What They Say
Hitachi, via Vestel’s press agency, put out a release explaining the launch of a ‘vast new range’ of hospitality TVs from 32″ to 65″ and with support for Hitachi’s Hospitality Content Management Solution. The sets can also integrate with a property management system (PMS) through which the Hitachi CMS supports a centralised, two-way communications platform. Properties can extend and build on their front desk capabilities, with an interactive digital concierge service. This integration can also facilitate a more convenient check-out process, allowing guests to review and securely settle their bills through their in-room displays.
What We Think
Intriguingly, the press release quotes a veteran executive from Vestel as the Hitachi Product Manager. I queried this with the PR company, but they were vague on the arrangement between the firms. Hitachi was the first of the traditional big Japanese brands to switch to outsourcing in its supply chain to Turkish OEMs and had a profitable business, with just a handful of staff in Europe to manage it. I’m told that ‘Hitachi are still driving everything’, but I’ll try to clarify the arrangement.
The thought reminded me that the deal for Vestel to continue to use the Toshiba brand in Europe was due to expire this year. Hisense took over much of the rest of the world with the Toshiba TV brand several years ago, after the firrm fell out with Sharp, but the future in Europe was unclear. (BR)
