From February 20, 2009, DirecTV is expected to begin offering Showtime high-definition (HD), Universal HD and HDNet in the new MPEG-4 format, and will eliminate the current MPEG-2 feed for these channels. As a result, systems at the affected properties will require the installation, upgrade or replacement of equipment to allow those locations to receive content in the new format.
Under the new agreement, LodgeNet’s professional services group has been hired to provide the installation support to upgrade the hardware required for DirecTV’s migration of its original HD programming from the MPEG-2 format to MPEG-4. The retrofit operation is expected to be funded by DirecTV and will be performed at no additional cost to the hotels, according to LodgeNet.
Matt Sandvold, senior director of professional solutions for LodgeNet, said: The volume of business we have secured to date underscores the growing demand in our industry for professional advice and implementation to support hotels with the latest media and connectivity technologies. We could not be more pleased with the response we’re seeing from some of the biggest and best brands in the industry.
