Guest Entertainment Systems FAQ

WHAT’S A GUEST ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM?

Guest entertainment systems deliver interactive services and additional features to the guestroom TV.

Systems range from simple splash screens (using text and images to welcome a guest) to feature-rich, sophisticated interfaces that can communicate with a hotel’s management system.

Fully customisable and remotely managed, well designed systems enhance the guest experience, improve operational e ciency and provide additional revenue streams.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD SYSTEM? The best systems are tailored to the specifi c requirements of a hotel - refl ecting the size, scope and rating of the property.

Systems come in all shapes and sizes, but a few common rules do exist. Think about:

• Simple and intuitive – Easily navigable menus and logical pathways are key. Can BBC One be located quickly? How easy is it to cast content? An intuitive menu system is the defi ning feature of a quality platform. • Quick and responsive – Isn’t it frustrating when your smartphone is old and sluggish? Well, the same applies here. The user experience should be slick and responsive (gone are the days when a two-second wait for a page change is acceptable). • Convenient – A good system should o er a quick, seamless method of updating content, allowing regular, hassle-free information updates. • Flexible – The best systems o er the designer a blank canvas to create exciting, bespoke, on brand designs.

Whilst template-based systems do have a place, they can be restrictive and less visually appealing. • Upgradeable – Things change, time moves on. Don’t be stuck with a system that can’t be amended without resource and expense. The best platforms are futureproof, easily updated and provide regular (FOC) software updates and new features. • Design – Whilst user experience is critical, fi rst impressions count. A thoughtful, professional, wow factor design makes such a di erence. • Price – Of course, price will vary considerably alongside the complexity of a system, but the hard and fast rule is: don’t pay for features you don’t need! (we can help you with that...)

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE SMART TVS? You don’t need SMART TVs! A number of platforms can run on existing RF infrastructure (also known as coaxial cabling) or can be implemented via external hardware - such as a set-top box.

It’s also possible to run a SMART TV system via coaxial cabling using DOCSIS (data over cable service interface specifi cation) technology - particularly useful for hotels that want SMART functionality but can’t sanction costly/disruptive cabling upgrades.

I CAN’T JUSTIFY THE PRICE Entry-level systems can be surprisingly a ordable, have you considered a simple welcome screen with a branded image? this type of solution is especially suitable for small properties, boutique hotels and B&Bs.

It’s also worth considering return on investment potential: room service, spa bookings, video-on-demand movies, local services advertising – just a few examples of potential revenue streams that systems can provide.

Still unsure? How about investigating Airwave sister company, Switchsure’s, fi nance and leasing packages? (for more details, get in touch: info@airwave.tv) allowing cost to be spread over a fi xedterm contract.

HOW CAN AIRWAVE HELP? Airwave’s team of content engineers design, deploy and manage most leading entertainment systems, including: Otrum, Samsung, Philips and LG platforms.

Although the choice may seem overwhelming, each platform o ers similar features and functionality. We fi nd that fi nal purchasing decisions are often made as a matter of personal taste, based on the ‘look and feel’ of a system. Naturally, Airwave is here to advise, demonstrate and guide - so why not get in touch for an exploratory chat and online demo? WHAT FEATURES DO I NEED? We’ll always recommend casting functionality (such as Chromecast), essentially o ering your guests unlimited content to choose from.

Other requirements will vary from hotel to hotel - sometimes a simple, branded welcome screen with an image and text is all that’s needed.

It’s worth noting that a system can be designed, implemented, and then (remotely) enhanced or redesigned at a later date if required - every system that Airwave sell is future-proof in this sense. This allows a hotel to go small initially and then upgrade if and when necessary.