LodgeNet Announces HDTV Partnership at HITEC
LodgeNet Interactive Corporation partners with LG Electronics, Philips, and Panasonic to provide a more efficient HDTV solution for hoteliers by including essential LodgeNet system management technology pre-bundled with new TVs from participating manufacturers, as announced at HITEC 2008. Under the new programs, these TV manufacturers will deliver HDTVs that are "plug-and-play" and designed to lower total solution cost, enable faster room openings, shorten the time of rooms out of service, and enhance total system performance for hoteliers.
HD Built-In TVs come "out of the box" with the ability to support Pro:IdiomTM encrypted HD free-to-guest (FTG) and video on demand (VOD), and are compatible with LodgeNet and/or legacy OnCommand systems so hoteliers do not need to purchase any additional hardware or software. This seamless approach to HD means that hoteliers wonÃ.‚¬™t need to make additional room visits to install FTG or VOD interface hardware, and they can be confident of full system compatibility from day one. These integrated TVs can significantly reduce a hotelierÃ.‚¬™s total solution cost by eliminating additional room visits for installation and reducing the hardware requirements from FTG and VOD service providers. Hoteliers can also generate more revenue from new construction properties by opening new rooms faster and reduce the revenue loss from properties undergoing renovations or a brand refresh by greatly speeding up the time required to upgrade an existing guest room. Leading TV manufacturers in the hospitality market, LG Electronics, Philips and Panasonic, will be offering HD Built-In TVs to hoteliers.
In addition to the above benefits, the new HD Built-In TVs can also be purchased as part of a HD Certified TV offer that adds LodgeNet Professional Solutions installation service. The HD Certified TV solution provides a comprehensive package to ensure that the TV and LodgeNet systems work together optimally and offers project planning and management of the installation process to ensure an efficient and expeditious installation. HD Certified TV bundles deliver the ultimate in cost savings, convenience, and performance for hoteliers moving forward with HDTV solutions. LG Electronics and Philips will be providing HD Certified TV bundles to the hospitality market.