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.
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
Should a HDMI DVD player be your next home theater purchase?
Thinking about getting an HDMI DVD player? Whether you've heard the buzz surrounding the latest generation of DVD players or have an HDTV and want a player to connect it to, the information on this page will help.HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. Its the standard connector for high definition TV and video kit and is a lossless, all-digital audio/ video interface which as well as supporting HD content also carries standard definition (SD) and enhanced definition (ED) video. Deciding which HDMI DVD player to get is becoming more difficult as more and more devices arrive on the market. Prices range from a very reasonable $200 or so for the Toshiba SD-5970 to a couple of thousand dollars for devices at the high-end.The Toshiba HDMI DVD player, like the other high definition players, up-converts the DVD-Video content on regular DVD discs to either...
Should a HDMI DVD player be your next home theater purchase?
Hdtv > Should a HDMI DVD player be your next home theater purchase?
Ballantine develops Internet-based Print Production Software
(ContentDesk) January 14 2004--The Ballantine Corporation, a direct mail production agency, has developed an Internet-based print production software to benefit both their production coordinators as well as their clients.There were two main purposes behind creating the production software. First, it streamlines the production coordinator's workload, enabling them to spend more time servicing their accounts. Second, it gives clients easy online access to their work in progress as well as all...
Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting Clearer Ballantine develops Internet-based Print Production Software insurance quotes
Hdtv > Ballantine develops Internet-based Print Production Software
Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting Clearer
Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting Clearer
Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting Clearer generators
Dr. Leo Van Everbroeck & Care2Learn Launch NAB/NCERS Course for Nursing Home Administrators
Bradenton, FL (ContentDesk) July 23, 2004 -- Dr Van Everbroeck and www.Care2Learn.com have launched the NAB/NCERS approved 9 hour course called "Creating an Organizational Paradigm Appropriate to a Geriatric Care Facility" which focuses on the dynamics that cause humans to rebel against traditional models of organization. Although this course targets nursing home administrators and nurse managers, any healthcare professional...
Hotel HDTV: The Picture is Getting Clearer Dr. Leo Van Everbroeck & Care2Learn Launch NAB/NCERS Course for Nursing Home Administrators nursing courses Hdtv
Hdtv > Dr. Leo Van Everbroeck & Care2Learn Launch NAB/NCERS Course for Nursing Home Administrators