Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting Clearer
(ContentDesk) June 14, 2006 -- In less than three years, hotel industry perception of high-definition television (HDTV) has shifted from a "maybe someday" proposition to a mainstream issue and for more and more hoteliers, a mandated guest room requirement. One driver behind HDTV adoption is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate that by mid-2007, all newly built televisions must support ATSC-compliant digital television (DTV) video signals. Another key factor is the increasing availability of high definition (HD), first-run, video-on-demand (VOD) Hollywood movies and premium satellite programming. In addition, a growing number of travelers with HDTV in their homes are beginning to expect it in their hotels. It all means that increasing numbers of hotel operators are preparing for HDTV and theyre finding that their in-room entertainment provider holds the critical key to a successful HDTV migration.
When it comes to HDTV, operators are interested and engaged. LodgeNet saw high attendance at its HDTV seminars the past two HITEC shows, and HDTV resources are among the most downloaded documents from the LodgeNet Website. Those whose HD efforts had been focused on self-education are today moving into evaluation and implementation. From venerable luxury chains to landmark independent properties, from established focused service brands to new extended stay flags, hoteliers are specifying HDTV in their long-term agreements with in-room entertainment suppliers and TV manufacturers. Emergence of Security Standard Driving Increased Availability of Premium HD Content ???Quality HD content is critical to maximizing the ROI on HD displays.
Initially, satellite programmers and movie studios were reluctant to license HD entertainment for hotel distribution due to concern that their DVD sales could be impacted by content pirated from digital in-room entertainment systems. That changed last year with the introduction of Pro:IdiomTM, a robust content security solution that protects satellite-delivered and VOD content adhering to the digital transport standards of the ATSC. Pro:IdiomTM has enabled industry-first, HD content licensing agreements with major Hollywood studios as well as premium HD satellite networks like HBO-HD, HDNet and ESPN-HD. With Pro:Idiom implementation growing among in-room entertainment providers and HD display manufacturers, hoteliers should consider it a "must-have" for their HDTV solution. Making HD Easy???Early installations have proven that a successful HD migration entails much more than simply buying HD displays and connecting the cables.
Hoteliers must consider every component that plays into the guests TV experience, right down to the remote control. There may be far-reaching implications for the hotels infrastructure, especially in older properties. And of course, any HD solution must be financed, installed and serviced. Experienced in-room entertainment providers are helping hotel operators smoothly transition to HDTV with solutions that not only integrate a compatible HD television and HD content security, but also account for display furniture (or wall mounting hardware) and can even support the premium sound systems that create a true "home theater" environment. To ensure the most cost effective and trouble-free HDTV conversion, hoteliers should work with an in-room entertainment partner that: "???Has adopted the Pro:IdiomTM standard for digital content security"???Is delivering the full range of HD programming broadcast, premium satellite and early release VOD to meet the expectations and desires of todays entertainment consumers"???Is working with leading commercial HD television manufacturers to ensure compatibility of their displays with the providers in-room entertainment system;
ideally this will take the form of a formal compatibility program to help hoteliers choose an HD display that not only can receive a broad range of HD content, but also delivers a superior guest experience in an economical fashion"???Can produce customer references regarding the providers ability to install, service and support an HDTV solution"???Offers consulting to help hoteliers make the right decisions ahead of their HD migration, and project management to keep all the stakeholders on the same page and ensure the right pieces get to the right place, at the right time
Hotel operators, management companies and chains are asking how to make the right HDTV decision for their guest rooms now and with good reason.
FCC deadlines are approaching; guest demand is growing; HD display costs are coming down; a content security standard is in place; and those who have waited until now to implement HDTV can draw on the knowledge gained through the successful (and not so successful) efforts of early HD adopters. Migrating to HDTV can still be expensive and frustrating, but happy hoteliers and "WOWed" guests are proving it doesnt have to be. As the HDTV picture comes into focus, partnership with a proven in-room entertainment provider is still the essential key to a smooth implementation. Dave Bankers is Senior Vice President, Product & Technology Development for LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation Contact:Ann Parker???Director of Corporate Communications???LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation???605-988-1000Media Contact:Julie Keyser-Squires, APRSoftscribe Inc.e-mail protected from spam bots(404)256-5512http://www.softscribeinc.com.
Satellite vs Cable
Satellite versus Cable
By Dish Network Satellite TV.wsPopularity
Both Cable TV and Satellite TV are popular. Although cable still is more popular overall, satellite TV has made huge gains on cable TV.Equipment
Cable TV systems require a cable to be installed from the network to your house. If your street has no cable you may need to wait a while before it is available in your area. Besides the cable you need a receiver.With digital services you need an additional box.Satellite vs Cable 
Hdtv > Satellite vs Cable
First Toshiba HDTV With Two HDMI Ports
Leicester, England (ContentDesk) July 5, 2006 -- Toshiba
has designed the new 32WLT66 LCD TV firmly with the future in mind. The technology used in this LCD master piece is way ahead of the game. There are two HDMI ports as well as an analogue and digital tuner. Thetwo HDMI ports give you the versatility of connecting up a new games console like the Xbox360 or PlayStation 3 as well as a next generation DVD player like HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.The external design is a high gloss piano black finish. You have the option of plugging the computer in or using one of the digital connections on the back including the VGA port and the DVI input.
A further ?150 would get you a sub-woofer to add that extra oomph. The LCD's dimensions are 794 x 559 x 116mm ...
First Toshiba HDTV With Two HDMI Ports
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Expert Guide to Sony's HDV camcorder
The Sony HD camcorder, the Handycam HDR-FX1 is being marketed by the company as ?world's first HDV 1080i consumer camcorder'. But at $3,700, it's price tag is stretching the consumer label somewhat.However, there's no doubt the the industry sees HD video as a consumer format and prices will come down over the next couple of years. This Sony HD camcorder is just the start of what is sure to be an avalanche of HD camcorders from electronics companies over the next few months.So, does this mean we can all look forward to shooting Hollywood-quality home movies in the future? Not quite. Although its true that some Hollywood fetaures, such as George Lucas' ?Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' are being shot in high definition video, its not the same high definition as is shot and recorded by these camcorders.If you look again at that Sony quote, you'll see the important label, 1080i. If you're familiar with HDTV, you'll know that 1080 refers to 1080 lines of vertical resolution and the ?i' means...
Expert Guide to Sony's HDV camcorder
Hdtv > Expert Guide to Sony's HDV camcorder
Force, Inc. Fiber Optic Products Meet European Standards and Earn the CE Mark
Force, Incorporated has earned the CE Mark on their Satellinx 3000 Series L-Band and IF Transport System as well as their next-generation Model 3753 HDTVLinx?. CE marking is required for telecommunications equipment sold in the 25 European Union (EU) and 3 European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states. Products undergo rigorous evaluation and testing to receive the CE Mark.Force's newly released Satellite and HDTV Products, popular in North America, will now also be available in the European Market.Force received CE compliance on the HDTVLinx? Model 3753 19.4 Mb/s to 1.5 Gb/s Serial Digital Component Video Link and now offers the European Broadcast industry a highly reliable system for transporting a wide range of digital video signals with embedded audio for both back-to-back and long-distance applications. In addition, Force's Satellinx 3000 Series L-Band and IF Transport System also received CE compliance, allowing global teleport operators to standardize on Force products world-wide.Force's...
Force, Inc. Fiber Optic Products Meet European Standards and Earn the CE Mark
Hdtv > Force, Inc. Fiber Optic Products Meet European Standards and Earn the CE Mark
The Iroquois New York Installs Signeture TV-HD from LodgeNet to Deliver Full Range Of HDTV Content, Including Current Release Video-On-Demand Movies
New York, NY
(ContentDesk) April 5, 2006 -- Located in the bustling hub of New York Citys Times Square, the Iroquois Hotel has added another lavish facet to their already luxurious offerings. Right around the corner from Bryant Park, the epicenter of New Yorks famous fashion week, the European-style Iroquois has been home to celebrities and sophisticated travelers alike pampering each patron with world-class provisions. The ground floor houses the American-French cuisine of Triomphe, one of the most critically lauded restaurants in the city. And now, as part of a recent multimillion-dollar renovation, the property has added high-end hotel entertainment to its list of superlatives that have upgraded the entire hotel to the 4-Star level and added luxury to every room making it one of the best lodging destinations in the Big Apple. The Iroquois...
Hdtv > The Iroquois New York Installs Signeture TV-HD from LodgeNet to Deliver Full Range Of HDTV Content, Including Current Release Video-On-Demand Movies
Las Vegas, Nevada NV " DEATHRANCH " Feature Horror Film Soon to be Shooting in Las Vegas Nevada USA
LAS VEGAS, NV (ContentDesk) April 5, 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 state - of - the...
Las Vegas, Nevada NV " DEATHRANCH " Feature Horror Film Soon to be Shooting in Las Vegas Nevada USA
Hdtv > Las Vegas, Nevada NV " DEATHRANCH " Feature Horror Film Soon to be Shooting in Las Vegas Nevada USA