The Big Picture 2019

2019 Brought to you by:

The TV Times

Hotel Information Systems

Digital Signage

The changing face of TV technology - pg 3-5

Generate extra revenue and engage your guests – pg 8

Putting the pieces together – pg 20

H OT E L T V SYS T E M S – N E T WO R K S – I P T V – W I FI – S I G N AG E – CO N T E N T

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CONTENTS 03 06 08 10 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 23 24 26 28 30

The TV Times David Fogelman - CEO Hotel Information Systems Airwave at work - hotels Samsung Display Solutions Techlive International - movies & content Chromecast for hotels Airwave on Holiday Sky Select Digital Signage Airwave at Work - London Airwave at Work - Aparthotels Philips Display Solutions Airwave Healthcare LG Display Solutions Analytics - Audience Measurement

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WELCOME As we celebrate the Big Picture’s 10th edition, you might think we’d be running out of things to say? Actually, the opposite is true. Such is the dynamic nature of technology today (a theme that runs throughout this magazine), the challenge is fitting it all into a meagre 32 pages.

As any techie will tell you, technology is at its most exciting when it’s evolving quickly; in our industry, the Internet of Things has created a searing juggernaut of innovation, manifested via constantly improving hardware, software and network infrastructure. Hospitality technology has never been as exciting and in turn, Airwave has never been busier.

Highlights of the last 12 months include the showcasing of technology across three continents, including events in Dubai, Toronto and a VIP demonstration of Philips signage on the 34th floor of London’s Shard.

However, perhaps most exciting is the acquisition of Airwave in December last year.

We’re delighted to have joined the SCCI Group of companies, consolidating our position as the UK’s largest system integrator. We look forward to a bright future under the leadership of David Fogelman and his team.

We hope this year’s edition of the Big Picture is an interesting and informative read – enjoy.

James Grant, Editor Airwave Europe Ltd

THE

TRENDING IN 2019

TV TIMES

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... sang the Buggles in 1979. Fondly remembered as the first music video shown on MTV, the modern pop classic laments the decline of radio’s golden age.

In the hospitality TV industry, it’s hard to ignore the parallel.

Evolving technology is changing viewing habits. Airwave’s core business is driven by these viewing habits and of course, the supply of this evolving technology.

Previously, we’ve embraced technology driven changes. We transitioned from CRT televisions in the early noughties and installed expensive (and ultimately imperfect) plasma TVs; we welcomed the digital switchover, supplying thousands of set-top boxes and the first models of DVB-T integrated flat-screens. Plasma TVs arrived but soon became yesterday’s news, stepping aside for LCD and LED. We’ve since extolled the benefits of FHD, HDR, OLED and QLED. Technology continues to evolve and Airwave continues to evolve with it.

It’s hard to deny that indeed, the ‘video killed the radio star’ - but will non-linear TV have the

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VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR,

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same effect on its linear cousin? How are viewing habits changing and more importantly, how do Airwave ensure we best advise our customers as we enter television’s new era?

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TV ADDICTS

According to Ofcom1, Britain is a nation of bingeviewers. Eight in ten adults (a staggering 40 million people) regularly use subscription services & catch-

TV technology – Smart, DOCSIS, UHD, OLED and QLED. Quick and easy content casting – empowering the portable device.

Equipment leasing – de-risking technology obsolescence.

Service automation – improving the guest experience, enhancing operational efficiency.

Guest apps – providing a connected experience.

Near Field Communication - exchange content, make transactions, connect to other devices.

Tech enabled meeting areas – work (or play) on the go in connected public areas.

Social media – online visibility, protecting your brand.

up technology; content sharing platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo further add to the throng of non-linear content. Add to this the plethora of Internet-enabled smart devices, allowing viewers to decide how, when and where they watch their favourite content, and it becomes clear – (let’s return to the iconic song theme) ‘the times, they are a changin.’

Simply speaking, linear TV is old hat. Hoteliers looking to meet guest expectations need to invest in systems that will support not just a scheduled line-up of channels, but the huge breadth of content available in today’s media rich world.

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HOME-FROM-HOME

What exactly does a hotelier need to do to meet guest expectations? a discussion point with almost infinite scope for debate. Of course, much will depend on a hotel’s rating, the concept of value and non-tangible aspects such as friendliness of staff and even the restaurant’s feng shui. However, from a guest-room entertainment perspective, the holy grail is the ‘home-from-home experience.’

But what does that mean? Surely everybody’s home is different? It’s all very well implementing an all-singing, all-dancing interactive system worthy of the savviest technophile, but what about the older generation and those not in tune with TV technology?

Ofcom’s Media Nations report identifies low levels of tech engagement in the 55+ age group, much lower levels of smart device ownership and a desire to watch traditional linear TV services (also identified is a desire, across all age groups, to watch linear TV for news, sport and ‘hot ticket’ shows such as the X Factor and Game of Thrones).

It soon becomes clear that the home-fromhome experience needs to cater not only for the complexities of content casting and catch-up TV, but also provide the passive, traditional viewing experience that whilst ‘old hat’ is still very relevant.

experience that’s most certainly not ‘just like at home.’

A world-class guest-room entertainment system needs to incorporate today’s technology, providing catch-up TV services, smart functionalities, Chromecast and a linear line-up of channels, all easy to find and all easy to use.

The best way to do this is via an interactive information system (see page 8 for more details) that integrates the various technologies, presenting them via a simple, fast and intuitive menu system.

Of particular importance is a seamless casting experience; Airwave’s partner, Otrum provide a one-step authentication process, enabling access to Chromecast in a matter of seconds.

HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

TECHNOLOGY FOR DUMMIES

As backend infrastructure becomes more and more complicated, it becomes increasingly important to make the front-end simple, intuitive and all-inclusive - just like at home. Ever turned on a hotel television and struggled to work out how to actually watch TV?! How about that baffling, complicated and frustrating attempt to cast Netflix onto the screen? A series of menus, instructions, sporadic internet connection and ultimately, an

Evolving technology, changing viewing habits, TV’s new era and the need to remain at the forefront of television technology - our industry is dynamic, forever changing and perpetually pushing boundaries. Whilst that’s exciting for Airwave and our team of technicians – is it unnerving for hoteliers worried about technology obsolescence?

To combat the threat of out-of-date technology frustrating guests, hotels have typically upgraded TV systems on a 6-8 year cycle.

Is this often enough? 10 years ago, we’d have argued ‘yes.’ Upgrades of course offered better and newer technology, but were largely driven by aesthetics - screen size increases and depth & bezel decreases being the obvious sign of a modern system. Today, it’s a resounding ‘no,’ as technology is quite simply, advancing too quickly.

of leasing services via sister company Switchsure (benefitting from the associated flexibility offered by an in-house company); packages allow the upgrading/refurbishment of systems during the leasing agreement, affording the hotelier maximum flexibility and insurance that at all times, the hotel’s guest-entertainment package is cutting-edge.

TOMORROW’S WORLD

Leasing is not everybody’s cup of tea, but can anything else be done to guarantee a guestentertainment system will hold its own in ten years time?

Honest answer? probably not. Internet-based technology is too dynamic and showing no signs of reaching a plateau any time soon. Whilst we may not have an exact steer of where technology will be in ten years, we recommend future-proofing network infrastructure (think fibre, not copper) and shifting the emphasis of hardware infrastructure towards cloud-based technology. Cater for bandwidth and think about guests arriving with an army of smart devices. At a more basic level, think about screen size (if the room is big enough, is the TV big enough?), smart functionality and ultra-high definition resolution.

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

If hospitality technology is evolving quicker than a hotel’s upgrade cycle, one easy solution is the rental and leasing of TV systems. Leasing effectively de-risks technology obsolescence and as an added benefit, allows a hotel to obtain a system that might otherwise be unattainable via capital expenditure. Airwave can offer a full range

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TV OR NOT TV?

IP, PMS integration, Chromecast, bandwidth, WiFi it’s easy to forget that Airwave’s bread and butter is the television – but is that a bad thing?

Of course, we need to maintain our expertise in television technology (and do so via our close

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relationship with Samsung, Philips, LG etc) but also need to be very clear in our message – a TV is not just a TV, but an interactive, networked machine, capable of communicating with other devices and performing multiple tasks. Gone are the days when a fault can be rectified by the maintenance man and a wobble of the aerial. Today, systems are complicated and sophisticated and as with all things I.T, susceptible to occasional issues. Guests, surgically attached to their devices and addicted to content, won’t tolerate interruptions to their viewing.

The insurance policy of TV system service level agreements is critical. Airwave offer a variety of options and do not recommend the purchase of system technology without a corresponding service contract.

CAPITAL DRAIN OR CAPITAL GAIN?

As systems become more sophisticated, corresponding costs can increase in line with the complexity. But within this increase is good news – the more sophisticated a system, the more its likely to provide additional revenue streams and a reduction in operational costs.

Amongst other things, guests can order room service, pay for spa-treatments and request late check-out via the TV’s interactive system - features likely to impress guests whilst simultaneously generating revenue. In parallel, PMS integration offers a raft of features designed to save and streamline labour costs.

Naturally, the deployment of a premium system is not always relevant, one/two-star hotels and b&bs being good examples of advice to keep it simple-but for any hotel of size and scope - our message is loud and clear: hospitality technology should not be seen just as a capital expense, but as a revenue generator and operational facilitator.

Technology that improves the customer experience can only be a good thing, right? And of course, Airwave evangelise the importance of intuitive, modern technology to keep guests happy – but what about the staff?

Cloud-based services are flexible, portable and offer multiple cross-departmental efficiencies.

Efficient staff = happier guests - a simple but apt equation.

Of course, cloud-based technology can’t replace the power and functionality of hardware infrastructure - but for how long will this be the case?

CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT

It’s easy to get caught up in hardware and software. After all, the supply of display screens and interactive systems has been Airwave’s core activity for a number of years. We spend hours talking about OLED vs QLED, RF & IPTV, Philips vs Samsung. We send engineers and the sales team to industry shows – ISE in Amsterdam, IFA in Berlin, HITEC in Toronto etc – and talk to partners, customers and colleagues about the capabilities of the various technologies we sell.

We’re forever looking to push technical boundaries, this drives our business forward and excites us. But sometimes, and we make no excuse for the pun – it’s easy to forget the big picture.

The big picture in the overriding sense, but also the big picture in terms of what is actually displayed on a screen. Time and time again, we see heavy expenditure on hardware with content being an afterthought.

In the digital signage arena (whisper this carefully) might it be the case that the end-user is not really interested in hardware past its ability to drive content? Signage at least from our customer’s perspective, is often seen solely as the vehicle that drives content.

It’s our job to see the big picture and deliver the big picture. With this in mind, over the last few years we’ve heavily invested in an in-house design team and partner with a leading design agency to

ensure that we don’t just deliver the big picture, but the full picture.

TRIPADVISOR IS KING

In a very competitive hospitality market, hoteliers strive to attract and retain hotel guests using any means possible and in today’s connected, online world, bad reviews are catastrophic.

A 2016 report2 claims that 86% of people use online sources to choose accommodation with over two thirds using TripAdvisor as their main source of inspiration. Crucially, 44% of people have shared an online review.

Magnifying the importance of this, and arriving back at a common theme - guests arriving with often several portable devices and addicted to television, will expect a quality entertainment system. Failure to provide this will have guests not just voting with their feet, but with their keyboards (or touch screens) too.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

We hope that our passion for technology shines through the pages of the Big Picture. We’d love to share that passion and help deliver your vision.

All comments, questions and observations are welcome – we’re here to help!

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Ofcom: Media Nations 2018 Tripadvisor, TripBarometer 2016. Traveler trends & motivations global findings.

IT’S ALL IN THE CLOUD

Further exploring the relationship between cost of ownership and new technology, it seems the cloud is never far from the agenda (our own videoon-demand streaming service Airtime, an apt demonstration of the cloud’s cost efficiencies and agility – see page 14). Cloud systems are easier to deploy, scalable and especially useful for multiproperty hotels looking to create a technology ecosystem.

At the guest end, the cloud provides a modern, convenient and portable experience, meeting the needs of the evermore connected modern traveller.

Captured customer information also works to personalise the guest experience via the recording of preferences, transactions and behaviour.

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info@airwave.tv

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DAVID FOGELMAN –

SCCI GROUP CEO On 1st December 2017, Airwave became part of the SCCI Group of companies

A WELCOME FROM ME

For a number of years, I’ve enjoyed reading the Big Picture so in a strange way, it’s a humbling experience to contribute in an editorial sense.

I’ve inherited this privilege from Airwave’s founder Tim Worrall, who remains as a director, and leader of our content company Techlive International. Naturally, we still learn from Tim and make use of his knowledge on a daily basis.

I put the SCCI group together in 2007, merging three large players in the digital tv sector. Back then, our primary focus was the maintenance and installation of digital TV networks across the business, social and hospitality sectors-but over the years, we’ve made several acquisitions in parallel sectors, expanding our offering to include satellite broadcasting (Links Broadcast) and fire, security & life safety systems (Alphatrack Systems). Our business has steadily grown from an original team of 120 people, peaking this year to nearer 500.

A SYSTEM INTEGRATOR SUPERPOWER

Having previously shared clients and worked collaboratively on numerous projects, the Airwave - SCCI Group partnership consolidates the key strengths of both businesses, creating a go to company for screen media, digital connectivity and network services.

In our hugely competitive market, offering a fully integrated service (in the TV world, we ‘own’ the process from factory to end user) creates significant value and in turn, stronger working relationships with our clients.

SCCI Group’s acquisition of Airwave brings expertise in hospitality, healthcare and digital signage into the group, and allows Airwave to capitalise on the group’s comprehensive maintenance platform. Plugging into a network of 200+ engineers frees up Airwave’s highly

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a ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ charity event. On June 29th 2018, 22 members of the SCCI Group climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over a 24-hour period, raising over £8,200 for the Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice. What an incredible experience - made infinitely rewarding by the sum of money raised (and the bringing together of colleagues across the group). Thank you kindly to all those that participated and donated money to this great cause.

Links Broadcast at the BAFTAS

skilled engineers to focus more on the design and delivery of the complex solutions requested by our clients.

We now offer a complete AV turnkey solution, enabling us to streamline costs and provide better continuity of service from start to finish – in short, it’s an exciting time for Airwave and the SCCI Group.

THE FIRST STEPS

The last few months have been some of the most exciting of my career. Those of you familiar with the acquisition process will understand that, despite efforts put into due diligence and business plans, the reality is – on day one, you’re soon confronted with a host of challenges you’ve overlooked!

My first day at Airwave was no exception.

However, I was immediately impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the team – all with the same customer first, second and third ethos. What a great testament to Tim Worrall’s stewardship over the last 18 years.

WORKING TOGETHER, MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Intrinsic to the SCCI Group’s culture is giving back to the community. With this in mind, I was delighted to be involved in the organisation of

THE CHALLENGES

Referring to challenges of a different nature, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of Airwave’s leadership team as we evolve our business in line with a dynamic AV market.

Where do I start? We’ve had to cater for the rising number of guests looking for BYOD and Chromecast solutions, we’ve also seen a significant shift towards smart TV platforms.

Whilst this was expected, it still produced a new set of challenges.

Smart TV platforms and Chromecast require a much greater level of bandwidth and in most cases, residual wifi networks are not up to the job. As a consequence, network infrastructure becomes hot topic. At a simple level, we debate the pros and cons of RF and IP. Or for hotels that lack IP infrastructure but want smart TV, how about breathing new life into an old cable network with DOCSIS? (IP over RF).

In the same way Airwave breathed new life into non-digital hospitality TVs using specifically designed Philips DVB-T cards (back in 2008 I’m told), Chromecast devices offer non-smart TVs a new lease of life by adding smart functionality.

But will this be enough? If we bear in mind that 73% of TVs sold in 2017 were smart, might we argue that guests expect to view content on a traditional smart platform? And if we’re to provide the ‘home-from-home’ experience that hotels strive for, do we need to implement Chromecast AND a smart system?

The list of questions seems endless and in this current climate of constant change, the task of upgrading your entertainment system must seem daunting.

This is where Airwave and the SCCI Group can help - I’m told that we’re at the beginning of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the pace of change has never been as fast. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through these exciting times!

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HOTEL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Interactive TV systems turn a hospitality TV into a powerful information and marketing tool. Fully customisable and remotely managed, well-designed systems elevate the guest experience and enhance a hotel’s operational efficiency.

As technology advances, so does the list of embedded functionalities. IP based solutions offer extra features such as catch-

up TV services and smart apps, and PMS software automates hotel operations, integrates IT systems and enables two-way communication between the guest and hotel.

Systems come in all shapes and sizes and cater just as well for a small boutique property as a global chain of hotels. Features can be categorised into five key headings:

INFORM

The principal function of the interactive TV system is the communication of information. At a basic level, this takes the form of a branded welcome screen, images, video and a series of information pages detailing hotel amenities, local attractions etc.

Features such as airport flight times, weather conditions and RSS feeds offer added functionality and a richer experience - likely to be of use to the majority of guests.

Messages can be sent to rooms detailing special offers, fire alarm times etc and IP systems allow information to be sent to individual rooms – this is a great feature for hotels looking for the personal touch and often used to welcome a guest, by name, to the hotel.

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ENTERTAIN

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ELECTRONIC PROGRAMME GUIDE CATCH-UP SERVICES STREAMING SERVICES

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CUSTOMISE CHANNEL GROUPS SCREEN MIRRORING AND CASTING VIDEO ON DEMAND

WELCOME SCREEN INTELLIGENT WAKE-UP ALARM HOTEL SERVICES & FACILITIES RESTAURANT MENUS LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS LOCAL AIRPORT FLIGHT TIMES GUEST MESSAGING RSS FEEDS VIEWBILL

As viewing habits change in line with evolving technology, so does the number of ways a guest can watch content on a TV; interactive systems provide a platform to support different technologies on a single interface.

All systems should support a clearly labelled “watch TV” button, enabling quick and easy viewing.

Electronic programme guides can be incorporated alongside customer channel lists – particularly useful when grouping

channels by language or genre.

IP systems support catch-up services such as iPlayer and ITV Hub, thus catering for the 8 in 10 UK adults (40 million people) that regularly watch catch-up TV. These can be embedded on the TV or accessed through a guest’s own device via Chromecast or a screen mirroring service – alongside popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube.

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OPERATE Operational efficiencies afforded by an interactive system are plentiful, enabling a hotel to streamline costs & processes whilst providing a better, quicker service.

At the most basic level, systems allow a hotel to remove -

printed in-room directories, providing all salient information on the guest-room TV. Examples of more intelligent efficiencies include room management features such as room ready notifications (enabling chamber maids to flag prepared

Enterprise system allows housekeeping to report room faults, minibar consumption and communicate with other staff members – this can be done via the TV or even an alternative device such as a tablet or smartphone.

rooms) and guest check-out, allowing guests to check-out via the TV, reducing reception queues and expediting the cleaning of rooms.

For hotels with an eye for detail and a desire to improve staff productivity, Otrum’s

PMS INTEGRATION GUEST CHECK-OUT ROOM READY NOTIFICATIONS REMOTE MANAGEMENT & MONITORING MAINTENANCE REPORTING TOOL MINIBAR REPORTING HOUSEKEEPER OWN LANGUAGE & FAVOURITE MUSIC AUTOMATED E-MAIL AND SMS ALERTS FOR STAFF CLOUD BASED OPERATION AUTOMATIC TUNING TO THE HOUSEKEEPER’S FAVOURITE RADIO CHANNEL

PROMOTE

Interactive systems can be a powerful revenue generator, providing long-term return-oninvestment and an enhanced service for guests.

Traditionally, hotel TVs have generated revenue through the sale of blockbuster movies and adult material; whilst guests still do purchase this type of content, portable devices and the Internet have significantly reduced the pay TV market. As a consequence of this (and improving technologies), interactive systems

have become more powerful and offer a multitude of extra revenue streams.

Popular examples include the construction of online ‘storefronts’ allowing guests to order and pay for services such as room service, spa treatments and late check-out. Special offers can be sent to TVs and can be tailored and pushed to individual rooms or sent to every TV. Local service advertising (taxi firms, restaurants, local attractions etc) present further ongoing revenue opportunities

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UPSELL BRANDING VIDEO-ON-DEMAND/PAY TV SPECIAL OFFERS IN-ROOM PURCHASING ROOM SERVICE LOCAL SERVICE ADVERTISING LATE CHECK-OUT

ANALYSE

Statistics applications provide insight into how guests consume in-room technology, for example, how are guests spending their money? what channels are being watched? how many click-throughs does each advert receive? what are the most popular pay TV movies? etc.

Collected data is accessed via the cloud and can be used to position services accordingly. Analysis tools are particularly useful when used across a group of hotels and can be used to identify location or demographic based statistics.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SYSTEM?

Each individual system will depend on the user’s requirements – and can be very basic (featuring one branded welcome screen) or sophisticated and powerful. However, each system must share the same common characteristics and be intuitive and quick to operate.

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It may seem obvious, but a user should be able to turn a television on and watch TV with a simple button click – avoiding unnecessary navigation, menus and ‘hanging’ screens. All other features should be easily accessible and again, able to navigate back to the channel with a click of a button.

HOW CAN AIRWAVE HELP?

Airwave’s team of content engineers are experts in the design and deployment of all leading information systems including: Otrum Enterprise, Otrum CTRL, AirMedia, Samsung REACH, Philips CMND and LG Pro:Centric. Equally proficient in RF, IP and DOCSIS systems, all the bases are covered.

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HAMPTON BY HILTON BELFAST

Hampton by Hilton Belfast is located in Belfast’s city centre, within walking distance of fashionable Victoria Square, the Grand Opera House and the Lyric Theatre.

Recently built, Hampton offers modern furnishings and facilities and of course, a modern guest-room entertainment system.

Airwave supplied and installed 185 x LG LV661H SMART TVs. The LV661H platform features webOS 3.5, smart connectivity (such as SmartShare, ScreenShare and Bluetooth sound sync) and “Instant On.” “Instant On is a high-speed loading system, meaning the guest can watch TV immediately after turning it on” said key account manager David Taylor “this might sound like an extravagant feature but it’s very appreciated by impatient guests!”

Utilising the LV661H SMART platform, Airwave implemented an AirMedia IP interactive information system, providing Hampton with branded pages with menus for guest information, hotel services, catch up TV services and local attractions.

Airwave also deployed a satellite headend, allowing Hampton to broadcast a collection of overseas and Chinese channels. Lastly, utilising the VGA functionality offered by Philips Studio range TVs, Airwave installed a 65HFL2879T UHD TV into the hotel’s meeting room and a 43HFL2869T into the staff room.

AIRWAVE AT WORK ROSEWOOD CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO

Eleven luxury villas created from restored 17th and 18th century farmhouses dot the Tuscan landscape.

Featuring private heated pools, terraces, pergolas and gardens, the villas of Rosewood’s Castiglion Del Bosco are framed by stunning Italian landscape.

The perfect setting for an Italian destination wedding, each villa boasts several bedrooms - ideal for groups of friends and families.

“Such is the beauty of the surrounding landscape, it would be remiss of us to recommend an all-singing, all-dancing TV system” said Airwave sales director Paul Chambers “however we still needed to provide top drawer technology in keeping with these incredible villas.”

Of particular importance was a vehicle to bring to life the resort’s food culture and philosophy, notably the work of executive chef, Enrico Figliuolo.

Airwave deployed Samsung’s REACH 4.0 content management system and designed 100+ information pages; these detail local weather conditions, resort information and most importantly, a series of menus and food-related pages to fully capture the Castiglian Del Bosco’s passion for food.

Airwave installed 107 x Samsung HGEE690 SMART TVs of varying sizes across the resort’s villas and suites and commissioned a new headend to support the system’s infrastructure.

All in a day’s work - we just wish that every day involved a residential trip to Tuscany...

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HOTEL TEN CATE

The Hotel ten Cate is situated in the town of Emmen, near the German border in the north east of the Netherlands.

A family-owned hotel with an arty atmosphere, ten Cate offers a wealth of facilities, including a fitness centre, cycling, hiking and golf. Sport and activity are at the forefront of the hotel’s service proposition so naturally, worn-out guests need to relax in front of a high quality television system.

Airwave’s European team duly delivered, installing Philips Android based HFL5011T Series hospitality TVs. A combination of 32” and 43” displays were wall and ceiling mounted, “most of the hotel’s rooms are decorated in a style from the Toyisme art movement” said European sales manager John te Winkel “as a consequence, we were asked to ceiling mount a number of screens, ensuring the impact of the art remained unspoilt.”

A Philips CMND server was deployed to support the television network and provide guests with an information system - and on this occasion, an interactive education session on the Toyisme art project.

Further enhancing the in-room entertainment offering, the cloud-based, movie on demand app Airtime was implemented on each screen, enabling guests to watch pay-as-you-play premium movies and programming.

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HOTEL DU VIN, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

“Enjoy the honey-heavy due of slumber” said William Shakespeare, possibly thinking about top quality hotel experiences in the 21st century.

Slumbering in the heart of historic Shakespearean Stratford-uponAvon, sits the newest addition to the Hotel du Vin family.

Hotel du Vin Stratford is stylish and contemporary, yet traditional - 46 boutique rooms offer guests opulent respite in two Georgian townhouses, dating back to 1798.

“Hotel du Vin Stratford is an exceptional hotel!” said key account manager David Taylor “with this in mind, we needed to provide an exceptional entertainment system.”

Airwave rose to the task, recommending and installing Samsung HGEE690 SMART TVs; the 690’s slim, modern design marries style with substance, the perfect choice for the hotel’s carefully designed interiors.

Utilising the 690’s SMART capabilities, Airwave installed and commissioned an AirMedia IP interactive information system; AirMedia’s IP based system also enabled the implementation of movie streaming service Airtime, on each TV. The provision of catch-up services, YouTube and Airtime offers a multitude of viewing options, however further adding to the guest’s decision-making process, Airwave implemented a Chromecast system, allowing guests to cast their own content onto the guest room TV. And as icing on the cake, Airwave commissioned five additional Sky TV channels.

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them” said Shakespeare, almost definitely referring to the quality of Airwave’s guest-room entertainment systems.

SLEEPERZ DUNDEE

Sleeperz Dundee is a 120-bed, design-led hotel, located directly above the railway station on Dundee’s waterfront.

Part of a £1bn regeneration of the city’s waterfront area, the hotel’s curved frontage looks out over the River Tay, the RRS Discovery and the V&A Museum of Design.

The Sleeperz brand positions itself as “premium budget” and builds stylish and affordable city centre lifestyle hotels; with this in mind, Airwave recommended guestroom technology in keeping with the hotel’s market position.

Airwave wall-mounted 125 x 40” & 55” Samsung HGEE690 SMART TVs on keyhole brackets, ensuring a flush finish against the wall and as small a footprint as possible in the hotel’s stylish rooms.

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APEX LONDON WALL

The Apex London Wall is one of the best hotels in the heart of London’s financial district; situated a short stroll from St Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge and the Square Mile, the Apex is a luxury choice for discerning business travellers.

Always on the go, business travellers expect high-speed WiFi, gym facilities and 24-hour room service, the Apex duly deliver. However, all work and no play makes the guest a dull boy, so with this in mind, Airwave was asked to recommend and supply a top-end wireless speaker system.

“Having previously installed a TV system into the Apex, we were fully aware of the exacting standards of both the hotel’s management and guests” said Airwave audio specialist Jon Farmer “with this in mind, we recommended the T7 by Bowers & Wilkins.”

Aesthetically stunning, the T7 boasts advanced audio converters and high-quality digital processing to produce refined, room-filling sound; more importantly however, is the unit’s usability.

“In a hotel environment, all systems need to be intuitive and easy-to-use, the T7 is quickly and easily paired with the guest’s device and will output sound in a matter of seconds” said Jon Farmer.

“Recognising the importance of a home-from-home experience in a hotel, we’ve worked hard to ensure the T7 is as simple to use as possible” said Bowers & Wilkins channel marketing manager, Tom Henderson “It was a pleasure to work with Airwave to put a quality product into a quality hotel.”

Looks great, sounds great, easy to use - the perfect top-end hotel audio system!

Airwave also installed and commissioned an AirMedia IP interactive information system, providing a value-driven, innovative and flexible content management system to each guest-room television: “Dundee has recently received a number of prestigious accolades such as ‘Scotland’s Coolest City’, ‘one of the ‘World’s 10 hottest destinations’ and ‘one of Europe’s Top-10 places to visit” said key account manager David Taylor “as a consequence, we felt it important to incorporate a system that could communicate local attractions and recommended places to visit on the guestroom television. AirMedia was the perfect solution.”

Utilising Samsung SMART TV functionality alongside AirMedia’s IP platform, Airwave also commissioned the award-winning movie-ondemand service Airtime on each television.

Finally, Airwave installed Chromecast into the hotel’s suites, enabling guests to stream content from their portable devices, straight on the guest-room TV.

info@airwave.tv

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CONTENT FOR YOUR WORLD

Airwave sister company, Techlive International, provide international channels and movie & television content to the hospitality and healthcare sectors.

Utilising partnerships with leading movie studios Universal, Paramount, Disney, StudioCanal, eOne and United International Pictures, Techlive is a global expert in the delivery of content into hotels.

Catering for the rapidly growing number of overseas tourists, Techlive also supply a portfolio of international channels including line-ups from China, Russia and Japan.

CONTENT ON DEMAND - THE FUTURE Airtime is a hospitality exclusive streaming service, providing Hollywood movies, premium television dramas and documentaries. It can be remotely implemented on compatible Samsung, Philips and LG hospitality TVs and accessed via the TV’s on-screen menu.

Using cloud-based technology, Airtime enables the hotelier to save on expensive headend equipment, in-room set-top boxes and all associated support, maintenance and contract costs.

DELIGHT YOUR GUESTS

Airtime offers hoteliers the chance to add a compelling service offering at a next to nothing cost, whilst also releasing movies weeks ahead of popular consumer

streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Naturally, a library of older content and movie classics is also available.

Airtime is available as a ‘pay as you play’ service, or for hotels looking to provide a real value-added experience, complimentary to the guest.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

When it’s time for a movie, a high definition television is a much more inclusive, relaxing and luxurious experience - not everybody wants to watch content on a tablet or smartphone screen and importantly, not everybody has a portable device or streaming service subscription.

Airtime provides in-room movie content to all your guests.

CAN YOU BELIZE IT? MOVIE SYSTEM INSTALLED IN FOUR HOURS.

The Mahogany Bay Village is part of the Curio Collection By Hilton, Belize’s first luxury branded resort.

Part of a recent refurbishment remit included the provision of a movie and television package - and with deadlines and soon-to-be arriving guests to worry about, a speedy resolution was required.

"The beauty of our cloud-based system is the speed at which it can be implemented" said product manager, Richard Excell, "indeed in this instance, we managed to install a free-to-guest Airtime package into 106 rooms within four hours of the email enquiry!"

Airtime requires no in-room hardware or on-site servers and can be downloaded onto compatible smart TVs in minutes - consequently, subject to a hotel's agreement, a portfolio of movies can be installed and ready to watch in a matter of moments.

Airtime will be installed into a further 104 rooms after the second stage of the resort's refurbishment and naturally, Techlive is primed and ready to deliver - in less time than it takes to watch The Godfather!

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INTERNATIONAL CHANNELS

Techlive International provide a number of entertainment and information channels in a variety of languages. Chinese guests can enjoy our curated CCTV, ‘New TV’ programming …an industry first. Other premium content includes programmes from NHK World, news and entertainment from Channel One Russia, Turner Broadcasting (including CNN, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies) and BBC documentaries. We also have exclusive access to the new Global Fashion Channel.

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CHROMECAST

FOR HOTELS Watch what you want, when you want.

Chromecast for hotels allows guests to watch their own content on the hotel TV, providing a home from home experience.

WHAT IS IT?

Google Chromecast is a small device that plugs into a television’s HDMI socket, enabling the casting of internet media from a guest’s device to the in-room television. The device allows guests to access a range of content from apps such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Spotify.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Using a portable device (such as a smartphone or tablet) as a remote control, the guest can choose from a list of compatible apps and simply “cast” the app’s content from the device onto the TV. All that’s needed is a wifi connection, a Chromecast unit and a television with an HDMI port.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Eight in ten adults in the UK1 (40 million people) use subscription services such as Netflix or catch-up TV services and over 45 million people own a smart portable device.

Chromecast enables a guest to watch their own content on the room’s big screen, providing the much sought after “home-from-home” experience.

DO I NEED A SMART TV?

No. A Chromecast unit turns a non-smart TV into a smart TV, providing a multitude of popular apps, a browser and typically, a quicker, more intuitive viewing experience.

WHY IS A ‘HOSPITALITY CERTIFIED’ CHROMECAST NECESSARY?

A hospitality certified Chromecast device will be configured to prevent interference between rooms and housed in protective casing to stop tampering and theft.

Chromecast can also be integrated into an information system, providing an intuitive point of access and ensuring the return to a branded GUI when casting has finished.

WHAT PLATFORMS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH CHROMECAST?

Chromecast is compatible with Windows, Android, Apple OS X, Chrome OS and Linux.

IS CHROMECAST THE SAME AS SCREEN MIRRORING?

No. Chromecast allows users to browse their device without disrupting what’s streaming to the TV (as an example, users can receive calls, respond to texts and surf the net whilst watching content from Netflix). Also, screen mirroring is only compatible with Android devices and consequently only relevant to a fraction of guests.

WILL CASTING DRAIN MY BATTERY AND/OR DATA ALLOWANCE?

No. Your battery is only used to initiate casting and all solutions use wifi, not data.

Chromecast allows users to choose from 1,000 + content rich applications.

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Ofcom Communications Market Report 2017

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AIRWAVE

ON HOLIDAY Home of fish and chips, Monty Python and the Queen, the United Kingdom has always been a top attraction for international visitors, however recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of ‘staycations,’ with one in three Brits expecting to holiday in the UK1.

One key factor influencing this shift is a rise in higher quality accommodation, much of this attributable to a thriving holiday park sector

(currently worth more than £6 billion a year to the UK’s economy2).

And as holiday parks evolve in line with demand for better quality, so too does the requirement for better technology. Guests expect wifi, smart TVs and content casting functionality and increasingly, holiday parks are using digital signage to assist with wayfinding and revenue generation.

The spread out (and often remote) nature of many holiday parks requires considerable expertise in the distribution of RF, IP and data networks – guests will no longer tolerate weak wifi or a poor television signal. Airwave’s extensive experience in the sector position us as the UK’s leading provider of AV technology to UK holiday parks.

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Destination UK, Barclays Corporate Report http://www.thencc.org.uk/Our_Industry/statistics.aspx

CENTER PARCS Airwave is proud to be Center Parcs’ official AV supplier, providing hospitality TV systems, digital signage and audio equipment for over ten years.

The much-loved Center Parcs brand offer family-based activity holidays at five wooded locations across England.

20,000 guests can enjoy over 4,000 individual accommodations at any one time, property types including lodges, apartments, villas, spa suites, hotels and even a few luxury tree-houses!

“The scale and scope of the Center Parcs estate is vast” said Airwave operations

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director, Toby Hart “and with each site having its own personality, we need to offer different technologies to suit the different situations.

With numerous accommodation types and a 97% occupancy rate, the installation process can be complicated! However, it’s a challenge we relish and look forward to continuing.”

With this in mind, plans are at an advanced stage for the opening of Center Parcs’ sixth site at Longford Forest, Ireland.

Airwave will design, supply and install AV technology across the village’s 466 lodges and 30 apartments.

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BUNN LEISURE Bunn Leisure provide a diverse range of family holidays along the beautiful south coast in Selsey, West Sussex. With several holidayhome, caravan and camping sites situated in one location, Bunn is one of the largest holiday parks in Europe.

With a continuous throng of holiday-makers and a never-ending list of activities to organise,

a top-drawer digital signage system was needed to communicate, inform and entertain the masses.

Located a frisbee throw away from our Billingshurst HQ, Airwave was the natural choice to recommend, supply and install a system to take Bunn Leisure’s technology offering to the next level.

“When looking at the scale of Bunn’s operation, it became immediately obvious that a sophisticated system was necessary” said Airwave marketing manager, James Grant “as a consequence, we thought very carefully about the content management software required to run the system.”

Airwave recommended the Signagelive cloud-based signage platform; Signagelive is

a global leader in the provision of signage software and powers tens of thousands of screens across 46 countries. Featuring an intuitive operating system and hundreds of editable templates, Signagelive provides powerful scheduling and content software.

Airwave installed a mixture of signage hardware, including Samsung’s DCE Series and Philips BDL5588XC video-wall displays; content included 4k branding material, promotions and sports via terrestrial and satellite feeds.

FOREST HOLIDAYS Part-owned by the Forestry Commission and set exclusively within Forestry Commission land, Forest Holidays owns over 600 cabins across 11 stunning UK locations.

Idyllic sites such as Strathyre in Scotland, Bedgellert in Snowdonia and Sherwood Forest assist Forest Holidays in their vision “to provide memorable experiences that far exceed a guest’s expectation.”

- Airwave was tasked to mirror the majesty of the landscape with an

equally beautiful TV entertainment system.

Airwave supplied and installed Samsung’s HGEE690 Series TVs, utilising their SMART functionality to deploy an Otrum Enterprise system into each cabin across the estate.

Otrum Enterprise provides a sophisticated, feature-rich information portal with a series of interactive information pages, designed to inform, educate and advertise. At a basic level, Enterprise can be used to communicate resort facilities, local attractions etc - however the system’s

powerful backend also enables dynamic content such as flight times and weather conditions. Other functionality includes detailed guest analytics and a platform for revenue generation via room-service/online stores etc.

Airwave also implemented a WIFI gateway and hospitality certified Chromecast system, enabling guests to watch content streamed from a portable device to the cabin’s television.

As preferred technology supplier to a number of holiday park brands,

Airwave has extensive experience in the delivery of technology systems across multi-site resorts, however the nature of many of Forest’s parks presented additional difficulties: “Our remit to deliver a seamless in-room entertainment system was complicated by the remote and scattered locations of cabins” said Airwave technical & product director, Julian Arnold “we needed to build robust and fail-proof delivery infrastructure to cater for the home-from-home experience provided.”

BOURNE LEISURE Bourne Leisure is one of the largest providers of holidays and holiday home ownership in the UK, catering for over four million families a year. Founded in 1964, Bourne own a number of holiday and leisure companies, including the Haven, Warner Leisure Hotels and the iconic Butlins brand.

“We’re delighted to be in partnership with a British institution” said Paul Chambers, Airwave sales director “recognising Bourne’s mission to delight guests with great products and services, we’re sure that Bourne benefit from our experience and expertise in the hospitality industry.”

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Airwave have supplied thousands of Philips and Cello displays across the Bourne estate and are currently designing network infrastructure and a technology system for Warner’s Studley Castle Hotel, opening in spring 2019.

The grade II listed property, built over 180 years ago, will be the first Bourne site to ‘go smart,’ featuring a fibre GPON network, satellite/RF digital to fibre headend, Samsung SMART TVs, an Otrum interactive information system, digital signage, public area TV with Sky and a Demopad control system.

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INTRODUCING

Sky Select is the simple way for hoteliers to deliver unmissable content in stunning HD to every room through one centralised system.

Recent research shows that overall, guest satisfaction is 30% higher in hotels who offer their guests Sky1, compared to those who don’t and nearly three quarters of guests say that having Sky TV in their room is important to their stay.2 Crowne Plaza London – The City have installed Sky Select into their hotel and Paul Watson, general manager, explains how it’s benefitted the hotel.

“Having Sky in room, which is delivered by Sky Select, drives loyalty and repeat business. If guests know they can watch Sky Atlantic in our hotel and watch their favourite TV programme, like for example Game of Thrones, they will come to our hotel versus another where they might not have that opportunity.

One of the key selling factors of Sky Select for us was that when we review which channels are popular and which are not, we can swap 1 2

those in and out very quickly and simply with Sky directly. Another benefit is the Sky Bright Box system. In the old days we would have several boxes in our comms room which took up a lot of space. The Bright Box is literally one server and it was seriously simple to install. One day the Sky team came in, the next day we had 30 new HD channels.

In terms of our guest satisfaction, we monitor this for our in-room entertainment systems and it’s gone from a 55% guest love score to 79% which is great. I would wholeheartedly recommend Sky Select to other hoteliers. I don’t think there is another system that gives us the same level of flexibility to meet our guests’ expectations. What I like is that you can swap or add channels in and out and the system is fully HD, but most importantly the value it gives our guest experience when they are in the property. That is almost money can’t buy and you stand out from the rest by having the system in place.”

Paul Watson, General Manager – Crowne Plaza, London

Research Now April 2018 Research Now April 2018

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DIGITAL SIGNAGE

A recent study1 forecasts digital signage market growth from £16 billion in 2017 to £27 billion in 2023. Evolving technology and infrastructure are key drivers for this growth, but perhaps most relevant is a growing recognition that signage offers a tangible return on investment – not only via advertising revenues, but through a reduction in labour and operational costs.

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Signage systems are often multi-faceted and as a consequence, can be complicated. However, systems need to be simple and intuitive, allowing users to schedule and change content across multiple screens quickly and efficiently.

The best systems must build simplicity from complexity and with this in mind, the planning process ahead of a system’s deployment is critical.

http://orbisresearch.com

THE JIGSAW PUZZLE - PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER With what seems like an endless array of signage screens of increasing power, resolution and innovation, it’s easy to neglect the other pieces of the puzzle. A signage system incorporates several types of hardware (media players, brackets etc), content & device management software and connectivity infrastructure. The installation process further

increases complexity – where to best position screens and how to feed them with power and data in a non-intrusive manner?

The design and build of a signage ecosystem cover a multitude of components, fitting together like the pieces of a puzzle - and of course, if any of the pieces are missing, the puzzle can’t be completed…

FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

CONTENT, CONTENT, CONTENT IT’S ALL ABOUT CONTENT

An ultimately complicated process can be simplified by asking a fundamental question - what type of information needs to be conveyed and for what purpose?

Once this overriding objective has been established, it should form the basis of the project; hereafter, each system component (hardware, software, connectivity & installation) can be covered in detail. Key questions include: - How many screens will be deployed?

The list of questions is often long but at every stage, the purpose remains the same. Digital signage is all about audience engagement (it’s commonly agreed that marketers have less than ten seconds to capture a viewer’s attention). Messages need to be conveyed (and interpreted) quickly, simply and efficiently. As a consequence, a sophisticated signage system is of little use if the content is poorly conceived.

At a basic level, content needs to be technically sound – optimum resolution, correct aspect ratios, compatible file formats etc; however all but the simplest systems will require a sophisticated knowledge of design software and a basic grasp of art’s principles. For truly captivating content, it’s worth sourcing a designer with demonstrable creative flair.

Almost as important as the actual content itself, is how it’s managed and disseminated. Signage content management systems (CMS) customise, schedule, monitor and deploy content across a network of displays and are a crucial component of a signage ecosystem.

Varying considerably in complexity, the best systems all share common characteristics - being intuitive, flexible and agile.

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Across how many locations?

How many hours a day will the screens be on?

Is remote access required?

Will different content be scheduled for different times of the day/week?

Is advertising or revenue generation required?

Will live feeds/news/ weather be incorporated?

Single zone or multi zone set up?

Does the content need to be interactive?

How often will content need to be updated?

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HOW CAN AIRWAVE HELP? Airwave provide an end-to-end digital signage service, aiding continuity and the streamlining of costs across each project. Long-standing relationships with industry leaders such as Samsung, Philips, LG and NEC ensure our engineers and sales team are regularly trained and have insight into future technologies.

Already experts in AV infrastructure design and networking, we’ve invested in a content service provision in line with industry developments and innovation; we also have an in-house design team and offer content management services across a number of platforms.

ONE ORGANISATION – ONE END TO END SERVICE Identification of Needs

Infrastructure & System Design

Installation & Networking

Content Creation

Content Management

Analytics (deployment, data & interpretation Training & AfterSales Support Remote Network Management & Diagnostics

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LADBROKES CORAL Airwave and parent company SCCI Alphatrack collaborated to design and supply a signage system into Ladbrokes Coral’s London offices.

SCCI Alphatrack work closely with the licensed betting shop industry, adding additional betting services including virtual racing, tablets, video walls and touch screens. Benefitting from this longstanding relationship, Airwave was tasked to assist SCCIA with the design, build and installation of audio video technology into new Ladbrokes Coral offices at the HERE EAST technology hub and innovation centre in Stratford, London.

Ladbrokes Coral is the biggest bookmaker in the UK, with over 4,000 shops and 30,000 staff. Its new offices are designed to inspire their sports-technology team, incorporating an arena and running track. As a consequence, a diverse range of technology solutions was required.

“In order to best service Ladbrokes Coral’s requirements, we recommended displays from three different manufacturers” said Airwave’s Paul Chambers “a single brand solution wouldn’t have ticked all the boxes.”

In order to provide a tailored solution that caters exactly to a customer’s needs, a brand agnostic approach is important. With this in mind, both Samsung and Philips video walls were installed: -

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4 x Philips 55” BDL5588XC video wall panels, mounted in a 2 x 2 format and installed in the office stadium area. Sennheiser wireless microphones were connected to the screens to enable in-house presentations. Inputs into the panels allow Freeview TV, SKY and (of course) horse-racing feeds.

16 x Samsung UH46F video wall panels in an 8 x 2 configuration

Samsung, Philips and NEC large format displays were installed in meeting rooms and office locations: -

27 x 55” Samsung SMART TVs - displaying Freeview, Sky TV and racing.

16 x 55” NEC displays - used as allpurpose displays in meeting rooms.

5 x 55” Philips D Line signage screens mounted in portrait - providing staff with 24/7 information and content.

Other technology deployed includes Google Chromebox for video conference meetings and a digital SMATV headend, providing satellite and Freeview TV channels across a modulated TV network.

Flat, pivot, ceiling mounts and video wall mounting solutions were provided

by BTECH.

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AIRWAVE AT WORK

LONDON PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER With 1,021 bedrooms, the Park Plaza Westminster is one of the UK’s biggest hotels.

Situated in an iconic location, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Further titillating tourists and business travellers alike, the hotel boasts a number of top eateries such as signature restaurant, Brasserie Joel and the Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar The quality and variety of amenities assist in the hotel’s pursuit to offer an excellent ‘out-of-room’ experience, however it was Airwave’s task to help provide an equally excellent in-room experience.

“We were tasked to design a cutting-edge, guest-room entertainment system that would appeal to every type of guest” said key account manager Wayne Bowring, “this involved a mixture of modern technology such as casting and what might be considered as ‘traditional’ services such as video on demand.”

Airwave recommended Samsung’s 690 series of SMART TVs, supplying and wallmounting 1,646 x 49-inch screens across the hotel’s 600 suites and 421 bedrooms.

An Otrum Enterprise information system was implemented on each TV, offering guests sophisticated features such as viewbill, on-screen room-service and one-step Chromecast authentication, allowing users to cast their own content (such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer) quickly and intuitively.

POINT A LIVERPOOL STREET With six hotels in Central London, one in Glasgow and several more on the agenda, the Point A brand is on the up. A philosophy based on ‘simple and smart,’ a great location and keen price makes Point A the perfect choice for travellers looking for simple, clean accommodation in the heart of the action.

Recognising our ability to provide cost-effective hospitality technology, Airwave was commissioned to design, supply and install a system for Point A’s London Liverpool St property – and kept it ‘simple and smart’ in the literal sense Samsung’s HGEE690 series was the obvious choice; providing all the features of a hospitality display including smart functionality, embedded apps, a browser and screen mirroring.

“Point A Liverpool Street enjoys a great location” said head of hospitality sales, Adam Jones “Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane and Shoreditch High Street all compete for attention in this vibrant area.”

Enabling guests to learn about the multitude of local attractions, pubs and restaurants, Airwave installed and commissioned an AirMedia IP information system. AirMedia is a low cost, flexible content management system, offering a series of information pages integrated with smart services such as BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

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Complementing Otrum’s system, Airwave commissioned an Airtime movie on demand service, giving guests access to ‘pay as you play’ HD movies.

“Chromecast is very much hot topic at the moment, but we needed to be mindful of guests, particularly overseas tourists, that might not own a smart device or subscribe to a streaming service” said project manager, Tom Chapman “consequently we needed to provide a movie on demand service.”

HILTON PADDINGTON One of London’s grandest Victorian hotels, the Hilton London Paddington forms part of the Paddington Station complex of buildings. Originally the brainchild of Isambard Kingdom Brunel (who was the hotel’s first managing director), it was opened by HRH Prince Albert in 1854.

Designed by architect Philip Charles Hardwick, the building was set to ‘rival the facilities of the great hotels on the continent.’

Of course, technology has moved on a little since 1854, but the hotel’s ethos remains the same - and with this in mind, Airwave was approached to provide a top quality guest-entertainment system.

Airwave’s first task was the upgrading of the hotel’s headend, updating and improving the delivery of channels.

To run on the Hilton’s new headend system, Airwave desk and wall-mounted 368 x Samsung HG49EE470 and 26 x Samsung 49EE670 hospitality TVs. The Hilton Paddington’s location is enviable, situated in walking distance of Oxford Street, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and a throng of top attractions. To make best sense of the guest’s multiple touristic options, Airwave designed and implemented Samsung’s REACH information system on each television.

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APARTHOTELS ROOM2, SOUTHAMPTON Airwave evangelise a home-from-home experience when designing guest entertainment systems; modern guests arrive at a hotel with portable devices and streaming service subscriptions and expect to watch their own content, when they want.

With this in mind, Airwave was delighted to work with room2 Southampton, the world’s first “hometel.” room2’s 71 rooms span four floors and feature spectacular views over Southampton’s busy harbour. Their mission statement is clear “room2 Southampton is a place to live, not just stay for the night.”

A place to live needs to mirror a guest’s home environment and Airwave was tasked to provide TV technology to do just that.

Airwave supplied and installed 73 x Philips 49HFL5011T Android smart TVs; the Philips range of Android hospitality TVs offer a fast, rich viewing experience and a number of dedicated apps. A Philips CMND server was also installed to support the displays, enabling the remote management of each television and the creation and distribution of interactive, branded hotel web pages.

“Philips CMND allowed us to create a carefully tailored series of information screens, enabling room2 to advise guests of local attractions and relevant information - not the sort of thing you’d find in your home!” said Wayne Bowring “however in order to provide a top draw home-from-home experience, we also needed to install a Chromecast system.”

Airwave installed a hospitality certified Chromecast system, allowing guests to stream their own content onto the television, giving access to TV shows & movies, music, radio and hundreds of compatible applications.

In the hotel industry, much emphasis is placed on the “homefrom-home” experience, naturally this requirement is heightened in a serviced apartment sector that looks to provide an even greater level of comfort for longer term guests.

NATIVE BANKSIDE Native Bankside, on London’s Southbank, is built from the regeneration of a dilapidated 18th century tea warehouse. Located within a stone’s throw of the Tate Modern, Borough Market and St.Paul’s Cathedral, the newly built aparthotel is home to 75 uniquely designed apartments, part of Native’s growing portfolio of properties.

Aparthotels offer the benefits of a hotel, coupled with the space, flexibility and facilities of a private apartment - especially useful for long-term visitors looking for a greater sense of normality during their stay.

Airwave recommended LG’s LV661H & LV761H SMART Series, installing 101 x displays of various sizes.

The 661H and 761H series offer a number of features to suit Native’s requirements including smart connectivity, screen-sharing and Bluetooth Sound Sync.

“We were mindful to tick all the boxes” said LG hotel TV sales manager Barrie O’Neill “the 661 and 761 series offer guests a quick and intuitive experience. For example, LG’s ‘Instant On’ functionality offers high speed loading of the TV – a seemingly trivial but highly appreciated feature.”

Each TV’s SMART functionality doubles as a platform for LG’s Pro:Centric system, providing Native with an option to install a centralised interactive information system, at a later date.

In keeping with Native’s ‘tidy’ aesthetic, Airwave wall-mounted each TV.

CITADINES TRAFALGAR SQUARE Citadines specialises in apart-hotel accommodation, combining the space and amenities of an apartment with the support services of a hotel. With 250 properties situated across the globe, Citadines is a world leader in the provision of serviced apartment facilities.

Having previously supplied TV systems to each of Citadines’ six London properties, Airwave was duly tasked to upgrade the television technology at Citadines Trafalgar Square.

Airwave recommended Samsung’s HGEE590 series of hospitality smart TVs. The 590 delivers premium interactive guest services through the television’s content management system “This is particularly useful in the serviced-apartment industry” said key account manager, Wayne Bowring “typically, more information needs to be disseminated to guests that stay for longer periods of time. The 590 series provides a great platform in which to do this.”

On-screen information services reduce the need for in-room directories, saving space and aiding the much sought after “minimalist” style; in order to further create this look, Airwave wall-mounted each of the property’s 54 screens, using easy tilt, swivel brackets.

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Airwave has been active in the healthcare market for 15 years and been part of numerous exciting developments in the technologies we’ve integrated and installed into our network of healthcare clients.

Advancing technology is a real driving force, not only in the delivery of great entertainment,

but in the provision of efficiency applications and integrated solutions. Converging systems enable our clients to provide communication, entertainment and clinical tools within a central platform. Veering away from the bedside, the use of digital signage displays is transforming the way healthcare

facilities communicate with both patients and staff.

Airwave’s ultimate objective is to implement technology that improves the patient experience

whilst increasing labour and process efficiencies - providing happier patients and a return on investment on technologies purchased.

RAMPTON FORENSIC HOSPITAL - NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST Rampton Forensic Hospital is a high security (category A) psychiatric hospital, housing approximately 400 patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. Patients at Rampton are considered to require treatment in conditions of high security owing to their “dangerous, violent or criminal propensities.”

With this in mind, Rampton required the provision of a robust and secure in-bedroom entertainment platform with access to a virtual campus and relevant patient information such as policies on possessions, room searches, activities and education. Further requirements included the restriction of distributed television content in line with client policies and the

provision of restricted and controlled access to the Internet.

Rampton also requested a management system that enabled the remote access control of content and services and most importantly, allowed staff to monitor the status of each individual TV. In line with this, Airwave was tasked to design an IPTV based platform to fulfill Rampton’s various needs.

Samsung HGEE690 SMART hospitality TVs with the REACH 4.0 IP CMS platform provided the required features, benefits and security to meet the various conditions of the project. Airwave designed and implemented a REACH system and

configured bespoke TV settings to limit content and access to other features/services.

Ahead of delivery and installation into Rampton, Airwave pre-configured each inbedroom TV activating the secure ‘locked’ mode and enabling a plug and play installation. This was further aided by the prebuild of units to include the connection of cables and assembly of wall brackets.

The project was delivered on a just in time basis as requested by Rampton and includes ongoing service and support until 2020.

BRENDONCARE FOUNDATION - OTTERBOURNE HILL CARE HOME Brendoncare is a registered charity, committed to improving the quality of life for older people through care homes, close care facilities and social clubs across the south of England.

Dedicated to the care of older people through eleven care homes and 90 clubs, Brendoncare look to combat the isolation and loneliness that many people experience in later life. A ‘care for life’ promise means that if a resident runs out of money, the foundation will continue to support and care for them.

Otterbourne Court Care Home is Brendoncare’s latest property, providing nursing and dementia care for up to 64 residents in the Hampshire village of Otterbourne.

Largely staffed by volunteers and working on a tight budget,

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Brendoncare approached Airwave to supply a quality patient entertainment system that wouldn’t break the bank.

“We needed to be mindful of budgetary requirements but also wanted to provide a well-known brand name for the residents at Otterbourne Court” said head of healthcare sales, Jes Redgard “the compromise being the non-

smart Samsung 470 hospitality series.”

Samsung’s HGEE470 Series features a slim, modern design and is compatible with Samsung’s LYNK REACH 4.0 information system.

“This compatibility is key” said Jes Redgard “and will enable Otterbourne Court to install an interactive information system at a later date when required.”

Interactive information systems are a useful commodity in care homes, providing residents with easily accessible and updateable information such as daily menus, events and news.

Airwave supplied and installed 50 x 32EE470 displays in time for Otterbourne’s official opening in the summer of 2018.

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LG LU766A – TOUCH-SCREEN HEALTHCARE TV LG’s brand-new interactive TV is one of the world’s first healthcare dedicated touch-screen TVs. It requires no PC connection and as such, is an innovative and cost-effective bedside TV solution.

Compatible with content management systems such as LG’s Pro:Centric, the LU766A is optimised for the provision of interactive information and entertainment systems via RF or IP infrastructure.

Other dedicated healthcare features include: ❚ Antimicrobrial housing – inhibiting the growth of bacteria and conforming to ISO 22196. ❚ Pre-loaded apps – including a web browser, popular games and YouTube. ❚ UL hospital grade listed – designed for long operation and heavy, robust usage.

BUPA CARE HOMES Airwave is delighted to have installed technology into BUPA care homes in Scunthorpe, Leeds, Pebble Mill and Haywards Heath. A total of 303 SMART TVs were installed and wallmounted (to minimise the hardware footprint) in each room.

“This was a fascinating project, requiring different hardware solutions to suit the various technology and budgetary needs of each care home” said sales director, Paul Chambers, “it’s a true reflection of the need to offer a consultative sales process as so rarely, there’s a ‘one size fits all’ solution”.

Key to BUPA’s remit was the provision of a Netflix service in each room, as a consequence, the television offering needed to provide a suitable, stable platform to stream movie content in each room across the four-property estate.

Technologies installed include: Scunthorpe Sandhills In each of the 87 resident rooms, Airwave wall-mounted a 32” Cello SMART TV and 43” Cello SMART TVs were wall-mounted in the lounge areas.

Pebble Mill 63 x 32” LG SMART screens were chosen for Pebble Mill’s property with 3 x 43” screens wall-mounted in the lounge areas.

Leeds Wyke Beck Court The Leeds property chose Cello SMART TVs, Airwave wall-mounted 86 x 32” screens in the resident rooms and 4 x 43” SMART TVs in the lounges.

SCHOEN CLINIC The Schoen Clinic London is a highly specialised spinal and orthopaedic hospital, offering fast assessment, diagnosis and world class treatment outcomes.

The Schoen group own 23 private hospitals across Germany, employing 10,000 staff and treating 300,000 patients a year – the London hospital is the group’s first venture in the UK. Internationally recognised for quality measurement and pioneering treatments, the Schoen group is passionate about delivering a world-class experience for its patients, with this in mind, the provision of a patient entertainment system in keeping with its state-of-the-art facilities was high on the agenda.

“Key to Schoen’s remit was the provision of international and foreign language channels on the same channel map as Sky and freeview programming” said head of hospitality sales Jes Redgard “we also needed to make sure that the

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channel listing was logical and intuitive, enabling patients to find their favourite channels quickly and easily.’

Airwave installed headend equipment and a DVB-S to DVB-T tuner to utilise the building’s existing satellite infrastructure and recommended Samsung’s HGEE690 SMART TV series, installing a 40” screen in each bedroom.

A further challenge presented itself in the form of specially designed wall recesses (built to ensure a flush-to-wall aesthetic for the inroom TVs) that weren’t deep enough to house a modern TV! This required the sourcing of market-leading ultra-slim brackets to ensure a flush TV to wall finish. A minor, but particularly important detail.

Haywards Heath Local to Airwave’s headquarters in Billingshurst, the installation team made the short journey east to install 66 x LG SMART TVs in each of Hayward Heath’s resident rooms, 1 x 43” LG SMART TV and a 65” LG SMART TV in the lounge areas.

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ANALYTICS

(Audience Measurement) The key driver for the implementation of digital signage systems is advertising – intelligently deployed systems increase sales, engage customers and are critical to the competitiveness of a business in today’s technology driven market.

The importance of engaging content and the strategic positioning of displays is well documented - but how is the effectiveness of advertising measured?

And more importantly, how can a company ensure that advertising is targeted and dynamic, providing the best possible return on investment?

The answer: the use of electronic audience measurement, also referred to as analytics.

WHAT IS IT?

Analytics allow an organisation to move away from a generic, mass-market approach to advertising, offering specific content to match the needs of different demographics at different times of the day. In short, it delivers a personalised customer journey, enhancing the shopper’s experience whilst maximising revenue and return on investment for the advertiser.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Built-in cameras and NFC (near field communication) technologies coupled with face recognition software enable a digital display to play pre-determined content based on a viewer’s characteristics. Simultaneously, information is collected and stored on a centrally managed database and accessed/analysed via a dashboard.

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WHY IS IT USEFUL?

Information collected can be analysed to determine customer behaviour, patterns and trends, these can be used in conjunction with other variables such as weather conditions, time of day or even if a customer has visited previously, and when amalgamated, become a hugely powerful measurement tool.

Once data is analysed and conclusions/ recommendations are made, analytics software can be programmed to adjust content depending on the viewer, time of day etc.

Information accumulated by analytics software enables an organisation to collect detailed insights into customer behaviour and ultimately, the success and effectiveness of advertising and marketing campaigns. It provides measurable feedback that can be used to increase revenue and gain market intelligence.

WHAT TYPE OF DATA CAN BE COLLECTED?

Data collected will be determined by the specific needs of each business but typical categories include: - Number of viewers - Gender - Age category - Current mood - Attention time - Dwell time - Time & length of visit - Foot traffic

WHAT ELSE CAN IT DO?

Analytics uses artificial intelligence to interpret real-time audience data and customise a message accordingly. However, it does hold other key usages:

Audience analytics uses artificial intelligence to evaluate and interpret real-time audience data, customising the message to suit the viewer’s needs

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Collected data becomes a valuable resource and can be sold to suppliers.

Retailers can use digital displays as ‘real estate’ using empirical evident to predict ROI and charge varying advertising rates based on location/time of day etc The measurement of foot traffic across different parts of a building enables retailers to position key products in prime locations.

Improves the customer experience. Analytics don’t always need to upsell, they can simply add a friendly and personal touch…

Measure interest in specific products and services.

Analytics can be used as a virtual salesperson to upsell and engage a customer.

As an example, using sophisticated algorithms, analytics can write “rules” and adjust content to suit the viewer: Play “content a” for females aged between 20 and 30 Play “content b” if the temperature is above 25 degrees Play “content d” if dwell time exceeds 10 seconds Play “content g” if a repeat visitor is detected

HOW CAN AIRWAVE HELP?

Airwave is an expert in the implementation of analytic software in commercial environments, get in touch for a demo or an informal chat: 0845 555 1212 or info@airwave.tv

0845 555 1212

Find out more at info@airwave.tv or 0845 555 1212