Gefen Announces Newest Wireless HDTV Extender

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.

LodgeNet Launches New “IPTV+” Solution

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

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

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.

PAVV 8000 Series, Samsung’s latest 240Hz LED TV

The 8000 Series  will be available in 46 and 55” will feature a full HD LED 240Hz panel, and will shake the world soon with availability in May across the USA Best Buy, Europe and Southeast Asia.

LG Pro:Centric

LG Pro:Centric

The hospitality industry has a new interactive communications interface option. Pro:Centric is the newest release from LG Electronics. It also supports LG’s new LCD HDTVs, which are pay-per-view compatible.

“The introduction of Pro:Centric technology will fundamentally change the level of service provided to guests and return the hotel room to a position of technology leadership,” said Richard Lewis, senior vice president of Research and Technology of LG Electronics’ U.S. R&D subsidiary. “With a multimedia platform designed to introduce interactive technologies unheard of in consumer homes, Pro:Centric is advancing the guest experience and streamlining how hoteliers deliver in-room technology.”

According to LG:

Understanding the need for a cost-effective universal content delivery system in the lodging and hospitality market, LG Electronics developed the Pro:Centric technology. This application provides a unique way for hotels to deliver uniform services and features across both RF (radio frequency) and IP (Internet protocol) based networks, without the need for additional hardware such as set-top boxes.

This also allows for portability between existing platforms, as well as quicker execution of new applications and back office integration. Through this platform, the LG700H series is designed to interface with interactive program guides, games and Internet data feeds, as well as applications designed to connect guests to hotel services such as room service menus, spa services and golf course scheduling.

LG Commercial LCD touch screen monitors

Touch Screen Monitors

LG’s new LCD touch screen monitors are designed to bring advanced display capabilities to enliven any environment, from classrooms to hospitality to retail. Available in 32-inch (M3202T-BA) and 42-inch class sizes* (M4212T-BA), these touch screen models incorporate the latest integrated 3M™ dispersive signal touch (DST) screen with fast, accurate touch response. Blending crisp image display and the ability to provide real-time information in one package, the monitors provide the ability to access unique programming options such as news casts, interactive way-finding technologies and online customer service from one interface.

LG’s touch screen models contain on-screen display and remote control lock-out, optional hidden speakers, information display for serial number and an HDMI™ input. Super IPS viewing angle of 178 degrees and 1366 x768 (WXGA) display resolution enables content to be viewed on these screens at almost any angle.