Live from HITEC: LodgeNet Announces New Free-to-Guest Solutions
LodgeNet Interactive Corporation, a provider of media and connectivity solutions to the hospitality industry, announced today at HITEC 2009 that it is offering expanded and enhanced free-to-guest (FTG) TV services to hoteliers. These new solutions are designed to offer customers expanded services to accompany their high-definition (HD) FTG programming, and also to make LodgeNet FTG services more cost effective and convenient.
In-Room interactive applications supporting Pro:Centric technology
LodgeNet has collaborated with LG Electronics to develop new applications that operate on the Pro:Centric television platform and is demonstrating these applications at HITEC this week. By working with LG Pro:Centric technology, LodgeNet can deliver interactive TV services (such as interactive program guides, hotel information and local information) without a set-top box when guest rooms are equipped with Pro:Centric televisions. The new services offered through this program provide a cost-effective new set of options for hoteliers seeking interactive applications to complement their FTG service.
Under this new program, LodgeNet will offer hoteliers the ability to purchase a small server to support interactive experiences and will also supply a selection of programming, information and support services on a fee-for-service basis to make the entire package a turn-key solution for hoteliers. In addition, LodgeNet and LG Electronics will provide opportunities to support targeted in-room advertising and promotions on the Pro:Centric platform at the hotelier's request.
New financing program and accelerated installation
In support of LodgeNet's continued focus on HD FTG solutions, the company also announced new financing and accelerated installation programs today. These new offers are designed to make it easier for hoteliers to implement HD FTG services by providing the opportunity to contract with LodgeNet for FTG programming and hardware with no upfront payment, and also to provide a streamlined approval and installation process that will enable properties to have access to FTG programming quickly and easily.
LodgeNet has created a customized new financing program with The Leasing Experts to provide its customers with improved terms and flexible options. As a part of this program, LodgeNet worked with The Leasing Experts to integrate the financing program into its normal contract and approval process to allow them to facilitate the transaction end-to-end, and to make the experience easy and convenient for customers.
In addition, LodgeNet has worked to streamline its contract and installation process, and is now offering a 30-day installation guarantee for all new FTG agreements that are approved through standard procedures. Going forward, new FTG agreements will be handled through a simplified contract that will be processed in one business day — and installation of the FTG Basic solution will begin within 30 days after the order is received and approved. This new process will be used to handle both in-room FTG programming, as well as public space programming for lobbies, restaurants and other public spaces.
In-Room interactive applications supporting Pro:Centric technology
LodgeNet has collaborated with LG Electronics to develop new applications that operate on the Pro:Centric television platform and is demonstrating these applications at HITEC this week. By working with LG Pro:Centric technology, LodgeNet can deliver interactive TV services (such as interactive program guides, hotel information and local information) without a set-top box when guest rooms are equipped with Pro:Centric televisions. The new services offered through this program provide a cost-effective new set of options for hoteliers seeking interactive applications to complement their FTG service.
Under this new program, LodgeNet will offer hoteliers the ability to purchase a small server to support interactive experiences and will also supply a selection of programming, information and support services on a fee-for-service basis to make the entire package a turn-key solution for hoteliers. In addition, LodgeNet and LG Electronics will provide opportunities to support targeted in-room advertising and promotions on the Pro:Centric platform at the hotelier's request.
New financing program and accelerated installation
In support of LodgeNet's continued focus on HD FTG solutions, the company also announced new financing and accelerated installation programs today. These new offers are designed to make it easier for hoteliers to implement HD FTG services by providing the opportunity to contract with LodgeNet for FTG programming and hardware with no upfront payment, and also to provide a streamlined approval and installation process that will enable properties to have access to FTG programming quickly and easily.
LodgeNet has created a customized new financing program with The Leasing Experts to provide its customers with improved terms and flexible options. As a part of this program, LodgeNet worked with The Leasing Experts to integrate the financing program into its normal contract and approval process to allow them to facilitate the transaction end-to-end, and to make the experience easy and convenient for customers.
In addition, LodgeNet has worked to streamline its contract and installation process, and is now offering a 30-day installation guarantee for all new FTG agreements that are approved through standard procedures. Going forward, new FTG agreements will be handled through a simplified contract that will be processed in one business day — and installation of the FTG Basic solution will begin within 30 days after the order is received and approved. This new process will be used to handle both in-room FTG programming, as well as public space programming for lobbies, restaurants and other public spaces.
LodgeNet is exhibiting in Booth 310 of the Anaheim (CA) Convention Center, June 23-25.