Another big Gemstar deal brings TV Guide to MobiTV

Long-running service MobiTV announced today that it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Gemstar-TV Guide.

The agreement includes patent licensing for the interactive program guides (IPGs) similar to those TV Guide places on set top boxes found throughout the US. However, these particular guides will be optimized for the mobile video programming made available through MobiTV.

Macrovision, which recently acquired Gemstar-TV Guide, has been strategically increasing the scope of the formerly suffering company to build a better platform for its on demand video delivery. It announced that it struck a deal with Sony to integrate Gemstar's TV Guide IPGs with Sony's new Bravia HDTV line just a week ago.

Prior to the acquisition, TV Guide listed Verizon's V Cast TV shows on TVGuide.com and offered its exclusive programming on the TV Guide Channel under the "TV to Go" section with the service.

MobiTV is offered through competing service provider Sprint.

By acknowledging emerging platforms and seizing the opportunity to align with a fast-growing service, Macrovision could prove to have a stronghold in the video-on-demand market as soon as this year.