I have recently returned from Las Vegas and the 2009 CES. Not surprisingly, televisions continue to be the main attraction at this show as has been the case for many years. The four outstanding initiatives this year were:

• Ultra-thin TVs
• Wireless TVs (that will communicate with games consoles and DVD players from up to nine metres away)
• Internet-enabled TVs
• 3D TVs

3D was the theme of the show and appears to be the next TV wars agenda between the manufacturers. Approximately 40 3D films will be produced in the next two years, with the likes of Pixar leading the way. In the U.S., some sporting events have been broadcast in 3D and will become more common in the coming years. It remains to be seen whether the dear old consumer will be happy wearing 3D spectacles and coping with the nausea that they produce. The developers are working on polarized glasses and flicker- free film, which will apparently make the whole thing more comfortable.

Internet-enabled TVs were also on show at CES. Manufacturers presented the benefits in a functional way with the likes of GPS traffic reports, social networking, video calling and video on demand. As always, the technology guys eventually realize its all about content if its going to sell, but hmmm...lets see shall we.

There is much confusion about Digital TV in the hotel industry. First, let’s look at the three primary benefits:

• The ability to have a larger volume of channels
• Enhanced picture quality
• Different picture formats (widescreen)

The confusion lies in what networks are required to deliver such services. It used to be that a hotel was restricted by the coax cabling in providing limited channels (about 70) with limited quality.

But now, due to digital developments, a hotel can receive 10 times the amount of channels with high resolution digital quality over the very same coaxial network. And, as demonstrated by the likes of Virgin in the UK, can provide telephony and Internet access via the same network technology. Simply amazing.

I have just returned from my youngest daughter’s graduation ceremony with the realisation that she, like her older sister, is entering the world of employment. Both have entered the media industry and will experience a significant amount of travel and, of course, stays in hotels.

They are part of the Y generation, born between 1980 and 1995, and they are coming soon to a hotel near you, maybe even yours. Let’s check their facts:

• 97 percent have a computer
• 95 percent have a mobile phone
• 76 percent use instant messaging
• 34 percent use the Web as a primary source of news
• 75 percent have a Facebook account
• 60 percent have an iPod or similar player

I have always thought that hotels were focused on providing in-room services to meet the needs of me, the Baby Boomer. That is all about to change in the next, very few, years. Is your hotel ready?

Happy New Year to you and welcome to the Acentic blog. The world finished 2008 in financial turmoil and all the forecasters tell us this year may be worse... great. One thing is for sure however, technological developments won't stop. They will just adapt to the new world, whatever that may be.

Acentic adapts in the same way by learning the technological needs and wants of hotel guests based on their behaviour in hotels, in their homes and on the road. This blog will highlight some of these needs and issues and explain what it all means for the hotelier. Your comments, in agreement or not, are welcome.

Once again, Happy New Year!