Here is a sampling of some of the technological advances highlighted on the showroom floor at HITEC 2007:

Saflok’s Key-Cutting Technology

Saflok made a splash with the unveiling of Reggie, a Web-based service that allows guests to reserve rooms and create keycards at home. The PMS-integrated technology allows guests using a USB-compatible keycard encoder that costs about US$15 to upload their room’s lock code onto a hotel’s loyalty card.

Wayport Teams With Yahoo

Wayport is launching a wireless Internet portal for the hotel industry, with localized services provided by Yahoo. Under a multi-year partnership, Yahoo is the exclusive portal provider for Wayport’s U.S. network, giving Wayport and its partner hoteliers revenue opportunities from Yahoo’s sponsored search, display advertising and shopping services. By pinpointing a guest’s location, Wayport sends geographical location information directly to Yahoo, which in turn provides a localized online experience.

Additionally, Wayport has unrolled its Entertainment-on-Demand IP-based, high-definition video, gaming, Internet and interactive services technology. Entertainment-on-Demand includes HD video-on-demand, property management systems integration and digital rights management tools.

VingCard Debuts RF-Online Lock

VingCard has introduced Visionline, a new radio-frequency online electronic-locking system. Visionline allows hoteliers to facilitate wireless two-way communications from standalone electronic locks to the hotel’s host security system. Unlike offline locks, Visionline provides security control from a central location.

LG Showcases Pay-Per-View Interface

LG has unveiled its new pay-per-view interface box, which combines the Pro:Idiom digital rights management system, advanced digital TV tuner and auto-sensing remote jack pack capability. The HCS5610 digital interface box brings digital tuning and Pro:Idiom to non-integrated LG flat-screen high-definition monitors. The box enables features like compatibility with LG’s auto-sensing remote jack packs to existing flat-screens, attached to the backs of the displays and hidden from guests.

LodgeNet Offers IPTV

LodgeNet Entertainment showcased its new IPTV product, LodgeNet IP, which integrates high-speed Internet access and video on demand servers with commercial networking equipment to connect guests through in-room television, their own laptops and other portable media devices.

NxTV’s 'Power Of One’

NxTV demonstrated its new IPTV and World Radio offerings, which join a service lineup that includes HD IPVOD, high-speed TV Internet via embedded browser and a customizable guest interface. NxTV’s World Radio delivers Web-based programming from anywhere in the world, easily sortable and in a multitude of languages.

Mitel IP Phone Streamlines Effort

Mitel’s new 5550 IP Console enables multiple busy lamp field lists for hotel services staff. The operator can direct a guest call to a live person in an at-a-glance list, rather than leaving a voicemail. Using a Web-enabled application, guests can enter the phone number they wish to call, and the cost is displayed on the phone, giving them the opportunity to proceed or cancel the transaction. The cost of the call is updated each minute and at the end of the call, the phone displays the amount that will be charged to the room bill.

StarCite’s Online RFP Organizer

StarCite Inc. has launched the Group Lead Center platform, which allows hoteliers and event suppliers to manage incoming electronic requests for proposals in a single online location. The platform provides a single screen that encompasses all electronic leads from StarCite’s corporate clients and business travel partners, as well as any StarCite-powered Web site. It eliminates the need for suppliers to visit multiple sites or click through numerous links and gives hoteliers a clearer view of the RFP process from start to finish.

Expedia Shows QuickConnect

Expedia has launched QuickConnect, a reservation system interface that allows hoteliers to link property management and central reservation systems to the third-party distributor. Through QuickConnect, independents and smaller hotel chains can automate the exchange of room, rate and booking information.

GuestWare’s Mobile Response System

GuestWare’s new SmartRunner handheld PC application enables hotel associates to use two-way text messaging to accept and close a guest request from a mobile device. Work orders can also be generated. Messages can be configured to include the room number, guest name and the request. SmartRunner streamlines workflow and provides information for follow-up and process improvement. Additionally, the application will make it easy for housekeeping managers to inspect rooms, flagging deficiencies as rooms are inspected.