Catvision, the leading provider of cable TV and broadband networking products and services to the cable television and hospitality industries in the Middle East, and KoolConnect Technologies, the world's leading provider of advanced multimedia solutions to the global hospitality industry, will launch KoolConnect's high-definition interactive television system for the first time in the region. The announcement of the launch was made at a joint press conference held today (Monday, May 23, 2005) at The Hotel Show 2005, being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
The launch will allow luxury hotels in the region to equip themselves with the most advanced digital interactive television system on offer worldwide and provide customers with a host of interactive media entertainment services to choose from.
KoolConnect’s digital standard definition interactive system, Imagine, has been installed in a number of leading luxury hotels across North America including the W Hotel San Diego, Dylan Hotel New York City and Boston Park Plaza. Moreover, the Intrigue high definition system, currently installed in the Mandarin New York and Mandarin Washington D.C., is the only proven robust HD (high-definition) platform in the industry.
Eran Seger, President of KoolConnect Technologies said, "KoolConnect's customized digital entertainment platform offers solutions that cater to every need of the international business and leisure traveler, who are increasingly sophisticated when it comes to technology and demanding when it comes to entertainment. KoolConnect offers the ability to check e-mail and surf the Web from the hotel TV via a high-speed connection, and hotel guests can take care of business and pleasure with one in-room service." Seger continued, "Our digital interactive platform integrates in-room Internet connectivity with an extensive entertainment and information package including video-on-demand, guest services communication management, free-to-guest channel lineup, HDTV and virtual concierge services in both standard and high-definition options.”
Sudhir Damodaran, Director of Catvision added, "The launch of high-definition interactive television systems marks a significant point in the rapidly evolving hospitality market in the Middle East. Today's hotelier not only faces the challenge of creating a relaxing atmosphere for guests, but is also responsible for keeping the traveller informed and up-to-date through the technological and broadband tools that are fast becoming an integral part of our everyday lives. The digital interactive television systems meet all these requirements and more."
Catvision has formed a strategic alliance with KoolConnect, whose other strategic partners include Microsoft, Comcast, Cisco Systems, Unisys, Interlink, Paradyne, KrystalVision, Enable-IT and Pertilink.
KoolConnect has entered into alliances with various international players in the fields of technology, design, cinema and television to develop and deploy a one-vendor solution. Their content partners include such leading names as Warner Brothers, MGM, New Line Cinema, Paramount, Disney, Dreamworks, Lions Gate Films and NU Image.
