LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation has unveiled a high-definition television (HDTV) solution for hotel guest rooms. “With a growing number of hotels investing in flat panel and other HD-capable TVs, we want to help hoteliers ‘WOW’ their guests and maximize the return on their digital TV investment,” said Scott C. Petersen, President and CEO for LodgeNet. “A successful HDTV migration entails much more than just buying a display device. In fact, hoteliers will be greatly disappointed unless they purchase a solution that can deliver the complete spectrum of broadcast, satellite and video-on-demand content, wrapped in an easy to use guest interface and backed by a nationwide service and support organization.”

The HDTV solution utilizes Pro:IdiomTM, a premium content protection technology that ensures robust security for satellite-delivered and video-on-demand content adhering to the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) digital transport standards.

“Content owners and providers are very concerned about protecting their programming against piracy or alteration,” explained Richard Lewis, Senior Vice President for LG Electronics USA. “Our Pro:Idiom technology, integrated with LodgeNet’s conditional access system, maintains the integrity of digital content at every point in the distribution chain, giving programmers confidence that their content will be well protected. As a result, this solution can deliver the widest array of HD content available, all accessible with a single remote control.” Lewis added that Pro:Idiom technology will be licensed to commercial TV manufacturers and lodging video-on-demand providers on a non-discriminatory, non-royalty basis.

Petersen added that the Pro:Idiom content protection technology has been instrumental in facilitating negotiations between LodgeNet and the providers of premium high-definition entertainment. “By adding satellite and video-on-demand offerings to the high-definition programming from local networks, we will be offering guests the broadest range of high-definition content available through any in-room entertainment system,” he said. 

The LodgeNet/LG HDTV solution also considers the impact of the display hardware on the in-room experience. “The emergence of flat panel plasma and LCD screens is causing hoteliers to re-examine where the TV ‘fits’ in the guest room, conceptually and logistically,” said Lewis. “LG and LodgeNet have developed an innovative “boxless” platform that incorporates the digital tuning and video-on-demand system components into the cleanest possible in-room presentation.”

Petersen noted that LodgeNet and LG are also engaged with leaders in guest room audio, furniture design and financing in a holistic approach to helping hoteliers migrate their properties to HDTV. “There are a lot of factors to consider when making the move to HDTV,” he said. “Our goal is to cover as many bases as possible so our customers don’t have to.”   

LodgeNet and LG will join other hotel HDTV innovators in presenting at the HD Expo (May 5-7 in Las Vegas), and at HITEC 2005 (June 21-23 in Los Angeles).

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