HDTV Installations Accelerate as Hotel Operators Look to Current Needs, Future Opportunities
Sioux Falls, SD (ContentDesk) May 11, 2006 --
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), the worlds largest provider of interactive television and broadband solutions to hotels, today offered insights into the accelerating deployment of high-definition TV , HDTV,
solutions across the hospitality industry.??? If what were seeing is any indication, 2006 will be the year HDTV accelerates toward critical mass in the lodging industry, says Scott C. Petersen, President & CEO of LodgeNet, who notes that the companys current and pending customer agreements contemplate HDTV for more than 160,000 guest rooms. Petersen credits three factors for driving the move to HDTV: "???The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirement that digital TV tuners be built in to all TVs manufactured after March 2007
;"???The growing number of travelers who enjoy high-definition (HD) entertainment at home and are bringing those expectations into guest rooms; and,"???Brand standards mandating HDTV for hoteliers such as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Starwood Hotels & Resorts (both of whom LodgeNet recently signed to long-term agreements), along with Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hyatt Place. HDTV Driving a Differentiated Guest ExperienceHoteliers who have successfully migrated to HDTV have noticed positive results in terms of guest perception. Since we upgraded to HDTV, nearly all of our guests have remarked how impressed they are with our in room entertainment, says Paul Celnik, General Manager of The Iroquois New York, a LodgeNet customer.
It sets us apart from other properties on the street. The Iroquois timed its HDTV upgrade to coincide with the renovation of its guest rooms a strategy also employed by two more high-profile LodgeNet customers, The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California and the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona. At The Iroquois and The Beverly Hilton, mounting HD flat panels on the walls also increased the usable floor space in the guest rooms a bonus for these landmark properties where physically enlarging the rooms was not an option. There were definitely challenges in attaching 80-pound plasma screens to walls that were built in the 1950s, says The Beverly Hilton's Michael Robertson, who coordinated with LodgeNet on the property's HDTV upgrade. But LodgeNet helped us work through them, as well as the cabling issues, so we could be the first hotel in our market to have flat panels in all of our guest rooms. Compatibility Crucial When Evaluating HD Solutions
Dave Bankers, LodgeNets Senior VP of Product & Technology Development, observes that TV manufacturers have ramped up their efforts to secure HD display orders that can represent hundreds of thousands of dollars. He points out that while more choices will eventually drive costs down, they cause confusion and frustration today.
There are plenty of HD models on the market, but not that many options as far as commercial grade displays that can interface with hotel video-on-demand (VOD) systems, he says. TV manufacturers are also at various stages of implementing Pro:IdiomTM, the industry-standard content security solution that enables providers to deliver HD premium satellite programming and still in theaters HD VOD movies to guest rooms. According to Bankers, Pro:IdiomTM implementation runs the gamut from companies who arent even thinking about it to those whose Pro:IdiomTM enabled displays are already installed in guest rooms. What you have are a lot of HD displays, a lot of installed VOD systems, and a growing universe of HD content, Bankers says. But if those pieces arent all coordinated, switching to HDTV can be fraught with expensive pitfalls and may actually be a step backward in the in room entertainment experience.
He adds that LodgeNet has established a vendor certification program aimed at simplifying the HDTV selection process for hoteliers.
Regulatory activity, guest expectations, competitive pressures and the availability of HD content are pushing HDTV to the top of more hoteliers to-do lists. At the same time, early HDTV adoptions have underscored the importance of thinking beyond the TV to consider how an HDTV solution will impact the hotels existing in-room entertainment choices and even the design of the room itself. Weve heard two major themes from hoteliers:
they want an easy HDTV solution, and they want to know their investment will pay off in a superior guest experience over the long term, concludes Petersen. We appreciate the opportunities our customers have given us to lead the guest room HDTV revolution, and we look forward to helping more of them make it happen. ???About LodgeNetLodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (www.lodgenet.com) is the worlds largest provider of interactive television and broadband solutions to hotels throughout the United States and Canada as well as select international markets. These services include on-demand movies, music and music videos, on-demand videogames, Internet on television, and television on-demand programming, as well as high-speed Internet access, all designed to serve the needs of the lodging industry and the traveling public.
LodgeNet provides service to more than one million interactive guest pay rooms and serves more than 6,000 hotel properties worldwide. LodgeNet estimates that during 2005 approximately 300 million travelers had access to LodgeNets interactive television systems.
In addition, LodgeNet is a leading innovator in the delivery of on-demand patient education, information and entertainment to healthcare facilities. LodgeNet is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET.CONTACTS:Ann ParkerDirector of Corporate CommunicationsLodgeNet Entertainment Corporation605-988-1000communications @ lodgenet.comJulie Keyser-Squires, APRSoftscribe Inc.Julie @ softscribeinc.com(404)256-5512http://www.softscribeinc.com.
HDTV Installations Accelerate as Hotel Operators Look to Current Needs, Future Opportunities
Sioux Falls, SD (ContentDesk) May 11, 2006 --
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), the worlds largest provider of interactive television and broadband solutions to hotels, today offered insights into the accelerating deployment of high-definition TV , HDTV,
solutions across the hospitality industry.??? If what were seeing is any indication, 2006 will be the year HDTV accelerates toward critical mass in the lodging industry, says Scott C. Petersen, President & CEO of LodgeNet, who notes that the companys current and pending customer agreements contemplate HDTV for more than 160,000...
Hdtv > HDTV Installations Accelerate as Hotel Operators Look to Current Needs, Future Opportunities
Entertainment Technology: What to Consider Before Buying HDTV
HDTV ? or, High Definition Television ? is the new generation of TV, and is capable of displaying analog signals as well as those that are digital in nature. Whilethis offers a viewing experience that's unmatched, it alsorequires external hardware in order to receive the HDTV signals in addition to the monitor. In other words, plan on spending a lot of money. If money isn't the issue, thenHDTV is for you. Before you run out and make a purchase, however, there are some things that you'll need to consider.Even if your TV is "HDTV-ready," that doesn't necessarily mean that it will be capable of displaying the HDTV signal.It has to be compatible, and you'll need to make sure that it is before you make a purchasing commitment.
It will need to be able to display the actual HDTV signal, or it isn't really HDTV at all. Another consideration is whether or not the HDTV receiver is compatible with the monitor that you'll be using. Finally, if you're using cable, the whole configuration will...
Entertainment Technology: What to Consider Before Buying HDTV
Hdtv > Entertainment Technology: What to Consider Before Buying HDTV
HD-DVD vs Blu-ray
High Definition DVD (HD-DVD) vs Blu-ray is shaping up to be a battle to rival the VHS vs Betamax format war of the early eighties. Looking like they've learned nothing from the DVD ? RW debacle, the companies involved, whether they are in the technology or content distribution industry (or in Sony's case, both), are set to slug it out over the next few years.The prize is the licence fees that will be payable to the format owners when the next generation of high definition DVD players and recorders start shipping in volume. As high definition television becomes increasingly popular, consumers will want a recordable format that has the capacity to hold at least a couple of hours worth of HDTV content. Both Blu-ray and HD-DVD were developed in response to the anticipated need for an HDTV recording medium and provide content whose quality would match the expectations of HDTV-owning customers. Additionally, the film distribution companies will cash-in as they release all the titles currently...
HD-DVD vs Blu-ray
Hdtv > HD-DVD vs Blu-ray
Olympics Generate Major Spike in HDTV Sales
(ContentDesk) February 23, 2006 -- This years coverage of the Winter Olympics on NBC is being broadcast in high definition (HD).
With HD quickly becoming common-place throughout homes, restaurants, and sports bars throughout the country major retailers are seeing major spikes in HDTV sales.
To take advantage of this amazing technology, you need the right equipment. To start, you need an HD ready or HD integrated TV. Once you have the television, you will need an HD broadcast signal.
There are three ways to do this: 1.With an Antenna- With an air (terrestrial) antenna, you can get HD at no cost (on NBC and other major networks). Either install a small indoor antenna or a large antenna to your roof and plug it into the TV. This option is only available in select US cities.2. With Cable TV- Call your cable company to find out if HD is available in your market. Usually, they can upgrade you for a nominal monthly charge.3.
With Satellite TV- If you have DIRECTV,...
Olympics Generate Major Spike in HDTV Sales
Hdtv > Olympics Generate Major Spike in HDTV Sales
Las Vegas, NV " DEATHRANCH " Feature Horror Film Soon to be Shooting in Las Vegas Nevada USA
LAS VEGAS , NV (ContentDesk) March 28, 2004 -- Michael A. Tessiero, Executive Producer (MikieeT Productions) announces the upcoming feature
production " DEATHRANCH ". This 90 minute feature will be shot in it's entirety in and around Las Vegas, NV. USA. Tessiero will use all local crews, and actors.
The genre is horror. When asked why horror? Tessiero stated, "Horror movies make money, I'm not trying to satisfy egos, I'm making movies to make money, and there is a great deal of local production and acting talent here to get the job done. If they can't get it right the first time, take two, this isn't " GONE WITH THE WIND " it's a horror movie. Put good talented creative thinking people around you and it goes together like the shuffle of a deck of cards". When questioned on investors, Tessiero replied, "I've got plenty of money, I'm not offering any of the product.
Principle photography is scheduled to begin May 30, 2004. Tessiero added "this production will use...
Las Vegas, NV " DEATHRANCH " Feature Horror Film Soon to be Shooting in Las Vegas Nevada USA
Hdtv > Las Vegas, NV " DEATHRANCH " Feature Horror Film Soon to be Shooting in Las Vegas Nevada USA
How to Get a Free Satellite TV Receiver and Dish
Free Satellite TV Receiver and Dish
Satellite television has become increasingly popular in recent years and is gaining
by leaps and bounds on cable TV.
However, many people resist getting satellite TV service because they're worried about having to buy additional equipment.
The good news is most satellite TV companies will now give you all the equipment you need for satellite TV viewing - a free satellite dish and up to four free receivers - as an incentive to subscribe to their service.
How Does a Satellite Receiver Work?
A digital satellite receiver decodes and descrambles the digital programming signal sent from a TV satellite and transmits it to a television.
Many receivers can also record satellite TV programs and display high definition (HD) programming.
What is a DVR receiver?
A DVR (digital video recorder) receiver is a type of receiver...
Hdtv > How to Get a Free Satellite TV Receiver and Dish