LodgeNet
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LodgeNet and LG collaborate on in-room interactive EPG
We already knew that LG and LodgeNet were pretty well in bed (in a hotel bed, at that) together, but now the relationship is rounding second and heading briskly for third. The two have just announced plans to develop an Interactive Electronic Program Guide (IEPG) as "the first in what is expected to be a series of in-room interactive applications based on the new Pro:Centric standards-based platform." The plan will also work to eliminate pricey set-top-boxes from the equation, and if all goes well, it will be compatible with "a range of existing LodgeNet free-to-guest (FTG) TV and video-on-demand solutions." Also of note, Pro:Centric could eventually provide guests with all sorts of interactivity that is traditionally reserved for more luxurious venues, but we still have serious doubts that they'll ever install HDTVs with accessible HDMI ports for connecting our own paraphernalia.
LodgeNet acts to keep OTA signals alive in analog hotels
LodgeNet is looking out for hoteliers and hotel guests who actually want to watch a little TV while traveling after February 17, 2009 by rolling out a digital transition roadmap to bring venues up to speed. Granted, most hotels don't rely on analog OTA signals to begin with, but for those that still do, it's hoping to "propose a customized solution for each property." In other words, it'll see if analog OTA is still in use, and then offer a marked-up installation of DirecTV and / or a gaggle of DTV converter boxes -- brilliant!
Hotels feverishly upgrading rooms with HDTVs, casually forgetting HD programming
Surely you've noticed this by now if you happen to end up in hotels often -- there's an HDTV there on your wall, thought nary a single HD channel appears when you flip it on. It's an unfortunate trend that's sweeping the lodging industry, as more and more chains cave to the pressures of having sexy, thin TVs all while disregarding the need for HD programming. Of course, most are playing the cost card as the reason why they have yet to offer up any HD channels on those wasted HDTVs, although not all hope is lost. At Hilton, you can expect each and every room to have a flat-panel TV and HDTV service by June of 2009, and LodgeNet, which began offering high-definition service in 2005, expects to keep up the good work in the future (though no definitive numbers were given). Please, travel venues -- don't force us to watch stretch-o-vision while away from home.[Thanks, Ben]
LG expands LodgeNet alliance, introduces new HDTVs for hotels
LG's flat-panels end up in a-many of hotels, and it looks as if the outfit is hoping to end up in a whole lot more here soon. Today, the company has "expanded its long-time alliance with LodgeNet by agreeing to integrate LodgeNet and On Command interactive terminals with new hotel TVs." Essentially, the firm will be cranking out 11 new LG HD Built-in TVs, all of which include essential LodgeNet technology that enables hoteliers to map channels and the like from headend equipment. Five 32-, two 37-, and two 42-inch LCDs were introduced alongside a pair of 42-inch plasmas. We aren't told what venues will be snapping these up, but it's pretty safe to assume that any LodgeNet-equipped hotel will be giving 'em a glance.
LodgeNet bringing HDTV / broadband to Loews Hotels
Look out, avid travelers -- LodgeNet is at it again. After announcing that it would bring HD to 17,000 hotel rooms in early 2007, the company is now talking up an agreement with Loews Hotels. The deal will bring a comprehensive HDTV and broadband internet solution to US and Canadian Loews properties, meaning that 8,000 rooms across all 18 Loews hotels will be upgraded. Guests who find themselves in one of these venues for the night will soon be enjoying HD movies and TV, video-on-demand and the DirecTV Sports package to boot. Unfortunately, there's no word as to when the new services will be implemented, but the sooner the better, we say.
Hilton's Sight+Sound suites deliver DirecTV, HD niceties
As the HDTV movement continues to reshape the average hotel room experience, Hilton has made sure it doesn't get left behind. Recently, the chain launched 25 "home theater-like" Sight+Sound rooms at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare International Airport, while 30 guest rooms at the Hilton San Francisco received the makeover. Among the amenities are a 42-inch LG plasma, Yahama's YSP-800 Digital Sound Projector, Monster cabling, DirecTV programming including 14 HD channels and a number of XM radio stations, and a high definition menu system from LodgeNet. Additionally, guests can hook up their DAPs or external audio sources to a unique "connectivity panel," and just in case you forget to pack an extra bag of cables, the specially equipped rooms should provide all the copper you need. Notably, this here setup sounds like one of the most fully-featured HD offerings found in a "standard" hotel, and now that it's been available for a few months, have any of you had an opportunity to indulge?
Nintendo takes to the streets
Why limit all your retro gaming to the living room when you can do it in the car as well? Nintendo wants to bring a sort of Virtual Console to your trunk, a game server that can download new content and games that can be enjoyed from any passenger seat in the vehicle. In filing for the patent, Nintendo refers to the systems already in place in hotels (and elsewhere), LodgeNet, the systems with the cheap, clunky controllers. Here's hoping Nintendo slims those down a bit for this idea, but there's nothing like playing a few rounds of your favorite old school games when on the go. And it's not like we can't do this already; after all, it's not that complicated to install a game system in a vehicle, or there's always the trusty DS. But Nintendo wants to make it easy. Why worry about collecting games and passing them around? Just get in, buckle up, and pick up your controller.The documents also make specific mention that the 'car area network' can pipe into the vehicle's stereo system, just in case you have the urge to bump the Zelda theme at stoplights. And they want to bring in movies and music. Nintendo playing nice with other media? The future is upon us.[Via Joystiq]
HDTV content coming to a hotel near you
Tell us how much you hate it when you are staying at a high-end hotel that features HDTVs and they don't have high-def content on them. It sure annoys us. LodgeNet is working on changing that though. They are indicating that 2006 will be the year that HDTV content finally makes inroads towards the 160,000 guest rooms that LodgeNet services. Don't think that these hotels are installing HD just for you though as this is something to set them apart from the competitors. Truthfully though, we don't care who they do it for as long has they have HDTV content on their high definition sets.
