• DIRECTV Residential Experience makes hotel TVs cool again.

    Posted on May 1st, 2013 admin No comments

    DIRECTV Residential Experience. The name says it all. It’s a simple idea… DIRECTV service in your hotel room. If you liked it at home, you’ll like it on the road. It’s not a simulation of DIRECTV service, it’s actually the same hardware, modified for the hotel. If you know the channel numbers you like at home, you’ll know them on the road too. If you know which buttons to push, they work the same as home. You even get parental controls.
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    If you’re over 30,
    you remember when watching TV in a hotel was fun. Hotels actually used to advertise the TV as part of the experience! Look at this classic sign… going to a hotel meant good TV and they wanted you to know it! Color TVs in hotels were popular when people didn’t have them at home, and back in the 1980s kids couldn’t wait to get to a hotel for a taste of HBO.

    By the 1990s everyone had dozens of channels and by the 2000s everyone had hundreds. Hotels weren’t keeping up. It got worse when high definition started coming in, because the cost to convert hotel systems to HD can run into the 5 figures, not to mention of course the cost of the TVs. As hotels tend to get renovated every 7-10 years, it’s taken a long time for hotels to catch up to where the rest of us were in 2009.

    DIRECTV Residential Experience, or DRE, changes everything. Yes, it does take additional wiring. Yes it does take additional hardware. But, more hotels are seeing the benefit of adding in-room entertainment that’s more modern than just an old 19″ tube TV. Not only that, adding high-quality TV options can actually cut the demand for bandwidth in the hotel; people have gotten accustomed to having poor-quality TV options in the room and more and more they rely on services like Netflix for entertainment. The cost of keeping hundreds of high-bandwidth IPTV streams flowing isn’t exactly peanuts either.

    Why is it so hard for hotels?

    In order to understand why it’s so hard, you need to understand what hotels do now, in order to get TV to your room. It’s called a MATV (or SMATV if it’s satellite) system. The signal from an antenna comes into a master closet. For every channel you want your guests to see, you need a modulator. This modulator is essentially a TV tuner that stays tuned to one channel all the time, then outputs it so it can share a cable with other channels. That’s right, you need a separate one of these for EVERY channel you want to offer. Want to know why you have 10 channels? Because modulators are expensive.

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    In fact, HD modulators are ridiculously expensive, because they not only receive the signal, they have to encrypt it again so no one steals it. DIRECTV made waves with its COM1000 system which could take up to 24 channels of HD and send them through a single wire. But still, you need a separate card for each channel. If you were to try to duplicate the whole DIRECTV lineup you’d need 20 or 30 of these without even accounting for DIRECTV Cinema or sports channels.

    Not only that, you’re missing the experience. No menus, no guide, no nothing. That’s where the new DIRECTV system comes into play. You get pretty much everything you’d get at home. And now, you can even have a DVR.

    What? A DVR?

    Yes it’s true. The new DRE 2.0 systems even let the hotel put a DVR in the room. Pause live TV, even record shows so that you can go play in the pool or attend meetings and miss nothing. Search for shows, too… you’ll find them in the same Smart Search screen you see at home. That’s what’s really amazing about this thing. Best part… when you check out the front desk can clear your recordings and get the DVR ready for the next person.

    DIRECTV does this by being sneaky. Instead of using a SMATV system, the DRE system is pretty much the same system you get if you have an apartment building wired for DIRECTV, plus some extra computer bits. It’s like the residential experience, because it’s built like a residential system. Pure brilliance and it makes installation and upkeep a lot easier.

    Of course, there are some things missing from the experience, because DIRECTV streamlines it for the hotel room. Some of the menus are hidden or just plain missing, so that people can’t mess with things that they shouldn’t. For the moment, there’s no pay-per-view, although that may change. Still, it really is the DIRECTV experience.


    A demo of DRE might be even a little boring. If it weren’t for the hotel logo in the menus you’d think you were at home. There are some added functions, like messages that can be sent from the front desk. There’s a remote that’s got an anti-microbial coating (a good thing) that doesn’t work with your home system (so don’t bother stealing it.) But bottom line, it’s DIRECTV. You already know everything you need to know about it.

    http://forums.solidsignal.com/showthread.php/1133-DIRECTV-Residential-Experience-makes-hotel-TVs-cool-again

  • VIORE

    Posted on November 5th, 2010 admin 103 comments

    32VH5HTL

    New 32″ non Pro:Idiom Hotel TV

    Only $399.00

    LC32VH5HTL

    • 31.5″(measured diagonally) Wide TFT LCD Screen

    • 1366 x 768 native resolution for HD performance

    • Integrated ATSC Tuner for HDTV Broadcast reception

    • High Brightness (500cd/m2) provide a vivid and brilliant picture

    • Deep Black and Bright White with high contrast (1200:1)

    • Wide Viewing Angle 170°/170°

    • Dual HDMI inputs for true digital connections

    • HDMI and component inputs provide HDTV support

    • VGA port for connection to PC

    • Multi Language OSD (English/Spanish/French)

    • On Screen Program Guide

    • On/Off Timer

    • Sleep Timer

    • VESA Wall Mountable

    • Comply with FCC, ETL, RoHS Standard

    • Special Feature Package for Hotel Application

    We can also Install

  • Philips 32PFL3504D/F7 32″ Flat LCD TV Refurb

    Posted on January 14th, 2010 admin 69 comments

    * 720p resolution for a clear, lifelike HD picture. With its high resolution, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and 32” screen (31.5” measured diagonally), this TV provides a theater-like experience in your own home.
    * Pixel Plus HD Engine displays dynamic contrast for incredible rich black details.
    * Includes 3 HDMI connections that deliver the best possible picture.
    * 360 cd/m2 brightness provides a brilliant picture in any lighting condition.
    * 10,000:1 contrast ratio offers deep, rich, vivid colors.
    * 170° viewing angles let you see from almost anywhere.
    * Designed for ease of use. Settings assistant included for effortless setup.
    * Features a modern design — can be wall-mounted.
    * Features a powerful 720p, 60Hz display for a brilliant picture.

  • Gefen Announces Newest Wireless HDTV Extender

    Posted on September 1st, 2009 admin 110 comments

    With an uncompressed delivery of both high definition video and multi-channel digital audio in the HDMI format, this new wireless solution from Gefen is one of the most high performance systems available today.

    Using WirelessHD radio technology from SiBeam, this model enables installers to mount a flat panel HDTV anywhere and send the HDMI signal from a Blu-ray player, set-top box or gaming device up to 10 metres in distance.

    A line-of-sight recommendation makes it best suited for in-room installations, particularly home entertainment systems. Its low latency means it will operate flawlessly with demanding high definition applications like gaming. It supports all HDMI features and up to eight channels of 24-bit, 192KHz LPCM audio. Full HDCP compliance and CEC protocols are also supported.

    The GefenTV Wireless for HDMI 60GHz Extender comes with small sender and receiver units, each powered, that are connected to the high definition video source and the extended display, respectively. Both sender and receiver are equipped with an internal array of 36 antennae so no external antennae is needed.

    The system offers a plug and play installation and a user friendly enclosure so even the most technically challenged individual can operate it. An RS-232 port allows for future updates.

    Gefen will be at Stand 7.B31 at IBC 2009.

  • SuiteLinq and Ruckus Wireless have completed the first successful test of video content and internet connectivity service delivery

    Posted on July 21st, 2009 admin 101 comments

    SuiteLinq and Ruckus Wireless have completed the first successful test of video content and internet connectivity service delivery in a hospitality environment using 802.11n Wi-Fi technology. SuiteLinq, Inc., a provider of multimedia interactive, broadband, and on-demand solutions for hospitality and extended-stay environments installed the solution in one of its Atlanta, GA, properties as a proof-of-concept for a current client, a major hotel and restaurant brand.

    Working with solutions provider, Ruckus Wireless, the testing used the new Ruckus ZoneFlex(TM) 7962, a dual band 802.11n Wi-Fi access point with dynamic beamforming and four MediaFlex(TM) 71111 802.11n (5GHz) Wi-Fi receivers. This solution was used to transmit (unicast) three HD (MPEG-2) IP-based VOD (Video-On-Demand) streams, each at a data rate of 20 Mbps, and two standard definition IP-based VOD streams to five guest rooms. Testing was conducted using the SuiteVOD(TM) solution powered by InfoValue and Nighthawk Systems. In addition, high-speed Internet access was delivered to four different laptops simultaneously as part of the test.

    For new hospitality properties, the benefits of this development include eliminating extensive cabling, providing greater flexibility to deliver services anywhere, anytime throughout the property, and minimizing disruptive retrofitting after the hotel is in operation. It also gives hotels the ability to deliver IP video, digital signage, and other value-added services in public areas on demand.

    “Smart Wi-Fi can help eliminate many of the cabling infrastructure challenges that we face in delivering our IP based VOD solutions,” states SuiteLinq’s President, Craig Ziegler. “A Smart Wi-Fi implementation can also expand the base of services that can be delivered — allowing hotels to flow new services over a reliable wireless network. It’s a great way to efficiently position the property for the future of converged digital services delivery.”

  • LodgeNet Launches New “IPTV+” Solution

    Posted on July 21st, 2009 admin 1 comment

    LodgeNet Launches New “IPTV+” Solution Powered By Apple® Mac mini Delivers Unique Guest Experience and Expanded Features Supported By Apple® Technology

    LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions to the hospitality industry, announced that it is demonstrating a new in-room entertainment solution at HITEC 2009 that integrates the Apple® Mac mini with the LodgeNet High-Definition (HD) Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) platform. This unique new product, “LodgeNet IPTV+”, joins the power of a computer with the convenience of television, and delivers a rich new user experience that combines Apple’s industry leading graphics capabilities and applications support with LodgeNet’s proven content management and delivery solutions.

    LodgeNet IPTV+ presents hoteliers with an entirely new set of capabilities to create compelling in-room interactive experiences, and provides an exceptional new opportunity to communicate brand messages to their guests, deliver entertainment, present hotel information, and even support the sale of hotel products and services through in-room technology. Leveraging the capabilities of both the Apple® Mac mini and LodgeNet’s HDTV technology, this new solution provides access to a broad selection of on demand entertainment content and programming, offers an Interactive Programming Guide with new content search features, supports delivery of TV- and Web-based entertainment and provides a platform for the development of next-generation interactive applications.

    In addition to the unique new capabilities that the solution will provide in its base configuration, LodgeNet IPTV+ offers hoteliers the option to create a variety of customized applications which can be developed upon request. LodgeNet will work with hoteliers to design specific features and services that meet their unique needs, and will work in partnership to develop these custom solutions and integrate them with property level systems. Specific opportunities for new development include branded graphics packages, custom content and programming, and integrated applications such as in-room dining, spa and golf booking, and integration to marketing programs.

    To maximize the opportunities provided by the Mac mini platform, LodgeNet has designed the solution to leverage Apple’s Core Animation Technology as well as the processing power of the new NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processer. This design enables LodgeNet IPTV+ to provide compelling new user experiences including robust animated effects and extensive image and video layering features. Also, by choosing the new Mac mini as part of its solution, LodgeNet is offering its customers an environmentally friendly solution for in-room processing that meets the EPA’s new Energy Star 5.0 specification, and which features a new energy-saving function that consumes less than 13 watts in idle mode.

    “LodgeNet IPTV+ is designed specifically for hoteliers who want to create differentiated guest experiences that are as unique as their properties,” said Scott E. Young, President of Hospitality for LodgeNet. “Also, LodgeNet IPTV+ provides a great solution for hotels that want to ensure that their in-room technology solutions are environmentally responsible,” he added. “The power of the Mac mini in the guest room, coupled with LodgeNet’s proven and reliable content delivery capabilities, creates a new solution that offers a distinctive look and feel, and provides new functionality and performance that we believe is superior to any other interactive TV platform available today.”

    The LodgeNet IPTV+ solution will be compatible with the new LodgeNet360TM product, which offers customers the option to contract with LodgeNet to provide a converged service for media and connectivity technology (Free-To-Guest, Interactive TV, Broadband, Telephony, Digital Signage and In-Room Integration) running on a single IP network. LodgeNet360 and LodgeNet IPTV+ serve as the most recent examples of the company’s continued record of technology innovation, and demonstrate LodgeNet’s unmatched capability to design and deliver solutions that meet the specialized and demanding requirements of the hospitality industry.

  • LG Electronics Highlights Advanced HDTV, Monitor and Storage Technologies at InfoComm 2009

    Posted on June 19th, 2009 admin 66 comments

    Diverse Product Line Integrates Sleek Design, Energy Savings, Enhanced Connectivity Options

    ORLANDO, June 17, 2009 – From retail environments to hotel rooms, from schools and wellness centers to corporate spaces, the LG Electronics “Digital City” at InfoComm 2009 (booth # 5321) showcases the company’s advanced display technologies and installation flexibility.

    With new designs and enhanced connectivity options on HDTVs and network options with “Smart Vine,”monitors and Network Attached Storage, LG is helping organizations conduct business more efficiently and effectively. Advanced Pro:Centric™ technology on select LCDs allows for the customization of the viewer experience, providing the platform for easy channel searching, Internet data and applications designed to connect guests to hotel services such as room service and spa menus. And connected LCD Smart Vine monitors and Network Attached Storage make it easier than ever for schools and other teaching environments to share information.

    “As a global leader in the flat panel industry, LG Electronics is creating diverse technology solutions for a variety of environments,” said Ron Snaidauf, vice president, Commercial Products, LG Electronics USA Business Solutions. “LG’s versatile HDTVs and monitors can transform the look and feel of almost any space while simultaneously reducing energy output and enhancing the end user experience.”

    Connectivity is King
    LG Electronics is building on its advanced display capabilities by combining both connectivity and networking options. From long-term care applications to education and hotel environments, LG has high-definition solutions aimed to maximize the user experience.

    Long Term Care Applications
    Illustrating the importance of connectivity in Long-Term Care facilities, LG’s new LH210C series is compatible with the single cable Auto-Sensing Remote Jack Packs (RJPs). These RJPs allow residents, visitors and staff to multi-task on laptops and MP3 players while enjoying in-room entertainment, all on LG’s compatible flat-panel TV. These RJPs exceed competitors’ connectivity panel technology, by offering auto-sensing and separation of audio and video for easy connectivity and enjoyment of content. Multiple mount options, including desk back splash, wall mount, desk or tabletop mounting, let the RJP blend into the room’s design, allowing Long-Term Care providers to choose the best installation option for the space.

    Education Applications
    For learning environments, LG Electronics is demonstrating new Smart Vine monitors in the Digital City Education Center, allowing up to 11 users to connect to a single PC with each user running their own applications (NComputing PCI Card Kit required and sold separately). Smart Vine monitors use virtual desktop software to connect to an existing PC and redistribute that computer’s resources to several users simultaneously. The software divides the computer’s resources into independent sessions, maximizing the bandwidth to the fullest extent. For A/V professionals and integrators, this provides easier installation and reduced maintenance, IT support and energy consumption compared to multiple computers. Workstations that employ the Smart Vine Monitors will also benefit from less heat and noise typically generated by multiple PCs. Available in 17-inch (model N1742L-BF)* and 19-inch (model N1941W-PF)* class sizes, the monitors can fit in a variety of environments.

    The Education Center also highlights LG’s Networked Attached Storage (model N4B1), the world’s first NAS device with a built-in Blu-ray™ rewriter. With a scalable storage solution through four hot swappable bays, the N4B1 delivers data archiving and automatic disc back up features. The N4B1 is a cost-effective way for teachers and education administrators to securely save confidential student information and curriculum documentation.

    The built-in Blu-ray writer on the N4B1 serves as a secondary storage medium for data expansion with each disc holding up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This large storage capacity is beneficial for growing school departments or administrators and those who are looking to managing large amounts of data. Compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems the N4B1 allows for installation in a variety of educational environments. Teachers and administrators on different operating systems can easily collaborate, share and store data, whether directly connected to the NAS, on a network, or over the Internet.

    New to LG’s education systems, an electronic whiteboard takes touchscreen technology to the next level, allowing those in the education and corporate environments to collaborate in new ways. A 60-inch class plasma, model ILB-60P*, incorporates a sensor that supports camera image reading technology, which senses touch and displays the handwriting on the computer screen. Touch/handwriting is available by various means, including fingers, pens or other hard tools with a response time of under 8 ms.

    The LG interactive whiteboard system can be used with an existing electronic screen and in conjunction with a variety of educational tools and internal devices. It allows teachers or presenters to select and display PC, video, and EBS content for students while writing or marking the material displayed on the screen.

    Hotel Applications
    New LCDs equipped with Pro:Centric™ technology allow hoteliers to customize the in-room experience, providing the platform for an Interactive Electronic Program Guide (IEPG) with advanced channel search and selection capabilities, for easy channel and program searching.

    Highlighted in the LG Digital City Hotel Room vignette, model LG700H (available in 32-, 37- and 42-inch class sizes*) is LG’s first Pro:Centric enabled LCD HDTV that allows hoteliers to customize the entire in-room experience. With Pro:Centric, hotels can specialize a welcome menu with unique authoring tools and java-enabled technologies. Hotels can also deliver guest services and features such as room service menus, spa services, and golf course schedules at the touch of the remote. Without the need for additional hardware such as set-top boxes, Pro:Centric helps eliminate clutter from the room.

    Sleek Design, Advanced Technology
    Illustrating how technology and design can go hand-in-hand, the LG Digital City’s Lounge and Hotel areas highlight a variety of new plasma and LCD models. LG’s newest plasma, model PS60C, incorporates a unique frameless “single layer” design for the appearance of a single pane of glass, creating for a sleek look in any setting.

    * PS60C series plasma HDTVs – Available in 50- and 60-inch class sizes, the PS60C* includes Full HD 1080p resolution and has a dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 for a crisp, clear viewing experience.

    LG’s LCD models on display at InfoComm 2009 illustrate the importance of combining high-definition technology with easy programming so that both the user and the integrator can appreciate

    * 52LG50DC series LCD HDTVs – Available in a 52-inch class* size, this model features a USB 2.0 input for photos and music, allowing guests to view images from their digital camera or play music from their MP3 through the HDTV, as well as 1080p resolution allows full high-definition experience; Public Display Settings for ease of setup of commercial features; Backlight Dimming Control.
    * LG30DC series LCD HDTVs – Ideal for public settings, this series features USB cloning capabilities (42-, 37- and 32-inch class*) and for easy programming and Public Display Settings. Additional features include Dynamic Power Savings; Auto-Sensing Remote Jack Pack Compatibility (42-, 37- and 32-inch)

    Both plasma and LCD models are equipped with Invisible speakers and Clear Voice Technology. The Invisible Speaker system, tuned by renowned audio expert Mr. Mark Levinson, incorporates the speakers into the bezel surrounding the screen, giving a sleek appearance and hiding unsightly speaker grills. This new system is not only stylish, but delivers a wider “sweet spot.” It also allows hoteliers to easily wall mount or place these TVs into smaller armoires, because the integrated audio system requires less room than typical side-mounted speakers. With LG’s “Clear Voice II” technology, consumers and hotel guests experience a 12-level voice control that enables an adjustment to the voice frequency providing clearer sound despite loud background noise.

    “EcoSmart” Technology Saves Energy
    LG’s EcoSmart™ technology in new HDTVs allows for multiple manual and automatic options for energy conservation, making it ideal for a corporate and lodging environments looking to save on energy costs and provide “green” accommodations for their patrons. Select LG plasma and LCD models are Energy Star ® 3.0 and RoHS compliant. LG’s LG700H series is also the first Pro:Idiom model to achieve the new Energy Star 3.0 rating.

    The new Dynamic Power Saving modes on both plasmas and LCDs help hoteliers conserve energy. For hotels looking to reduce energy output, these settings provide the option to adjust power consumption and provide an optimal picture settings based on the incoming video.

    On LG’s LCDs, Dynamic Power Savings reduces power consumption and optimizes picture settings, while Static Power Savings allows the installer to set the preferred power consumption level. Plasmas feature three power saving modes which also provide a choice in the maximum power consumption level. This combination of automatic settings and options for manual adjustments helps facilities save on energy costs and allows for increased energy savings while still providing superior picture quality to guests. With the Intelligent Sensor feature, integrators can program the LCDs to respond to the ambient light in the room and automatically reduce brightness and energy output under most circumstances.

    LG Electronics, Inc.
    LG Electronics Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 84,000 people working in 115 operations including 84 subsidiaries around the world. With 2008 global sales of $44.7 billion, LG is comprised of five business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning and Business Solutions.

    LG Electronics Business Solutions
    The LG Electronics Business Solutions Company is a leading business-to-business (B2B) infotainment company, developing a broad range of top-class digital devices and solutions including LCD monitors, commercial displays, automotive infotainment and security systems. LG anticipates future business trends and provides unique devices and services that offer smart and reliable solutions to meet the needs of business partners and customers. With 2008 global sales of $4.3 billion, LG Electronics Business Solutions is poised for continuing rapid growth.

    LG Electronics USA
    LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the $13 billion North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a global force and technology leader in home appliances, consumer electronics and mobile communications. The LG Electronics Business Solutions division of LG Electronics USA, serves customers in the digital signage, systems integration, lodging and hospitality, healthcare, education, government and industrial markets. Based in Lincolnshire, Ill., with its dedicated engineering and customer support team, LG Electronics USA Business Solutions delivers B2B technology solutions tailored to the particular needs of business environments. For more information, please visit www.LGcommercial.com.

    CONTACTS:
    John I. Taylor (847) 941-8181, jtaylor@lge.com
    Ojas Naik (312) 397-6008, ojas.naik@lg-one.com

    * 32LG700H 32-inch class/31.5-inch diagonal
    * 37LG700H 37-inch class/37-inch diagonal
    * 42LG700H 42-inch class/42-inch diagonal
    * 50PS60C 50-inch class/ 50.0-inch diagonal
    * 60PS60C 60-inch class/ 59.5-inch diagonal
    *52LG50DC 52-inch class/52.0-inch diagonal
    *47LG50DC 47-inch class/46.9-inch diagonal
    *42LG30 42-inch class/42.0-inch diagonal
    *37LG30 37-inch class/37.0-inch diagonal
    *32LG30 32-inch class/31.5-inch diagonal
    * N1742L-BF 17-inch class/17-inch diagonal
    * N1941W-PF 19-inch class/ 18.5-inch diagonal
    * ILB-60P 60-inch class/ TBD diagonal

    via - Enterprise – LG Commercial.

  • LG Electronics Introduces Sleek Designs, Advanced Technologies for More Customized Guestroom Experience

    Posted on May 18th, 2009 admin 55 comments

    Showcases New Plasma HDTV Line with Single-Layer Design, LCD HDTVs with Pro:CentricTM Technology

    LG Electronics, a leader in delivering stylish design and advanced technology to the hospitality industry, highlighted plasma HDTVs with a stunning new single-layer design and a new series of LCD HDTVs with an applications-based platform called Pro:Centric this week at the 2009 Hospitality Design HD Expo booth #2215.

    “When hotels integrate new in-room technology to enhance the guest experience, attention to design takes on even more importance as rooms and suites are equipped with larger HDTVs,” said Ron Snaidauf, vice president, Commercial Products, LG Electronics USA Business Solutions. “LG’s new plasma HDTV series, with its appearance of a single pane of glass, brings a sleek, modern feel to any guestroom while delivering the ultimate HDTV experience.”

    Where Technology Meets Design

    Introducing advanced technology coupled with sophisticated design, LG’s PS60C plasma HDTV line offers a stylish high-definition viewing experience for guests.

  • Courtyard by Marriott’s New Lobby Experience Unfolds in Latest TV Spot :: Hospitality Trends

    Posted on May 12th, 2009 admin 101 comments

    Marriott Courtyard by Marriott premiered this week its latest television commercial featuring the brand’s popular new lobby concept and design.

    Produced by mcgarrybowen of New York, the ad shows elements of the Courtyard lobby literally unfolding as guests interact with the space. The spot will air on ESPN, Comedy Central, The History Channel, CNN, FX, USA, Investigative Discovery, Spike and Bravo.

    “I like to call this ad ‘Courtyard Origami,’” said Brian King, vice president, Global Brand Manager, Courtyard by Marriott. “We have nearly 40 hotels in North America that feature the new lobby and expect to reach 100 by year end. The ad illustrates how guests are using the public space for work, relaxation and socializing.”

    With this new design, Courtyard is completely redefining the hotel lobby experience. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by bright, vivid colors and a completely new check-in experience. The latest news, local attractions and directions are available through the lobby’s GoBoardTM technology and the standard front desk has been replaced by more intimate welcome pedestals to create more personal and private interactions. The lobby also features enhanced food and beverage service at The Bistro — Eat. Drink. Connect., a 24/7 Market for food, drinks and sundries, a variety of flexible seating options and free WiFi.

    “Courtyard has developed a very strong and loyal customer base by listening to travelers and consistently giving them the choices they want,” said Mara Hannula, vice president of marketing strategy, Marriott International, Inc. “The brand is in the midst of a complete redefinition to keep up with the ever-changing needs of travelers and this spot shows guests how Courtyard has evolved to meet those needs.”

    View Spot

    via Courtyard by Marriott’s New Lobby Experience Unfolds in Latest TV Spot :: Hospitality Trends.

  • LodgeNet Entertainment Corp. Reports Operating Results (10-Q)

    Posted on May 11th, 2009 admin No comments

    LodgeNet Entertainment Corp. (LNET) filed Quarterly Report for the period ended 2009-03-31.

    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. 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. LodgeNet Entertainment Corp. has a market cap of $105.4 million; its shares were traded at around $4.65 with and P/S ratio of 0.2.
    Highlight of Business Operations:

    While there have been some signs of stabilization in the travel industry, the current operating environment remains challenging and we will continue to take a very conservative approach to operating expenses and capital expenditures. During the next two quarters, we anticipate we will maintain systems operations and SG&A expenses within the $21.0 to $23.0 million per quarter range, and we will hold our quarterly capital investment program to the $5.0 to $6.0 million level, pending a further rebound in the economy. As a result, we will continue to be in a position to allocate a substantial majority of our cash flow from operations to reducing our debt and debt leverage ratios. We remain committed to reducing debt and will take actions we believe are necessary and reasonable to remain in compliance with our debt leverage covenants throughout 2009.

    Hospitality revenue, which includes Guest Entertainment, Hotel Services and System Sales and Related Services, decreased $13.0 million or 9.5%, to $124.0 million for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $137.0 million for the prior year quarter. As a result of the current state of the economy, hotel occupancy declined by approximately 12.2% during the first quarter 2009 compared to the same period last year. Average monthly Hospitality revenue per room was $22.26 for the first quarter of 2009, a decrease of 9.6% as compared to $24.62 per room in the first quarter of 2008.

    Guest Entertainment revenue, which includes on-demand entertainment such as movies, games, music and Internet access through the television, decreased $22.7 million or 22.9%, to $76.5 million in the first quarter of 2009. The decline resulted from a reduction in occupancy rates and a cautious consumer environment. On a per-room basis, monthly Guest Entertainment revenue for the first quarter of 2009 declined 23.0% to $13.73 compared to $17.83 for the first quarter of 2008. Average monthly movie revenue per room was $12.93 for the first quarter of 2009, a 21.7% reduction as compared to $16.51 per room in the prior year quarter. Hotel Services revenue, which includes revenue paid by hotels for television programming and broadband Internet service and support, increased $3.5 million or 11.8%, to $32.9 million during the first quarter of 2009 versus $29.4 million in the first quarter of 2008. On a per-room basis, monthly Hotel Services revenue for the first quarter of 2009 increased 11.5% to $5.90 compared to $5.29 for the first quarter of 2008. Monthly television programming revenue per room increased 12.8% to $5.37 for the first quarter of 2009 as compared to $4.76 for the first quarter of 2008. This increase resulted primarily from the continued installation of high definition television systems and related television programming services. System Sales and Related Services, which includes the sale of broadband Internet equipment, television programming reception equipment, Internet conference services and HDTV installation services to hotels, increased $6.3 million or 74.9%, to $14.7 million during the first quarter of 2009 versus $8.4 million in the first quarter of 2008. During the quarter, we completed a large HDTV equipment conversion contract, which contributed approximately $4.2 million of the increase.

    Other Revenue, including the sale of interactive systems and services to Healthcare facilities and revenue from Advertising and Media Services, increased $1.3 million or 45.2%, to $4.1 million during the first quarter of 2009 versus $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2008. For the first quarter of 2009, Healthcare revenue increased by $1.6 million and Advertising and Media revenue decreased by $0.3 million, or 16.1%, versus the prior year quarter.

    Total direct costs (exclusive of operating expenses and depreciation and amortization discussed separately below) were $73.1 million in the first quarter of 2009, a decrease of $2.8 million or 3.6%, as compared to $75.9 million in the first quarter of 2008. The decrease in total direct costs was primarily related to decreased hotel commissions and royalties of $8.5 million, which varies with revenue, offset, in part, by increases in the amount paid for television programming of $2.5 million, which varies with the number of rooms served, and incremental equipment and service direct costs of $4.4 million, which varies with revenue. For the first quarter of 2009, total direct costs as a percentage of revenue were 57.1% as compared to 54.3% for the first quarter of 2008. The increase in direct costs as a percentage of revenue was driven by a change in the composition of our revenue, quarter over quarter, by the increased percentage of revenue derived from television programming and system sales, which generally have a lower margin.

    System operations expenses and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $20.8 million in the first quarter of 2009 compared to $30.6 million in the prior year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, system operations expenses were 8.1% this quarter as compared to 11.0% in the first quarter of 2008. Per average installed room, system operations expenses decreased to $1.85 per room per month this quarter as compared to $2.77 in the prior year quarter. As a percentage of total revenue, SG&A expenses were 8.1% in the current quarter compared to 10.9% in the first quarter of 2008. SG&A expenses per average installed room were $1.87 this quarter as compared to $2.74 in the first quarter of 2008. There were no integration costs included within this quarter’s operating expenses, compared to approximately $0.8 million in the prior year quarter. The decreases were the result of achieving the expected synergies related to the consolidation of duplicative general and administrative functions of acquired companies and related operations, as well as our expense reduction initiatives taken during the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009.