How it brings that marketing expertise to bear on the electronic book field remains to be seen. Gemstar had to market special remote controls directly to consumers until it was able to get enough VCR manufacturers on board. At first, local TV guides weren't interested in listing the codes, because few VCRs were programmed to understand them, and the VCR companies wouldn't include the technology because there weren't any TV listings. Its VCR Plus technology is ubiquitous today, but it took years to develop the market. Gemstar may be the perfect company to jump-start things. While neither e-book maker has released sales figures, it's safe to say digital books have yet to make the bestseller list. Besides, even among the digitally savvy - who are already toting a laptop, cell phone and PDA - there are few who really want to trade a disposable magazine for another machine.
Maybe it's the price: You can download Time magazine or a Stephen King novel for a little less than you'd pay at the bookstore - but first you have to shell out about $300 to buy a SoftBook or NuvoMedia's RocketBook digital reader.
#Gemstar video plus portable
OK, but what's a TV-centric company going to do with digital books? The official line is that the acquisition is a straightforward attempt to corral a new market before it really takes off.Īlthough there's been a lot of enthusiasm for digital books since the idea was introduced two years ago, the book-shaped, portable appliances that can store hundreds of pages of text haven't exactly been selling like hot cakes. America Online has licensed Gemstar technology for its upcoming TV service. The new TV Guide owner is also a major provider of interactive TV guides that let you browse cable programming.
#Gemstar video plus code
It's the maker of VCR Plus, or Video Plus, technology, which lets you record a TV show by entering a code rather than navigating through your VCR menu. Gemstar is certainly an up-and-comer in the TV world. The all-stock deal was completed last week and announced on Tuesday. In a strange twist for the emerging electronic book field, the two leading e-book makers, NuvoMedia and SoftBook Press, have been acquired by Gemstar International, which only a few months ago acquired TV Guide.
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