Published:
LodgeNet Helps Hoteliers Prepare for February 2009 Digital Television Transition
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LodgeNet Interactive
Corporation (Nasdaq: LNET) today announced a roadmap to prepare its U.S. hotel
customers for the upcoming Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-mandated
transition from analog to digital signal transmission. The digital
transition -- which has a February 17, 2009 deadline -- will affect all hotel
properties with analog televisions receiving local stations via an off-air
antenna.
"The FCC mandate to move local broadcast channels to a digital signal has
significant implications for our hotel customers -- specifically, the chance
that their over-the-air free-to-guest channels could 'go dark' if steps are
not taken ahead of the final transition date," said Scott E. Young, President
of Hospitality and Chief Marketing Officer for LodgeNet. "Our digital
transition roadmap is part of the proactive initiative we have undertaken to
help our hotel customers understand this issue, and to ensure that they
maintain a superior guest experience during and after the February 17
transition."
Emphasizing the importance of planning and communication, Young explained
that LodgeNet has been in contact with over 1,600 properties and will perform
site surveys at these locations to assess the specific technical needs at each
hotel. Once the impact to the hotel is determined (for example, scheduled
channel and tower changes for UHF and VHF broadcasts), LodgeNet will propose a
customized solution for that property. In addition, LodgeNet will help hotels
retain their local network programming after February 17 by offering the
delivery of local stations via DIRECTV, as well as local HD (high definition)
stations via off-air antenna.
As a part of this program, LodgeNet is conducting an extensive
communication campaign to reach hotel properties, corporate offices, and
ownership/management groups and ensure that all stakeholders understand the
issues and to educate them about the complexities of this transition. For
example, as Young explained, even properties already installed with digital
televisions and signals may be impacted. "As part of this transition, many of
the digital channels that are transmitted off-air today will move to a
different channel/frequency," he said. "This may require an antenna
relocation, or even antenna replacement if the channel changes from VHF to
UHF, or from UHF to VHF."
LodgeNet is currently working with several hundred of its customers to
discuss and plan for this transition. Any LodgeNet served hotel wishing for
assistance on this important issue should contact LodgeNet at dtv@lodgenet.com
or call 1-888-LODGENET (563-4363).
About LodgeNet Interactive
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 more
than 1.9 million hotel rooms representing 10,000 hotel properties worldwide in
addition to healthcare facilities throughoutthe 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 http://www.lodgenet.com.
LodgeNet is a registered trademark of LodgeNet Interactive Corporation.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
SOURCE LodgeNet Interactive Corporation
Copyright © 2009, PRNewswire
Copyright © 2009, NewsBlaze,
Daily News
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