News Details

CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2006--Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) announced that LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ:LNET) has selected UEI to develop remotes for enabling control of digital entertainment and services at hotels installed with LodgeNet's digital-to-the-room, SIGNETURE HDTV(SM) platform. The new remote controls feature UEI's patented backlighting technology and other capabilities in a custom-designed ergonomic form factor, and will be easily upgradeable to accommodate future needs.

The UEI-designed remotes will facilitate guests' access to a wide variety of free-to-guest and guest pay services at properties served by LodgeNet, the world leader in interactive TV and broadband solutions serving hotels under many well-known brands as well as some of the world's most prestigious independent properties.

Equipped with UEI's world-class connectivity software, the new remote controls will be compatible with virtually any brand of television. UEI's patented upgradeability functions assure longevity for the remote and protect against obsolescence while facilitating quick and easy maintenance, with enhancements that include UEI's unique patented backlighting feature (which allows hotel guests the flexibility to easily navigate on-screen commands and services in the dark). Additionally, the new remote supports LodgeNet specified low battery detection (LBD) features that include automatically shutting off the backlighting to indicate that batteries are running low, as well as a reporting function to inform hotel staff so that batteries can be replaced before the guest's experience is impacted.

"The hospitality industry is all about customer satisfaction, and the digital entertainment that LodgeNet provides is an integral part of the guest experience," says Tom McAdaragh, vice president of engineering for LodgeNet. "UEI has delivered a customized remote control solution that will enhance the guest's experience with our digital TV systems today, while being flexible enough to meet our future needs."

"We are very pleased to work with LodgeNet to deliver superior digital control solutions to their properties," says Rob Lilleness, president and chief operating officer at UEI. "Approximately 300 million travelers stay at LodgeNet served properties each year, and we are committed to enhancing their experiences by enabling fast and easy access to digital entertainment and services."

About Universal Electronics

Universal Electronics Inc., based in Southern California, develops firmware and turnkey solutions as well as software designed to enable consumers to wirelessly connect, control and interact with an increasingly complex home environment. The company's primary markets include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in consumer electronics and personal computing, as well as multiple system operators in the cable and satellite subscription broadcasting markets. Over the past 16 years, the company has developed a broad portfolio of patented technologies and the industry's leading database of home connectivity software that it licenses to its customers, including many leading Fortune 500 companies. In addition, UEI sells its universal wireless control products and other audio/visual accessories through its European headquarters in the Netherlands, and to distributors and retailers in Europe, Asia, Latin America, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand under the One For All(R) brand name. More information about UEI can be obtained at http://www.uei.com.

About LodgeNet

LodgeNet Entertainment Corporation (www.lodgenet.com) is the world leader in interactive TV and broadband solutions to hotels throughout the United States and Canada as well as select international markets. These services include on-demand movies, on-demand games, music and music videos, subscription sports programming and television on-demand programming, as well as high-speed Internet access, all designed to serve the needs of the lodging industry and the traveling public. LodgeNet provides service to more than one million interactive hotel rooms and serves more than 6,000 hotel properties worldwide. LodgeNet estimates that during 2005 approximately 300 million domestic and international travelers had access to LodgeNet's interactive television systems. In addition, LodgeNet is a leading innovator in the delivery of on-demand patient education, information and entertainment to healthcare facilities. LodgeNet is listed on NASDAQ and trades under the symbol LNET.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words and expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development, ordering, delivery and market acceptance of products and technologies identified in this release; the Company's continued ability to design products in a fashion that results in its technology being accepted by the company's customers and the end users; the importance and acceptance of the technologies identified in this release; and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

CONTACT: UEI
Stephanie Trussell, 415-856-5162
strussell@blancandotus.com
or
LodgeNet
Ann Parker, 605-988-1000
communications@lodgenet.com

SOURCE: Universal Electronics Inc.