LodgeNet Announces Technology Licensing Agreement With Panasonic

SIOUX FALLS, S.D., June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (Nasdaq: LNET), the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions to the hospitality industry, announced today that it has licensed its b-LAN™ (broadband local area network) technology to Panasonic for integration into new LRU20 series high-definition (HD) television displays that Panasonic is designing for the hospitality market.

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The agreement licenses Panasonic to embed LodgeNet's patented b-LAN technology into their televisions, enabling the cost effective delivery of interactive content and functionality such as centralized channel management (through LodgeNet's Free-to-Guest Management Appliance), video on demand content and interactive guest services.

"We realize that hoteliers want the widest range of cost effective technology options, especially when brand standards are involved," said David M. Bankers, Senior Vice President Product & Technology Development for LodgeNet. "Because Panasonic TVs with our embedded b-LAN technology do not need external communications hardware in the room, hoteliers can significantly lower their HDTV implementation costs."

"Having enjoyed a long and productive partnership with LodgeNet in serving the hospitality industry, we are excited to take it a step further," said Rick Albert, Vice President of Hospitality Sales for Panasonic Solutions Company. "The cost savings of having LodgeNet's technology integrated into our HDTVs – as well as the implications for increased content and enhanced services – are all things we believe will be extremely attractive to our customers in the lodging space."

LodgeNet's b-LAN technology is the most widely deployed, cost effective communications solution enabling TVs to be centrally managed as networked devices rather than unconnected stand-alone units.  This unique technology allows hotels and providers to manage TV configuration without a visit to each room and can enable a variety of other applications requiring communication with the TV set.

With an impressive image quality and a sleek, space-saving design with built-in hidden speakers, Panasonic's new LRU20 series LCD displays were built with hotel specifications, and offer the benefit and flexibility of integrated TV solutions with built-in tuners and SD card slots. These displays (available in 32", 37" and 42" screen sizes) come fully equipped with many security functions and include locking pedestal stands that rotate 90 degrees in both directions.

LodgeNet will be showcasing the Panasonic LRU20 series HDTVs with embedded b-LAN technology in Booth #609 at the HITEC 2010 trade show, June 22-24 in Orlando, Florida.  

About LodgeNet

LodgeNet Interactive Corporation is the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions designed to meet the unique needs of hospitality, healthcare and other guest-based businesses. LodgeNet Interactive serves approximately 1.9 million hotel rooms worldwide in addition to healthcare facilities throughout the United States.  The Company's services include:  Interactive Television Solutions, Broadband Internet Solutions, Content Solutions, Professional Solutions and Advertising Media Solutions.  LodgeNet Interactive Corporation owns and operates businesses under the industry leading brands:  LodgeNet, LodgeNetRX, and The Hotel Networks.  LodgeNet Interactive is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET. For more information, please visit www.lodgenet.com.

About Panasonic Solutions Company

Panasonic Solutions Company empowers people whose jobs depend on reliable technology. The company delivers collaboration, information-sharing and decision-support solutions for customers in government, healthcare, education and a wide variety of commercial enterprises. Products and services within the company's portfolio include Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computing solutions, projectors, professional displays (including both plasma and LCD), and HD video acquisition and production solutions. As a result of its commitment to R&D, manufacturing and quality control, Panasonic is known for the reliability and longevity of its products. Panasonic Solutions Company is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, which is the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC).Information on Panasonic Solutions Company's full line of products can be obtained by calling 877- 803-8492 or at www.panasonic.com/business-solutions.

LodgeNet, the LodgeNet logo, and b-LAN are trademarks or registered trademarks of LodgeNet Interactive Corporation. All brand and company/product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

SOURCE LodgeNet Interactive Corporation