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LG, Control4 team up on HDTV automation system for hotels
The news is flowing hot and heavy from the hospitality sector today, as just moments after LG announced a slew of new LodgeNet-enabled flat-panels, along comes word that the aforementioned outfit and Control4 are teaming up to develop a swank new automation system for the lodging industry. More specifically, the two will co-develop an "integrated automation system for HDTV sets that will allow hotel guests to control lighting, room temperature, draperies and entertainment systems through the television with a single remote control." Better still, the eventual solution will be integrated into LG's hotel TVs, eliminating the need for yet another set-top-box in the room. Regrettably, there's nary a mention of when this (amazing sounding) system will be available (nor where it will be available), but we can definitely see this swaying the avid traveler when it comes time to book the next business trip.
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.
Washington, D.C.'s Marriott Wardman Park gets 32-inch LG plasmas
If you were impressed with the $6.2 million renovation at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center, you'll be blown away by the upgrades found on Washington, D.C.'s largest hotel. The Marriott Wardman Park has just underwent a whopping $100 million refreshing (a "comprehensive revitalization," as it were), which added in a 32-inch LG plasma to each and every guest room. Additionally, each PDP will be equipped with Marriott's proprietary plug-in panel, and while 64 channels of programming will be available, we aren't told how many of those will be in high-definition. Looks like the competition in the D.C. hotel market is getting even fiercer.
Caribe Royale Orlando and Buena Vista Hotel renovate, add HDTVs
Thinking of heading to Central Florida? If so, you should probably keep both the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel and the Buena Vista Suites Hotel in mind when traveling on down (or up, we guess). The pair has just announced a $25 million upgrade that will begin on both properties in August, and you can bet the two are getting more than a good spraying of air freshener. Visitors who check in May 2009 / late 2008, respectively, will see all new carpet, drapes, furniture, and best of all, a 42-inch flat-screen HDTV in the living room. Oh, and there's the 37-inch HDTV in the bedroom -- that's pretty appealing, too. Pack your bags!
aloft opening swank hotel near Philadelphia airport
Just in case Jacksonville and Chicago aren't on your upcoming itinerary, aloft is hoping that you'll be spending at least a night near PHL. Beginning this week, aloft is accepting reservations for its Philadelphia-based hotel, which is scheduled to open wide for guests on September 8th. Per usual, each room will see a 42-inch flat-panel HDTV with a connectivity panel for connecting up cellphones, DAPs, laptops, etc., but we haven't got the nerve to actually phone 'em up and hesitantly inquire about nightly rates.
P Hotel and Spa picks SuiteLinq for in-room interactive services
Headed up to Happy Valley to catch one of the greatest spectacles in all of college sports later this decade? If so, The P Hotel and Spa has a room with your name on it. The recently planned luxury condominium hotel (slated to open in early 2009), which is located in State College, Pennsylvania, is aimed squarely at "upscale alumni and football fans that frequent the Penn State University Campus," and the in-room amenities are looking quite nice. Each of the 100 suites will boast a large-screen HDTV as well as interactive content and broadband internet via SuiteLinq. Guests can expect "a variety of on-demand entertainment," and while a specific layout of high-def options weren't detailed, we know those Nittany Lions fans won't accept post-game highlights in anything other than HD.
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.
MGM Grand at Foxwoods to utilize TV-to-Internet advertising platform
As the media giants look for more creative ways to snag our attention even for just a brief moment, Horizon Media is partnering with Backchannelmedia to introduce an all new method at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, which opens on May 17th. Hailed as the "first ever" of its kind, the TV-to-Internet click-through advertising platform will enable viewers to point and click at icons / links / etc. on their TV screen with their remote. Upon doing so, their broadband connected PC will be directed to a related website where the viewer can learn more about a product or actually make a purchase. We're also told that WCVB-DT (ABC) Channel 5 in Boston will be the first broadcast TV station to sign on and utilize the technology, but there's no mention of other stations following suit. We'll admit, the idea is pretty ingenious, but whether or not it'll actually work as advertised (ahem) remains to be seen.[Via TVWeek]
Jamaica's The Palmyra Resort & Spa opening with cable HDTV
Looking for something a bit more elegant than just another hotel? If you've been toying with the idea of shipping yourself off to Jamaica this fall for a nice dose of R&R, you may want to put The Palmyra Resort & Spa on your short list. After all, you can't make it a whole week without a little high-resolution action, right? Said venue is being launched by the former president of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Horst Schulze, and aside from luxurious amenities throughout the place, you can expect 299 well-appointed guest rooms with HDTVs, "cable HDTV" (that's programming, we presume) and high-speed internet. Sound too good to enjoy for just a week? Call these guys up -- you can buy yourself a private residence if you've got the scratch.
Ten best technology-infused hotels in Chicago get listed
Considering the absolute mess that O'Hare International is, we'd wager that you'll end up there a time or two on business or pleasure ventures. If so, chances are you'll be anxious to tune into a bit of HDTV after a long day in the Windy City. The Chicago Tribune has taken the liberty of breaking down the top ten best tech hotels Chi-town has to offer, and unsurprisingly, Hyatt properties -- you know, those with the Plug Panel -- were ranked quite highly. Additionally, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago is currently undergoing a pricey technology renovation that will be completed in 2009, and while it's not mentioned (could have something to do with all those construction workers still in the bathrooms), we'd imagine the Chicagoland aloft will hit the list next July.
aloft Dulles-North hotel sets sights on November opening
Just in case the recently revamped Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center isn't close enough to all the action for you, aloft is getting set to bring its traditionally modern style to a new hotel in Ashburn, Virginia. The 136-room aloft Dulles-North is merely minutes away from the Dulles International Airport, and besides being near a plethora of shopping and dining options, it also offers each guest free WiFi, their own flat-panel HDTV and a "one-stop connectivity" panel for interfacing with gizmos in tow. No word on just how pricey a night in this place will be, but you can find out for yourself starting on November 6th
Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center: now with HDTVs in every room
Ever wonder what a $6.2 million renovation can do? It'll buy 284 32-inch LCD HDTVs, that's for sure. At the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, that's exactly what has been added to its guest rooms, and all eleven floors have now been refreshed with the oh-so-useful "plug-in panel" that enables patrons to sync up their travel gadgetry with the in-room flat-panel. You'll also find wireless internet and more HDTVs in the lobby downstairs, and the free on-site parking makes you feel as if you're much further away from D.C. than just a half hour.
HDTV-stocked aloft hotel coming to Jacksonville, Florida
Not planning on heading to the Windy City just to check out one of those fanciful new aloft hotels? How's about Jacksonville, Florida? Sure enough, one of the aforementioned hotels is heading to the Sunshine State, and it's slated to include 136 HDTV-equipped guest rooms when it welcomes guests in next January. Aimed at "youthful-minded travelers," the building is being constructed with a number of "intuitive technologies and atmospheric public spaces." aloft Jacksonville Airport, as it'll properly be known, will be located just minutes away from JAX and under a half-hour from the downtown area. No word on HDTV programming that'll be available nor nightly rates, but it won't be long now before you can find out in person.
Trump's Las Vegas Hotel / Tower gets Cox HDTV, LG LCDs
Earlier this year, we heard that Trump's New York Hotel & Tower would be showing its guests with all sorts of IPTV goodies; now, we've learned that The Donald's Las Vegas counterpart will be fetching services from Cox Communications. The two have worked together in order to deploy a triple-play solution, giving the hotel voice, video and data services from the same provider. To the patron, this means that a host of HD channels / VOD material will be available on the 42-inch / 32-inch LG LCD HDTVs (located in the bedroom and living room) and the 19-inch LG flat-panel in the bathroom. In case you're hoping to get connected, each room will also have Ethernet jacks as well as 802.11a/b/g WiFi access. As for paying your tab for the week? Let's just say we hope the slots treat you right.
Philips' VTrack watermarks content recorded with camcorders
Certainly not the first watermarking scheme we've seen of late, Philips has introduced a new method that it hopes will thwart any plan to snag sensitive PPV material and distribute it illegally on the intarnetz. The VTrack solution, set to debut at NAB Show, is aimed at hoteliers who enjoy offering up PPV films well before the DVD release date. The company will be integrating the technology -- which makes content captured via camcorder traceable -- into its 26-, 32-, 37- and 42-inch HDTVs, and if someone does set up their own bootlegging studio and then share it with everyone on the web, content owners can unearth the time, date and location of the deed. In Soviet Russia (and hotels with Philips sets), content watches you.
Acentic Panorama HD-ready platform ready for five-star hotels
For those traveling to select parts of Europe (on the company's dime, of course), you may get to enjoy an all new entertainment delivery system if you're greeted with Acentic's Panorama. The high-end platform is aimed squarely at five-star lodging facilities and promises to deliver "in-room digital broadcast, on-demand and interactive TV services in hotels." Aside from boasting a new graphical user interface, the HD-ready system enables guests to access content on the web, check out on-demand material and tune into hundreds of broadcast TV channels with the "use of the DVB-C standard and support for IP applications." As of now, Panorama is already entertaining patrons at Arora International's Sofitel London Heathrow, and it should be deployed soon to the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour and The Cavendish London.
HD IPTV solution for vessels and cruise ships gets showcased
If there's one glaring negative about hopping on a cruise ship off the coast of Europe and letting go for weeks at the time, it's the gaping hole in your soul created from losing HD programming for that same amount of time. Now, however, RICO is showing off BNS' HD IPTV solution designed specifically for vessels and cruise ships at the Asia Pacific Maritime trade show. Purportedly, the solution will support broadcast HD channels, video-on-demand services, personal messaging and interactive services, and while no cruise lines were specifically mentioned, the firm is unquestionably aiming to "deploy BNS' MDU IPTV solution to the hospitality market in the maritime segment." Pssh, who needs ocean views when you've got this?
aloft opening HDTV-equipped hotel in Chicagoland
Sure, a trio of aloft hotels opening halfway across the world is fine and dandy, but how's about getting one right here in the US of A? Sure enough, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced plans to construct an aloft facility in the outskirts of Chicago -- Bolingbrook to be precise. The venue is slated to house 155 guest rooms and be located in The Promenade on the Windy City's southwest side. Of course, each room will feature wireless internet and a smattering of connectivity options all linked into a flat-panel HDTV. Unfortunately, it'll be July of 2009 before you can check in for a night or two, but at least you know where to steer your travel plans if heading this way.
Indiana's Harrison Square condominiums to come pre-wired with FiOS
Nary a week after finding that a forthcoming University of Houston residence hall was being erected with U-verse built-in, along comes word that 62 luxury condominiums in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana will be constructed with FiOS pre-installed. Dubbed The Harrison, the aforementioned units are a vital part of the downtown revitalization efforts, and each one promises dedicated underground parking, near-10-foot ceilings and access to an indoor / outdoor roof deck overlooking the nearby ballpark. Units start at around $150,000, and while over 100-percent have already been claimed, folks are still encouraged to place deposits in case anything falls through.
aloft bringing luxurious hotel to Abu Dhabi
Nah, it won't be open for guests before this year's GITEX conference kicks off just down the way in Dubai, but Starwood Hotels & Resorts is moving forward with plans to erect its first aloft hotel in the anxious-for-HD Middle East. If you'll recall, two such venues are slated to open their doors in India just two short years from now, but the one pictured above should be completed in Q4 of 2009. Aside from being right in the heart of the Capital Center, every last guest room will include WiFi and an entertainment center packed with a flat-panel HDTV and a selection of ports in order to link up gear that patrons may have on hand. Of course, it still won't hold a candle to the mighty Burj Al Arab, but it'll keep HD junkies from going into withdrawals while out on business / vacation, for sure.
