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 electronic program guide (EPG) service, will launch “Program Features”and “Monthly EPG” as new services on its G-GUIDE service. The “Program Features” will provide features on select programs from various broadcasters, and the “Monthly EPG” will expand program listings coverage from eight days to one month.

The “Program Features,” in addition to the EPG and Chuumoku Bangumi service, is intended to strengthen broadcasters’ program promotions. It will initially be launched with information provided by WOWOW Inc., and will eventually expand to include a wide range of program information from other broadcasters.

The “Program Features” service will be similar to features provided in TV-guide magazines, providing images and detailed information on programs selected according to various themes, up to one month ahead, making it convenient for users to find popular programs. In addition, setting viewing or recording schedules will be possible from both the “Program Features,” and “Monthly EPG,” helping to avoid viewers from missing programs.

The new G-GUIDE “Program Features” and “Monthly EPG” services will initially be available on DVD recorders supporting terrestrial digital and BS digital broadcasting, to be released, and will eventually expand to other G-GUIDE services on TVs, mobile phones, and the Internet.

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.