Picture this -- reclining in a luxurious bed or lounge chair watching a movie or DVD, on a crystal clear digital high-definition television (HDTV). Listen up -- hearing music from your MP3 Player through the television's acoustically refined 30-watt speaker system. Work on this -- using your laptop to craft a multimedia client presentation on the television's 32-inch flat-panel screen.

Marriott International, Inc. announced today that hotels now have the option to install flat-panel, digital HDTVs in guest rooms and lounges. The company expects to roll out 50,000 sets manufactured by LG Electronics over the next four years, primarily at full-service JW Marriott, Marriott and Renaissance brands. Among the first hotels to offer digital high-definition television will be the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center and the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.


Unique to Marriott brands will be the addition of a connectivity panel with the television. A desk-level panel offers ample power outlets to enable guests to connect laptops, PDAs and personal entertainment devices, including DVD players, MP3 players, camcorders and video games into the television. Guests just plug in their devices and the system does the setup automatically. The connectivity panel is great not only for business travelers, but also families, who can enjoy their digitally recorded images and videos while still on vacation.


The HDTV set and connectivity panel are built to Marriott's specifications and can perform dual functions simultaneously so guests can create their own experience away from home or office. For instance, guests who want to multitask will be able to split the HDTV screen to work on a presentation and check e-mail. Guests who like to mix relaxation and work can listen to digital music or watch a movie and edit a presentation -- all on the HDTV set.


The HDTV set and connectivity panel are an integral part of the recently unveiled new Marriott and Renaissance guest rooms. The set swivels 178 degrees for easy viewing and works in conjunction with the pivot desk that is a highlight of the new Marriott room. The 32-inch widescreen HDTVs feature high-brightness, high-contrast liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and 30-watt speaker systems. The set's attributes include LG Electronics' exclusive XD Engine technology and built-in HDTV tuners for a lifelike picture. Super In- Plane-Switching technology provides the widest viewing angle on the market today.


Television and cable networks are increasing the supply of high-definition programming as consumer demand for HDTV grows rapidly. According to a Consumer Electronics Association survey released March 22, 2005, nearly half of all consumers plan to make their next television purchase an HDTV.


The introduction of digital HDTV is the latest example of Marriott's mission to enhance the guest experience across its portfolio of brands. Hotels undergoing renovations, as well as those under construction, will now have the option of installing digital HDTV in guest rooms.