GemstarTV

GemstarTV was a subsidiary of Gemstar-Foster & Co., a company primarily known for its interactive program guide (IPG) technology. GemstarTV itself was an interactive television service that allowed viewers to browse television listings, set reminders, and access on-demand content. It was first introduced in the late 1990s and was a significant player in the early days of interactive television.

The service was delivered through set-top boxes and was often bundled with cable television packages. GemstarTV's core technology was its interactive program guide, which became a de facto standard for many cable operators. This guide provided a user-friendly interface for navigating through hundreds of channels and scheduling recordings. The company also developed technologies for video-on-demand services, aiming to bring a more digital and personalized television experience to consumers.

In the early 2000s, Gemstar-Foster & Co. faced significant legal challenges related to its patent portfolio, particularly concerning IPG technology. These legal battles, coupled with the evolving landscape of digital television and streaming services, eventually led to a decline in GemstarTV's prominence. While the company underwent several changes in ownership and strategy over the years, its initial contributions to interactive television technology laid groundwork for many features found in modern set-top boxes and smart TV interfaces. GemstarTV's legacy is intertwined with the development of the interactive television experience.