Macrovision sells digital entertainment technology, and Lionsgate is a producer of movie and television programs. The latter’s business includes many television shows, such as “Weeds” and Golden Globe-nominated “Mad Men”, and a collection of some 12,000 films and TV shows, including “Will & Grace,” “Saturday Night Live,” and the “Rambo” series.

But Lionsgate Chief Executive Jon Feltheimer has plans to change things a little bit. His aim is to take a page from counterparts at Disney and Fox and use his new cable channel to show off Lions Gate movies and TV shows.

"We want to turn this into a billion-dollar asset," said Feltheimer, whose movie and television studio produces the "Saw" and "Tyler Perry" movie franchises together with many other popular TV series.

He also said Lionsgate planned to expand the channel's programming with original shows, behind-the-scenes movie coverage and other offerings, completely changing its grid of show into a hopefully more successful one. "Within the next couple of years we expect to be a full- service and full-screen entertainment-focused channel," Feltheimer added. "It's a great fit."

The TV Guide Network is carried on cable or satellite in 83 million homes—mostly for its glossy commercials for upcoming shows.