Hotel HDTVs Incorporate New Encryption Technology
Incorporating unique encryption technology to assure secure digital content management, a new series of flat-screen digital high-definition television (HDTV) sets from LG Electronics is ushering in the digital television age for the lodging industry.
The plasma display panel (PDP), liquid crystal display (LCD) and cathode ray tube (CRT) models, demonstrated for the first time at the 2004 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, are specifically engineered to allow hoteliers to deliver exciting digital HDTV programming, including pay- per-view (PPV) services, to their guests.
Combining LG's latest picture-enhancement innovations and state-of-the-art guest-friendly features, the lineup includes a new widescreen 42-inch PDP, 32-inch LCD and 30-inch CRT HDTVs. These sets feature encryption technology that provides digital content protection and integrated digital tuners, taking advantage of the industry-standard digital television reception technology that will be included in virtually all TVs in the United States over the next three years in compliance with FCC regulations.
"LG is committed to working with pay-per-view providers and industry leaders to build compatible technologies to meet the HDTV needs of the hospitality industry," said Ron Snaidauf, vice president of commercial products, LG Electronics USA, Inc. "These new models are the first in the industry to allow hoteliers the ability to provide high-value HDTV programming without the worries of piracy or descrambling issues."
DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT CRUCIAL TO HOTELS Senior Vice President Richard Lewis called digital rights management "the key to hoteliers getting access to fresh new digital content."
"Working closely with PPV and content providers, we have developed an end- to-end encryption system that breaks new ground in providing a secure means to deliver high-value digital content directly to hotel rooms," Lewis said.
High-definition pay-per-view movies and other high-value programs add a new dimension to the lodging industry's deployment of flat-panel displays, Lewis said, adding that movie studios have been reluctant to release this type of content due to piracy concerns. "Now we have an encryption system that is both compatible with existing PPV interface controllers and meets the needs of movie studios and satellite providers," he said.
Snaidauf explained that LG's new integrated PDP, LCD and CRT HDTVs, all with encryption technology and LG's PPV-compatible multiple-protocol interface (MPI), are designed to receive digital HDTV programming without the need for outboard tuners. The new integrated HDTVs are all equipped with LG's proprietary XD Engine(TM) technology, which takes low-resolution analog signals to near high-definition levels, providing better overall picture quality and an enhanced viewing experience.
FCC REGULATIONS WILL TRANSFORM IN-ROOM VIEWING
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations requiring virtually
all TVs to include digital television (DTV) tuners by 2007 applies not only to
consumer sets, but also to TVs installed in hotel rooms. Those DTV tuners,
which receive HDTV broadcasts, are being phased-in now with 36-inch and larger TVs.
"That means the HDTV experience already in more than 12 million U.S. living rooms will soon become an enhanced guest experience in our 'home away from home,' the millions of hotel rooms across the nation," explained Snaidauf.
Just as consumers today are experiencing the benefits of digital TV, including its widescreen, high-definition images, hoteliers will be able to offer compelling HDTV content thanks to LG Electronics technology such as the industry's first in-room HDTV system.
With the new FCC DTV regulations taking effect, LG also is developing integrated hotel HDTVs, Snaidauf said, adding: "Now is the time for major chains to plan for the future, joining forces with a total in-room video solution supplier like LG, with leadership both in HDTV and in lodging TVs."
