TECHNOLOGY InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
BEHIND THE AT FIRST GLANCE, THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A TELEVISION OR DISPLAY SCREEN BUILT FOR COMMERCIAL USE ARE NEGLIGIBLE AND DIFFICULT TO DISCERN. GO INSIDE THE MODELS OF THE LEADING BRANDS HOWEVER AND IT’S CLEAR TO SEE THE COMPONENTS ARE CONSIDERABLY VARIED.
S
witch on the display screens and smart televisions found in most hotels, both in guest rooms and public areas, and from an operational view, little can be determined as to the main differences to the private residential models sold for people’s homes. Take the cover off and much more becomes clear. Depending on where the screen is to be used, there are some different technical specifications in place to ensure the product delivers on what the end user requires it to do. Purchasers need to pay attention to needs such as lighting levels, the presence of a tuner or internal speakers, how much usage it needs to deliver and perhaps most importantly, how long it will last and continue to perform at a high level.
24 HM The Business of Accommodation
Generally, commercial televisions for prolonged displays or continuous use, such as in a hotel lobby, require a sturdier design with a longer overall life. A more rigid framework also makes the model more suited for moving around a hotel as needed, such as into event spaces as needed. Commercial televisions are also designed to be able to integrate alongside one another for use in a video wall and for this reason, a stronger cooling system must be able to stop the system from burning out after long periods without switching off. Potentially it may never be turned off. Turning the television to portrait display, such as when displaying a spa or restaurant menu, also positions the output at a different angle, so the more advanced cooling and anti-burn process will ensure the screen lasts longer. Some consumer televisions are built without cooling fans at all to ensure quieter operation, and prolonged use of these models can result in thermal damage or discolouration which will impact picture quality. According to Samsung Australia Senior Director, Phil Gaut, hotel guests can easily enjoy the comforts of home entertainment while hotels can display personalised interactive content and services such as ordering room service and discovering highlights both in the hotel and the surrounding area. “Hotel managers can monitor and manage the on-site displays easily and conveniently through a centrally managed system,” Gaut said.
