this API set creates an opportunity for ITV solutions providers to offer applications to millions of homes using the GuideWorks IPG," stated Scott Newnam, CEO, GoldPocket Interactive. "We have successfully integrated our eTV client using this API set, enabling our full library of functionality including interactive games, iAds and voting and polling applications. We anticipate deploying interactive applications on the GuideWorks platform later this year."

The current version of the GuideWorks API set is available on Motorola platforms (DCT-2000 family, DCT-700/2500 family, and advanced set-top box family). Support for software vendors is provided by the GuideWorks Professional Services Organization.

About Gemstar-TV Guide
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. (the "Company"), is a leading media and technology company that develops, licenses, markets and distributes technologies, products and services targeted at the television guidance and home entertainment needs of consumers worldwide. The Company's businesses include: television media and publishing properties; interactive program guide services and products; and technology and intellectual property licensing. Additional information about the Company can be found at http://www.gemstartvguide.com/.

About GuideWorks, LLC
GuideWorks, LLC., a joint venture of Comcast Corporation and Gemstar-TV Guide International, is a leading developer of interactive television guidance and navigation solutions. GuideWorks is dedicated to advancing state-of-the- art digital television navigation and creating the best consumer experience. GuideWorks is developing an open application environment to enable third-party developers to interface with its next generation of television navigation. GuideWorks is managed and majority owned by Comcast. Gemstar-TV Guide is the exclusive distributor of GuideWorks' products to other multichannel video providers.

About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (http://www.comcast.com/) is the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services. With 21.5 million cable customers and 7 million high-speed Internet customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable networks and in the delivery of programming content.

The Company's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, Outdoor Life Network, G4, AZN Television, TV One and four Comcast SportsNets. The Company also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL NHL Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, see there hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.