The technology world is constantly evolving and television technology is no exception. As the television becomes a more interactive, two-way entertainment and communications device, this is having a major impact on the hotel industry.

Looking ahead to 2009, Acentic, a leading supplier of digital interactive TV (iTV) systems for the hotel industry, explores the trends hoteliers should anticipate in the coming months and details the technological achievements the company expects to see.

1. Internet Content
In 2009, it will become more popular for hotels to source content from the Internet, such as YouTube and Web radio. Acentic increasingly believes that user generated content sites will continue to be highly successful and become an outlet for mainstream media. Acentic Panorama will increasingly integrate Web-based content to bring new content sources to guests, including Internet audio and video streaming and RSS feeds.

2. High-Definition Content
2009 should be the start of HDTV uptake by consumers and it will become a requirement of high-end hotels. The more mature DTV markets are set to see HDTV services launched over DVB-T. Acentic and its partners will launch an end-to-end HD solution over both COAX and CAT6 that provides built-in HD support, as well as content encryption and watermarking

3. High-Speed Internet
Wi-Fi Internet access is becoming a requirement for many guests, as they have fully adopted the freedom Wi-Fi provides in their own homes. Additionally, security concerns have now been addressed by the VPN providers. Hotels will see high-speed Internet (HSIA) available over Wi-Fi through clustering of hotspots. This will impact sales with cross selling between Pay TV and HSIA, and hotels will also begin implementing tiered services and relevant pricing

4. Non-Linear Content
Video on Demand (VoD) is set to become a regular consumer habit in 2009 as cable, IPTV and even satellite Pay TV operators are all offering some kind of VoD. This consumer confidence in VoD will positively impact hotels, especially if there is a shift to non-theatrical VoD, such as the latest news and weather.

5.  Connecting Guests' Personal Equipment to the Hotel TV
Today's digital lifestyle has led to guests travelling with their personal digital devices, such as MP3 players, smart phones and small factor PCs. As guests carry with them an increasing amount of digital content, Acentic now enables guests to connect to and fully benefit from the room's LCD to access their portable content.