OVERVIEW

The ShowView® system is an instant recording technology built-into all forms of recording devices including DVDRs and VCRs. A perfect combination of technology and simplicity, the ShowView System allows users to easily record TV programmes.

To use the ShowView system the consumer needs a video recorder or DVD equipped with the ShowView technology and a publication that prints the ShowView system’s PlusCode® numbers in its TV listings section. By simply entering the PlusCode number into the recording equipment, users can instantly record or schedule recordings of their favourite television shows.

PlusCode Numbers are 1 to 9 digit codes that correspond to individual television programmes. When the PlusCode number is input into the user’s recording device, the recording timer is automatically set and the device will begin recording the desired show at the correct time, and stops recording it when the show is over.

Today, PlusCode numbers are a standard editorial feature in television listings. They are published in over 2,000 publications worldwide in more than two-dozen counties. In Europe, PlusCode numbers can be found in virtually every national and regional newspaper as well as all major TV listings magazines.

The ShowView technology has been available in Europe since the early-1990s and continues to be a sought-after feature in home entertainment devices.

LICENSEES

The ShowView System has been licensed to virtually every major VCR and DVD recorder manufacturer, and is built-into a wide range of models. All recording devices with the ShowView System built-in display the ShowView logo on the front panel. In the United Kingdom, the feature is known by the brand name “VIDEO Plus+.” Major electronics device brands such as Sony, Philips, Thomson, Panasonic, JVC, Samsung, Sharp, etc. feature the ShowView technology in products sold via retail stores on 6 continents in more than two-dozen countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, continental Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa.

HOW IT WORKS

• The user looks up the desired programme in the TV listing section of participating newspapers and magazines.
  
  
• The user enters the PlusCode number printed alongside the programme using the remote control keypad.
  
  
• The ShowView system will then activate the timer of the recording device automatically: The ShowView system will tune to the correct channel at the appropriate time, record the programme, and then automatically power off after the recording is done.

SHOWVIEW DELUXE TECHNOLOGY

The ShowView Deluxe feature allows for the recording device to control external receivers (e.g. Satellite, Cable and Digital Terrestrial receivers) using an infrared transmitter. This enables the recording device to change channels on the external receivers for even easier recordings.

SHOWVIEW TECHNOLOGY IN THE GUIDE PLUS+ SYSTEM

The ShowView functionality is also included in Gemstar-TV Guide’s interactive program guide, the GUIDE Plus+ System, which is featured in TVs, PVRs, DVDRs, PCs and more.