6 minute read
TECHNOLOGY - BEHIND THE PANELS
BEHIND THE PANELS
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.
Switch 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.
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.
The Sony BZ35F series 9 allows hotels to wipe guest log-in data on check-out
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.
Phil Gaut, Samsung Australia
“USB cloning of settings simplifies and quickens installations while the built-in H.Browser allows for direct streaming of IPTV content and the ability to access popular streaming services. Our commercial TVs come with a standard three-year on-site warranty with the option to extend and are designed for longer running times. The result is best-in-class entertainment systems at scale, delivering a consistent, yet personalised experience for all guests.”
Gaut added that Samsung Australia has recently produced a handy guide to the differences between commercial and private-use television units which both hotel managers and consumers will find useful and informative.
Richie Cheng from Westan Australia, which supplies the Philips range of professional display solutions, said Philips’ understanding of the hospitality sector and the value that quality AV provides to businesses allows it to build a product that addresses the functionality requirements of hotel guests.
“The new generation of Philips Hospitality TVs offers entertainment apps that are common in residential TVs, but also security features that protect the guest’s personal data during and after their stay at the hotel,” Cheng said.
The Philips 50HFL6114U/12 comes with an aluminium bezel
“Our hospitality TVs all come with our Philips Professional Displays Solution management tool, CMND, that allow hotels to update, edit, and manage the content on the TVs seamlessly from a central point without the need to visit every single TV panel. Settings, firmware updates, technical troubleshooting, can all be completed via CMND from a central point via a wired or wireless network.
“Philips is unique because we understand the needs of our customers and their need for flexibility, be it working as a standalone self-manageable solution or integrated with existing In-Room Solution providers. Our TVs are designed to accommodate both.”
LG Electronics Australia Senior Marketing Manager, Business Solutions, Brad Reed, said the company’s commercial solutions have been designed with the hospitality industry in mind, with products delivering the same viewing experience that Australians enjoy in their living rooms but boosted by enhanced content management and customisation options.
“LG solutions like UR6406 make it easier for hotel and commercial venues to create and manage digital signage content,” Reed said.
“Also, dedicated industry solutions have the advantage of managing up to 100 displays through a single account and server. Rather than having to manually adjust settings such as power, volume or programming with each individual set, all of these tasks can be done centrally - all at the same time.”
Phil Gaut, Samsung Australia
Perhaps most importantly for a lot of users is the service and expertise that comes with purchasing a dedicated industry solution, which wouldn’t be available if using models designed for the home. For example, LG can provide a ‘ConnectedCare’ service, which allows LG technicians to remotely monitor for any issues and help to resolve them via the cloud.
While the differences between televisions for commercial and private use are numerous, for Sony Professional Solutions, a key area of focus should be how similar they are in that hotel guests require their room television to replicate or even exceed the at-home experience.
“The BZ range can be integrated into some IPTV networks without the need for additional hardware, using the Android operating system and HTML applications only,” said Sony Professional Solutions Business Development Manager, Michael Bromley. “This makes them a cost-effective solution for integrated IPTV solutions.
“The Professional mode in these panels also allows partners to set minimum and maximum volume, lockout certain apps, and auto-wipe customer credentials from available apps. It also means BZ panels suit large, complex installations or equally standalone single room deployments,” Bromley added.
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
For commercial televisions from Hisense Australia, there are three standout features and modes available that are not built into units for home use. These include ‘Hotel Mode’, where the property manager can retain control over specific functions such as volume and application control and the ability to reset to a default and remove any login data entered by a guest. Another benefit is ‘Mirror Cast’, which allows a Windows PC to remotely access the television via VPN and control specific outputs. Finally, the ‘USB Clone’ feature allows a hotel to capture all the settings on one television onto a USB and automatically apply them simply by inserting this USB into all other units.
Hisense Australia National Retail Training Manager, Chris Mayer, says these functions can help to maximise the product's performance in these arenas.
“Hisense Australia has a long history of working with hotel and commercial venue partners to make the best TV technology and innovation available to all consumers, improving their overall experience with the venue, whether that be for an overnight stay or work conference,” Mayer said.
All things considered, price can end up being the deciding factor in which screen model is purchased by a hotelier. For bulk quantities, buying direct can often result in a strong discount. However, it’s important to note the frequent misconception that a commercial screen will cost a lot more than one designed for private use. Certainly, some can but shop around and you are likely to find a comparable model representing good value and with a good warranty. Also, weigh this up with the screen’s life cycle and consider the cost of ownership over time. Talk to the major manufacturers, do your research and you’re bound to benefit from a good deal and a positive buying experience.
