High Definition Demystified

Summary

For a long time, televisions were seen as a special amenity, and just to have one in a hotel room would be quite exciting. Today the rate of television change has increased dramatically because once a new model comes out hotels jump to buy the newest version. Some hotel chain CEOs have said that guests view the model of the television as an indicator of how nice the hotel room is. High Definition (HD) TVs have dropped in price to under one thousand dollars, but many hotels are hesitant to make the move. HD televisions come in two different styles: liquid crystal (LCD) and plasma display. They both offer similar results a clear picture with bright colors but LCD is the more proven and less expensive version. High definition televisions also have great resolution and when buying a new tv you must be aware of the resolution number as well as the style of television. The maximum resolution is 1080p/i, but this is only beneficial with televisions under 35 inches. Operators can save a few dollars by purchasing a 720p/i system. The government has even stepped in with the upgrade to high definition televisions. They have made a ruling that you must change the tvs by Februrary 2009 or you will lose your television signal.

Reflection

The article was interesting because it was trying to help hotel owners know what their options are for high definition television, and it showed that in a very black and white way (no pun intended). They showed all the qualifications and what would be more beneficial in a number of categories including content, resolution, and the way the HD televisions are made. As for the comment made about guests judging the room based on the television, I know for myself that that is false. I'm sure many others are more judgmental than I am. However, I come from a home that owns a flat screen TV and I know that when going to a hotel I don't expect it to have the same. I suppose for some people who consider a hotel room as an extension of their own house or room that perhaps they hold these judgments. I wasn't aware of the ruling of the government that will force hotels to switch their televisions. I'm not really sure why this decision was made considering so many more important things should be discussed. This article opened my eyes to how the television market tries to trick you into buying a more expensive model that you might not need.

Koroneos, George (2008, 3, 10). High Definition Demystified. Hospitality Technology, Retrieved March 27, 2008, from http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=500AC3A9453A4E9583FE0DFF46F64D3B