株式会社インタラクティブ・プログラム・ガイド IPG

Interactive Program Guide, Inc. (“IPG,” based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Keisuke Toji), which provides the “G-GUIDE” electronic program guide (EPG) service, will launch a new service that provides program information up to one month ahead of broadcast, has expanded the “Chumoku Bangumi” (popular programs) service that provides program details with images, up to one month ahead of scheduled broadcast, which initially launched on the “G-GUIDE” service for digital televisions, to include the “G-GUIDE MOBILE” service for mobile phones, as well as the “Syndicated G-GUIDE” service for internet sites.

G-GUIDE has provided program information on various devices, including “G-GUIDE” for TVs and DVRs, “G-GUIDE MOBILE” for mobile phones, and “SYNDICATED G-GUIDE” for internet services. Provision of enriched program promotion information on these services, will further increase interests towards TV programs, and create new viewing opportunities.

The new “Chumoku Bangumi” feature will be provided for programs up to one month ahead of the broadcast date, in addition to the eight days worth of data already being provided. 100 terrestrial digital programs will be featured, with images (program photos and logos).

The “Chumoku Bangumi” service for “G-GUIDE MOBILE” will be initially accessible from the “G-GUIDE IPG” application pre-installed on Softbank phones released after the “933 SH” model, released on May 29, 2009.

The “Chumoku Bangumi” service for “Syndicated G-GUIDE,” has been provided on the “G-GUIDE TV Ohkoku” site provided by So-net Entertainment and IPG since March 24, 2009, but will expand its service scope from the Tokyo area to nationwide coverage (32 areas).

In approaching the complete transition to digital broadcasting in 2011, IPG will aim to build an environment that allows TV programs to be even more enjoyable than now, through improving user-convenience of TV program information services, taking into account diversified TV viewing styles and user needs.