Holland America cabins getting Flat-Panel TVs!!

[Jason]

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line, the highest-rated premium cruise line, has selected LG Electronics to equip its staterooms with more than 9,000 LCD televisions into its fleet of five-star ships over the next three years as part of its 'Signature of Excellence' initiative. This marks the first high-profile installation of LCD technology in cruise-line staterooms, replacing bulky picture-tube TVs.

Reinforcing LG's position as a premium consumer electronics brand in the United States, the initial installation on a Holland America Line vessel was the ms Ryndam, which is set to launch today in San Diego. The Ryndam, named the "Ship of the Year" in 1996 by the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society, will conduct a dramatic re-launch today to introduce the ship's new product and service enhancements, including a new Culinary Arts Center, Explorations Café and 700 LCD televisions ranging from 20- to 27-inches in screen size, from LG Electronics. By April 2005, more than 3,500 LG LCD TVs will be installed on almost half of the fleet.

"We initiated the $225 million 'Signature of Excellence' to provide our guests with the finest amenities possible, including the latest in-room entertainment. As a pioneer in LCD technology, LG was the obvious choice," said Richard D. Meadows, senior vice president, marketing and sales of Holland America Line. "LG Electronics' LCD TVs offer a sleek and elegant premium experience for our customers. And LG's premium brand positioning dovetails perfectly with Holland America Line's luxurious environment."

"LG is dedicated to developing leading-edge display technologies for a wide variety of audiences, including the lodging industry," said Ron Snaidauf, vice president, commercial products, LG Electronics USA, Inc. "Our partnership with the Holland America reinforces our commitment to providing total solutions to our customers, and their customers."

As more high-end cruise lines follow the luxury trend, LG will continue to target this market with other similar high-end installations. LG's LCD TVs will allow guests to enjoy visual clarity, while its sleek, space-saving design complements the cruise line's theme of sophistication and elegance.

LG's 20-inch LCD TV (Model RU-20LA80C) is equipped with LG's high-performance liquid crystal display technology, and offers 640 x 480 resolution, sleep timer and child lock, among many other features. With its wide 170-degree viewing angle, guests will be able to view the screen clearly from nearly all angles in the stateroom. It boasts an exceptional contrast ratio of 800:1 and peak brightness of 500 cd/m2 for picture quality unmatched for clarity and brightness, even in well-lit rooms.

[ssatterly]

thats cool!

[Dan]

You know, it never even dawned on me that cruise lines should be going this route, but it makes perfect sense. I mean, as small as cabins are, having that big shelf sticking out of the wall makes it seem even smaller. Having LCD screens will definitely help make the cabin seem bigger, as well as the appearance of luxury.