Marriott Commits to HDTV in Guestrooms

Marriott International announces that hotels now have the option to install flat-panel, digital HDTVs in guest rooms and lounges. The company expects to roll out 50,000 sets manufactured by LG Electronics (lgelectronics.com) over the next four years, primarily at full-service JW Marriott, Marriott and Renaissance brands.

Unique to Marriott brands will be the addition of a connectivity panel with the television. A desk-level panel offers ample power outlets to enable guests to connect laptops, PDAs and personal entertainment devices, including DVD players, MP3 players, camcorders and video games into the television. Guests just plug in their devices and the system does the setup automatically.

The HDTV set and connectivity panel are built to Marriott's specifications and can perform dual functions simultaneously so guests can create their own experience. Guests that want to multitask will be able to split the HDTV screen to work on a presentation and check email. Guests who like to mix relaxation and work can listen to digital music or watch a movie and edit a presentation.