HD Built-In and HD Certified Programs Provide Hoteliers with Faster, Hassle-Free Installations and Higher Performing Free-to-Guest and Video On Demand Solutions
LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET) today announced that it has partnered 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. 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 won’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 hotelier’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.
“Working with these world-class manufacturers to offer the HD Built-In and HD Certified TV program is a win in every way for our hotel customers,” said Scott C. Petersen, President & CEO of LodgeNet. “With reduced hardware costs and fewer room visits to install and configure, we believe our customers will have faster room openings, shortened time with rooms out of service, and an enhanced total system performance. With all these benefits, recommending that our customers buy TVs that achieve compatibility in either HD Built-In or HD Certified categories is a no-brainer.”
“We’re seeing an accelerated demand for HDTV from our lodging customers and expect this trend to continue throughout 2008 as major hotel chains ramp up their HD roll-outs,” said Ron Snaidauf, Vice President, Commercial Products for LG Electronics USA, Inc. “LG is a leader in flat-panel HDTVs for hotels and resorts, and LodgeNet’s specialized knowledge regarding HD needs in the hospitality industry makes them an ideal partner. We look forward to expanding our long-term relationship to continue to deliver wide-scale HD deployments across hotel brands.”
“Philips maintains a leadership position in the hospitality segment by delivering products and services that offer sense and simplicity. Partnering with LodgeNet to embed their interactive technologies in our products allows us to provide a more consistent and positive in-room guest experience and prevent unnecessary headaches for customers,” said Tom Parham, General Manager and Vice President of Philips Professional and Business Solutions. “By working with LodgeNet, we are able to more quickly offer a true ‘plug-and-play’ solution with wide appeal that seamlessly combines our state of the art HDTV technology with their state of the art systems, content and expertise, to the benefit of hoteliers and guests alike.”
“With the complexity of HD deployments, hoteliers need trusted partners to relieve the migration pain and prevent potentially costly installation mistakes,” said Andrew Nelkin, President, Panasonic Professional Display Company. “By collaborating with LodgeNet, we’re delivering an experience that seamlessly combines our state of the art HDTV technology with LodgeNet’s track record of delivering a robust and scalable platform for hoteliers and guests alike.”
For more information about the HD Built-In and HD Certified TV programs and a complete list of TV models that qualify, hoteliers are encouraged to visit http://lodgenetbeta.winnercomm.com/.
About LodgeNet Interactive
LodgeNet Interactive Corporation is the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions designed to meet the unique needs of hospitality, healthcare and other guest-based businesses. LodgeNet Interactive serves more than 1.9 million hotel rooms representing 10,000 hotel properties worldwide in addition to healthcare facilities throughout the United States. The company’s services include: Interactive Television Solutions, Broadband Internet Solutions, Content Solutions, Professional Solutions and Advertising Media Solutions. LodgeNet Interactive Corporation owns and operates businesses under the industry leading brands: LodgeNet, LodgeNetRX, and The Hotel Networks. LodgeNet Interactive is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET. For more information, please visit http://lodgenetbeta.winnercomm.com/.
LodgeNet is a registered trademark of LodgeNet Interactive Corporation. Pro:Idiom is a trademark of Zenith Electronics Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.