Gemstar in AOL Deal

By Karen Kaplan

May 26, 1999 12 AM PT

Gemstar International Group of Pasadena said it will license its electronic program guide technology to America Online. Financial terms of the multiyear agreement were not disclosed. The No. 1 online service provider will use the Gemstar technology to make program guides for AOL TV, an interactive service due out next year. A spokeswoman for Dulles, Va.-based AOL said the licensing deal is not exclusive. Gemstar is best known for its VCR Plus system for recording TV shows, but the company’s electronic program guide technology could ultimately provide more revenue as interactive entertainment takes off. Gemstar shares lost 19 cents to close at $59.50 in Nasdaq trading; AOL fell $4.50 to $115 on the NYSE.

Technology and the Internet Entertainment & Arts

Karen Kaplan

Karen Kaplan covers science and medical research for the Los Angeles Times. She has been a member of the science team since 2005, including 13 years as an editor. Her first decade at The Times was spent covering technology in the Business section as both a reporter and editor. She grew up in San Diego and is a graduate of MIT and Columbia University.

Gemstar in AOL Deal

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