Acentic Launches LD650 LCDs with Tailored Panorama Platform to Cut the Reliance on Expensive Set-Top Boxes for Hotel iTV

COLOGNE, Germany, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Acentic, a leading supplier of broadband systems and digital interactive TV (iTV) for the hotel industry, announced that it will launch LD650 LCD HD TVs integrated with its Acentic Panorama IP system to offer a tailored hotel entertainment and communications platform to high end properties.

The LD650 is the first IP-enabled HD TV greatly facilitating the deployment of IPTV by avoiding expensive and bulky set-top boxes. In conjunction with a simple embedded card from Acentic, it moves much of the functionality from the set-top box to the HD TV screen to enable seamless integration with the IP network. By offering High Definition TV through LG and Acentic, hoteliers will be bringing sharper picture as well as crisp and defined sound to the guest room.

The LD650 architecture, integrated with Acentic Panorama, provides significant cost savings to the hotelier, as well as simplified maintenance and lower power consumption. The LD650 benefits from Acentic Panorama's HD evolved architecture for the delivery of a full Flash interface to the hotel room and a powerful centralised architecture. The result is not only the ability to run processor intensive applications, but also a simple upgrade path over the system's lifetime with no in-room intervention.

The first installation will be in Europe in June 2011. Middle East installations with the support of Acentic's Network Operations Centre in Dubai will follow.

HD TVs have become a standard in the home. For hotels, HD is a must as the guest expects the best quality for in-room services. LG and Acentic's highly customised platform is particularly suited to meet the varying requirements and expectations of hotel properties in the vast IP convergence market. Acentic's flexible and open interfaces allow it to treat each property uniquely and provide the high level of service and technology leading hotels require.

"This announcement brings a new level of innovation to in-room iTV solutions by removing the expense of bulky STBs and cabling. Leveraging the significant joint development work between Acentic and LG, we are able to service hotels with the best of LD650 technology and Acentic's user experience to meet guests' demands," said Brian Yang, B2B Director MEA, LG Electronics.

"The combined LD650 and Acentic Panorama IP high definition solution provides one of the most cost-effective iTV systems with an incredibly rich feature set, including the unique ability to run applications and bespoke animated flash interfaces that were unheard of on similar solutions. Acentic is eager to pursue its expansion across the Middle East where the varying hotels require a highly tailored solution such as this," said Richard Robinson, CEO of Acentic.

About Acentic Group

Acentic is an international provider of high-speed Internet access solutions and digital TV services to hotels. Acentic's digital content, technology, support and services deliver information and communication, as well as entertainment and revenue generation tools, via the hotel television, providing a unique communications system that meets the evolving lifestyles of guests. Acentic's broadband and digital TV services are in many of the world's leading hotel chains, including Accor, Dorint, Hilton, Hyatt, InterContinental Hotels Group, Maritim, Marriott, Movenpick and Starwood in more than 30 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. For more information, visit http://www.acentic.com.

    
    Acentic Media Contacts:
    Smaro Makaronidou
    Acentic
    +49-171-6973108
    smaro.makaronidou@acentic.com
    
    ink Communications for Acentic
    Alex Crabb / North America
    +1-617-484-3614
    alex@theinkstudio.com