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May
5 , 2005
LODGENET, LG ELECTRONICS TO DELIVER
INDUSTRY’S MOST COMPLETE
HDTV SOLUTION FOR HOTEL GUEST ROOMS
Full Complement of High-Definition Broadcast,
Satellite-Delivered Premium Content and
Video-On-Demand Entertainment Enabled By
Industry-Leading Content Security Technology
All TV and Video-On-Demand Functions Controlled
with a Single Remote
Industry’s First “Boxless” HDTV Solution
SIOUX FALLS, SD, May 5, 2005 –
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), one of the world’s
largest providers of interactive television and broadband solutions
to the lodging industry, and LG Electronics USA, the lodging industry
leader in flat panel displays, today announced achievements culminating
in the lodging industry’s most complete and cost-effective
high-definition television (HDTV) solution for hotel guest rooms.
“With a growing number of hotels investing in
flat panel and other HD-capable TVs, we want to help hoteliers ‘WOW’
their guests and maximize the return on their digital TV investment,”
said Scott C. Petersen, President and CEO for LodgeNet. “A
successful HDTV migration entails much more than just buying a display
device. In fact, hoteliers will be greatly disappointed unless they
purchase a solution that can deliver the complete spectrum of broadcast,
satellite and video-on-demand content, wrapped in an easy to use
guest interface and backed by a nationwide service and support organization.”
The first-of-its-kind HDTV solution utilizes Pro:Idiom™,
a premium content protection technology that ensures robust security
for satellite-delivered and video-on-demand content adhering to
the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) digital transport
standards.
“Content owners and providers are very concerned
about protecting their programming against piracy or alteration,”
explained Richard Lewis, Senior Vice President for LG Electronics
USA. “Our Pro:Idiom technology, integrated with LodgeNet’s
conditional access system, maintains the integrity of digital content
at every point in the distribution chain, giving programmers confidence
that their content will be well protected. As a result, this solution
can deliver the widest array of HD content available, all accessible
with a single remote control.” Lewis added that Pro:Idiom
technology will be licensed to commercial TV manufacturers and lodging
video-on-demand providers on a non-discriminatory, non-royalty basis.
Petersen added that the Pro:Idiom content protection
technology has been instrumental in facilitating negotiations between
LodgeNet and the providers of premium high-definition entertainment.
“By adding satellite and video-on-demand offerings to the
high-definition programming from local networks, we will be offering
guests the broadest range of high-definition content available through
any in-room entertainment system,” he said.
The LodgeNet/LG HDTV solution also considers the impact
of the display hardware on the in-room experience. “The emergence
of flat panel plasma and LCD screens is causing hoteliers to re-examine
where the TV ‘fits’ in the guest room, conceptually
and logistically,” said Lewis. “LG and LodgeNet have
developed an innovative “boxless” platform that incorporates
the digital tuning and video-on-demand system components into the
cleanest possible in-room presentation.”
Petersen noted that LodgeNet and LG are also engaged
with leaders in guest room audio, furniture design and financing
in a holistic approach to helping hoteliers migrate their properties
to HDTV. “There are a lot of factors to consider when making
the move to HDTV,” he said. “Our goal is to cover as
many bases as possible so our customers don’t have to.”
LodgeNet and LG will join other hotel HDTV innovators
in presenting at the HD Expo (May 5-7 in Las Vegas), and at HITEC
2005 (June 21-23 in Los Angeles).
About LodgeNet
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (www.lodgenet.com)
is one of the world’s largest providers of interactive television
and broadband solutions to hotels, including resort and casino hotels,
throughout the United States and Canada as well as select international
markets. These services include on-demand movies, music and music
videos, on-demand videogames, Internet on television, and television
on-demand programming, as well as high-speed Internet access, all
designed to serve the needs of the lodging industry and the traveling
public. LodgeNet provides service to more than one million interactive
guest pay rooms and serves more than 6,000 hotel properties worldwide.
LodgeNet estimates that during 2004 approximately 275 million travelers
had access to LodgeNet’s interactive television systems. LodgeNet
is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET.
About LG Electronics USA
Based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., LG Electronics
USA, Inc., (LGEUS) is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics,
Inc., a $38-billion global force in consumer electronics, information
technology and communications products. LGEUS comprises four core
business areas: consumer electronics, mobile phones, home appliances
and information technology products, all marketed under its “LG:
Life’s Good” theme. LG Commercial Products serves the
lodging, business, industrial, education, healthcare and GSA markets.
For more information, please visit www.LGcommercial.com
CONTACTS:
LG Electronics: John Taylor (847) 941-8181, jtaylor@lge.com
LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation: Ann Parker 605-988-1000 communications@lodgenet.com
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