LAS VEGAS, May 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading architects and designers for the hospitality industry are embracing flat-screen television technologies, integrating high-definition video into the patron experience and applauding the new level of creative flexibility offered by today's thin TVs.

Polled by LG Electronics, the leading provider of flat screens to the lodging and hospitality market, industry luminaries commented on the rapid adoption of hang-on-the-wall plasma and LCD sets in hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, bars and public spaces.

Bob Henry, principal of the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Robert D. Henry Architects, New York ( http://www.rdh-architects.com ), highlighted the versatility that the latest generation of flat screens brings to the hospitality design community.

"Flat-screen technology has allowed designers unprecedented freedom to integrate TVs in new stylish ways," said Henry, 2007 Hospitality Design Platinum Circle honoree, who is known as the "Sensuous Architect of Serenity" for his unique, award-winning architectural style and design philosophy.

Echoing that same theme, renowned designer Eric Engstrom, past president of the 10,000-member International Interior Design Association (IIDA), explained how flat-screen technology is being integrated into the design of many new restaurant and bar projects.

"In bars and lounges, the entertainment might include sports and/or music videos in high-definition, and the increased size and HD capability of flat screens enhances the patron experience," said Engstrom, FIIDA, who is founder and president of EDG (Engstrom Design Group), San Rafael, Calif. ( http://www.edgdesign.com ). "In addition, there is a trend toward using slowly changing visuals on flat screen monitors as wall artwork within restaurants."

Changing consumer expectations and technology advances are converging in the lodging space, according to the president-elect of NEWH - The Hospitality Industry Network, Anita L. Degen, IIDA.

"The expectations of today's business traveler demand cutting-edge technology and design. Flat-screen TVs and advanced technology for rooms are no longer a trend but the new standard," said Degen, principal of Degen & Degen, leading Seattle-based architecture and interior design firm ( http://www.ddseattle.com ).

"Designers love flat TV because it opens up all kinds of opportunities in spatial design, room layout and furniture design," she added.

From sexy, thin 71-inch and 60-inch plasma screens for large public display installations to versatile 37- and 42-inch LCDs for hotel rooms and bars, LG Electronics is helping hospitality designers capitalize on these opportunities.

"Leading decorators agree that technology is transforming the guest experience," said Ron Snaidauf, LG's vice president, commercial products

( http://www.LGcommercial.com ). "We're committed to providing innovative new opportunities for interior designers and for their hotel- and club-operator clients as well."

CONTACT: John I. Taylor of LG Electronics USA, +1-847-941-8181, jtaylor@lge.com ; or Ojas Naik for LG Electronics USA, +1-312-397-6008,

Web site: http://www.rdh-architects.com/ http://www.edgdesign.com/ http://www.ddseattle.com/ http://www.LGcommercial.com/