LodgeNet to Showcase Expansion of Envision Apps at HITEC
PowerPortal Extends Hoteliers' Content Control Beyond the TV to Mobile Devices
Apps Deliver TV-Optimized Streaming Web Content Over Coax Networks
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LodgeNet Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: LNET), the leading provider of media and connectivity solutions to the hospitality industry, announced today that it will unveil several new features to its Envision™ cloud-connected interactive HDTV (iHDTV) solution at this year's HITEC show, which opened on June 20 at the Austin (TX) Convention Center.
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The expanded apps, which are part of LodgeNet's continued enhancement of the Envision platform, include the LodgeNet PowerPortal™, which provides new ways for hoteliers to seamlessly communicate with their guests over both the HDTV system and the guest's mobile devices, and the introduction of Internet streaming apps which allow guests to access Web-based content on the coax-based HDTV system in their guest room without the expense or complexity of an IPTV system.
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PowerPortal for Cross-Platform Publishing. The LodgeNet PowerPortal is a web-based, rights-managed authoring tool that can support a variety of apps through which a hotel can publish relevant content for delivery through their Envision iHDTV system as well as guests' mobile devices. Envision apps currently supported by the PowerPortal include Guest Info, In-Room Dining, Guest Requests and Happenings Channels, among others. Because the PowerPortal is Web-based, it can be accessed remotely through any computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Authorized hotel or brand personnel can add, delete, and update backgrounds, text, images and video-based content in real time. |
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The latest PowerPortal enhancements enable hoteliers to publish their In-Room Dining and Guest Info content to travelers' mobile devices in addition to displaying the information on the HDTV television in the guest room using LodgeNet's patent pending mobile app technology. Because content uploaded into the PowerPortal is available for use on multiple platforms, including the TV and mobile devices, hotels can utilize one integrated solution for controlling content distribution to multiple formats. "While hotel guests overwhelmingly prefer a big-screen HDTV for in-room entertainment, they turn to their smartphones and other 'small screen' devices for productivity and communication applications," said Scott C. Petersen, LodgeNet Chairman and CEO. "With the PowerPortal, hoteliers will have a tool to connect with guests through any screen, any time – and by so doing, extend the guest experience outside the hotel walls and beyond the time of the stay." |
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Streaming Apps. LodgeNet will also demonstrate streaming video and audio apps sourced from the Internet but optimized for display on a TV screen with navigation through a remote control. "With these apps, LodgeNet is the first in the industry to bring together the best of both worlds: the fresh, unique content of the Web, coupled with the visual impact and user friendliness of HDTV and a remote," said Petersen. "And, because they are designed for delivery over a hotel's coax system, we can bring Web content to guest rooms where an IPTV system is not installed or would not be feasible." |
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In recent months LodgeNet has installed our Envision platform at a variety of hotels including the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in suburban Chicago, the W San Francisco, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Sioux Falls, SD, the Lenox Hotel in Boston, the Four Seasons Hotel Austin (TX), and the Hilton Austin.
LodgeNet will be hosting an invitation-only Envision press event at its HITEC booth (#407) on Tuesday, June 21 at 10:00 AM CDT. The company invites all HITEC attendees to visit its booth from June 21-23 to see the Envision platform and apps along with other TV, broadband and mobile solutions.
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 1.8 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.
LodgeNet, the LodgeNet logo, Envision, iHDTV, and PowerPortal are trademarks or registered trademarks of LodgeNet Interactive Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE LodgeNet Interactive Corporation
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