Based on my research, hotels are showing considerable interest in
installing LCD televisions in their guest rooms. LCD TVs create an
upscale image for the hotel, and potentially enhance the opportunity
to sell Video on Demand services.
A critically important consideration is the need to purchase
commercial versions of LCD televisions for hotel use to maximize
conductivity with Video on Demand services and to provide important
features that are useful to hotels that are not present in consumer
versions. Waterproof versions with floating remote controls are also
available for installation in bathrooms.
I have not been able to locate any commentary from hotels regarding
their experiences with placing LCD TVs in their guest rooms. However,
based on my knowledge of the technology, there are obviously several
considerations. Cost is obviously the first one. LCD televisions are
still considerably more expensive than their cathode ray tube
counterparts, even HDTV-capable cathode ray tube models. However,
prices are dropping rapidly. Theft prevention is likely to be a big
issue since the sets are desirable, expensive, and relatively
lightweight. How the television is mounted in the room is critical in
making theft difficult.
LCD televisions are also more vulnerable to being scratched and/or
damaged. Placement of the television within the room can help
mitigate this issue, but adequate insurance coverage and/or a budget
for periodic replacement of damaged sets is necessary. The commercial
sets are generally sturdier than their consumer counterparts, so that
helps as well. Proper cleaning of the screen is also important since
use of the wrong chemicals or procedures can damage it over time.
Given your desire for guests to be able to use the television to
connect other devices, that will also drive model selection since you
want it to be easy for the guest. A combined LodgeNet/LG offering
seems to address this issue head-on:
"Like LodgeNet's Klebanoff, Wolf also underscored the importance of
keeping the technical end of things simple for hotel consumers. 'The
real differentiator with this rollout is the connectivity panel, which
will enable guests to connect nearly any digital device into the HDTV
[set]. For instance, a tiny PDA screen suddenly becomes 32 inches big,
making it easier to read e-mails and view attachments.
'Guests of Marriott will be able to split their screens so they can
work on a presentation on their laptop and watch TV at the same time.
For entertainment, MP3 players, iPOD-type devices,
videogames--including networked games over the Internet--and
camcorders can be routed to the HDTV, as well,' Wolf said."
"HD Joining List of Hotel Creature Comforts" by John Mirli, TV
Technology.com (August 3, 2005)
http://www.tvtechnology.com/features/news/n_hd_joining_list.shtml
I have provided links with information about multiple manufacturers of
commercial LCD televisions geared towards the hotel market. LG
Electronics appears to have made the largest commitment, but products
from Dell, Westinghouse, and Sharp are also available and in use in
hotel rooms.
Sincerely,
Wonko
Sources:
"Lewis cautions that consumer digital TV sets are not the best
investment for hoteliers. ?LG and other manufacturers design
commercial HDTV sets specifically for hotel rooms,? he says. ?These
sets are sturdier than consumer models, and they also will include
volume-limit controls, auto shutdown features, and channel-locking
functionality that ensures the hotel?s ?welcome channel? is the first
thing guests see whenever they turn on the set.? He adds that
commercial sets are far more likely to support a hotel?s VOD system,
whereas with a consumer set your in-room entertainment offerings may
actually shrink by being limited to broadcast and cable/satellite HD
content. You should also look for a set with a DVI (digital video
interface) or HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) input as
another way to help ensure long-term value."
"HDTV In The Guest Room: How To Enter the New World of Digital TV With
Confidence" By David M. Bankers, Hotel Online (September 2004)
http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_3rd/Sept04_HDTV.html
"FCC REGULATIONS, DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT DRIVE HDTV SOLUTIONS FOR
LODGING INDUSTRY" LG Electronics (November 14, 2005)
http://www.lgcommercial.com/
"Westinghouse Digital Introduces LCD TVs, Art Frames to Hospitality
Industry" Westinghouse Digital Electronics (May 5, 2005)
http://www.advancedimagingpro.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=21&id=883
"LG Electronics USA, Inc." Hotel & Motel Management (August 2004)
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3072/is_14_219/ai_n9486762
"Dell Launches LCD TV Models that Mean Business" Dell (November 15,
2005) http://www1.us.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/pressoffice/en/2005/2005_11_15_rr_001?c=us&l=en&s=corp
"Accor to equip its hotels worldwide with flat screen TVs" Island
Publications Ltd. (September 15, 2005)
http://www.travelmalta.com/Trader/Archive.september.htm
"Trident specifies Sharp LCD TV package for superior hotel experience"
Trident Microsystems Ltd. (2005)
http://www.tridentmicrosystems.co.uk/case_studies/20050103_2.html
"Clean your LCD without damaging it" CNet (April 20, 2005)
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6209355-1.html
Search terms: clean LCD TV; LCD TV "hotel room"; LCD television hotel
room; hotel room LCD |
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