Gracenote eyeQ For Smart TVs Launches at IFA 2011

BERLIN, September 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Gracenote eyeQ Interactive Program Guide Technology is Available in Philips Smart TVs and Loewe Mobile Applications

IFA 2011 -- Gracenote® is expanding its offerings for Smart TVs with the launch of Gracenote eyeQ™, an Interactive Program Guide (IPG) which delivers the most comprehensive European television channel and program listings available today, as well as other powerful Smart TV features. Philips will be one of the first TV manufacturers to feature a program guide powered by Gracenote eyeQ in its 2011 Smart TV line-up.  In addition, Loewe will demonstrate iPad and Android channel guide Apps featuring Gracenote eyeQ during IFA this week in Berlin.

Gracenote eyeQ is a one-stop global solution that enables consumer electronics manufacturers to transform Smart TVs into media hubs where viewers can easily browse TV schedules for local and national broadcasters, as well as on-demand and streaming content. Gracenote eyeQ takes viewers beyond typical channel guides, creating a launching point to explore content. Clicking on a TV listing uncovers synopsis, cast and crew information, high resolution artwork, and links to related content. Viewers can also discover new TV programs through smart recommendations specific to their viewing habits and likes.

Gracenote eyeQ integrates with Gracenote's suite of Smart TV technologies - which include Gracenote MusicID®, VideoID™ and Video Explore™. The Video Explore technology lets viewers link from a TV program listing to search Gracenote's database of movie and TV information. Meanwhile, Gracenote MusicID lets viewers identify songs playing in any movie or TV program, as well as better manage digital music collections across devices and home networks.

Gracenote and Philips Deliver a Smarter Way to Watch TV

By adding Gracenote eyeQ into its Smart TV platform, Philips is providing a "home screen" where viewers can easily find and access content from both broadcast and on-demand/streaming sources. The Gracenote powered program guide and smart recommendation technology will first be available as a software update to current owners of Philips Smart TVs.

• Integrated Guide & Listings: Viewers can enjoy enhanced TV program schedules and listings combined with on-demand and streaming content information-from a centralized home screen.
• Simplified Search: Lets viewers browse all of their favorite broadcast channels and Philips Net TV on-demand content from a simple, intuitive user interface.
• Smart Recommendations: Learns what viewers like to watch and makes appropriate suggestions - letting viewers discover new TV programs and movies, as well as rediscover old favorites.

Gracenote and Loewe Pair Mobile Apps with Smart TV

Loewe will be demonstrating an iPad and Android App at IFA that allows TV viewers to interact with their TV set using a program guide powered by Gracenote eyeQ. By simply launching the Loewe App on their iPad or Android device, viewers receive a more personal Smart TV experience, letting them browse channels without interrupting the main TV screen.

• TV Sync: Through a WiFi connection, the Loewe iPad and Android Apps sync with the Loewe TV, allowing viewers to interact with a program guide powered by Gracenote eyeQ.
• Smart & Simple: Makes finding TV programs and movies easy through an intuitive user interface, designed by Loewe, which filters channels and programs from hundreds of choices.

The Backbone of the Smart TV

"TV viewership is on the rise and is being radically transformed from a passive experience to a more engaged, interactive, and on-demand experience," said Stephen White, president of Gracenote.  "Gracenote eyeQ lets manufacturers provide a deeper and more personal way to watch TV, while also getting the ability to steer people to purchase, stream and download content."

Gracenote eyeQ uses direct feeds from content owners, as well as industry-leading partners such as Tribune Media Services, which provides TV, movie and celebrity metadata, images and program schedules.  In addition, through Gracenote's recent integration of German-based tvtv Services, the preeminent Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) and connected TV service provider in Europe, the company now offers television programming listings for more than 17,000 channels in more than 20 countries.

Gracenote eyeQ at IFA 2011

Gracenote eyeQ will be demonstrated at IFA 2011 in the International Meeting Area, Hall 7.2A in Room 102A. In addition, Gracenote eyeQ will be shown in the Loewe Hall 6.2, Booth 21. In addition to the iPad and Android Apps, Loewe will also be demonstrating Gracenote's MusicID product in its new SoundVision Audio System.  For more information or to schedule a demo and briefing at the show, please contact Veronica Skelton at 415.342.3435 or vskelton@gracenote.com.

About Gracenote

A pioneer in digital media, Gracenote, Inc. provides music and video content and technologies to the world's hottest entertainment products and brands. The company's partners in the entertainment community include major music publishers and labels, prominent independents and movie studios and television networks.  A wholly owned, independent subsidiary of the Sony Corporation of America (SCA), Gracenote has offices in Tokyo, Munich, Berlin, Seoul, and Taipei with worldwide headquarters in Emeryville, California.  For more information visit http://www.gracenote.com.

Gracenote and MusicID are registered trademarks of Gracenote, Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

For More Information Contact:

Veronica Skelton
Concept PR for Gracenote
+1-415-342-3435
vskelton@gracenote.com

Billy Burnett
Onechocolate Communications for Gracenote
+44-(0)20-7437-0227
billyb@onechocolatecomms.co.uk