Big Picture 2016

THE

Airtime Arrives

Movies and more from the cloud

PICTURE BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2016

Digital Signage That works for you

Staybridge Suites

Evolution of the in-room solution *see page 30

HOTEL TV – WIFI – APPS – SIGNAGE – IPTV – NETWORKS – INFO CHANNELS

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future proofed room tech

Welcome!

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t is a great challenge every year to work with the team at Airwave and our partners to produce The Big Picture in the hope that we can educate, guide and entertain hoteliers to provide an insight into the trends in consumer behavior and technology which will impact on the guest offering in the hospitality market.

We plan to bring new innovative products to your attention, as well as recommending the most appropriate future proof solution when making long-term investment decisions.

At Airwave, we fully understand the issues of convergent technology, and our unique multi-brand approach allows us to offer the best solutions for hoteliers and guests. Again, we trust that this years edition is both informative and inspirational – so please enjoy The Big Picture 2016.

Tim Worrall, MD Airwave Europe Limited

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Contents 03 FUTURE PROOFED ROOM TECH 06 STUDENT ACCOMMODATION 08 SAMSUNG 10 PHILIPS 12 LG 14 SKY 16 AIRTIME 18 AIRPRODUCTS 20 AIRWAVE AT WORK 22 SOUNDOG 23 POWERKUBE 24 DIGITAL SIGNAGE 27 HEALTHCARE 29 CONTENT - UNITED TV 30 STAYBRIDGE

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Future Proofed Room Tech

“The only thing that is constant is change” wrote the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus in 500BC. Maybe he knew about the challenges that would be faced by hotel technologists in the early 21st century. A mere 25 years ago, hotel technology had the edge on the home, with trial-blazing innovations like Video-on-Demand and Interactive TV, but today the mission is one of catch-up and enabling integration of the technology the guests already carry with them, whilst at all times keeping things simple, robust and intuitive.

The Gigabit Hotel is here

A common question at planning meetings when designing a new hotel is “How much

bandwidth will I need”. The answer is simple “As much as you can afford”. It is now an indisputable fact that Hotels live or die based on their connectivity. In a recent survey in the US, 90% of guests were carrying a SmartPhone, tablet or laptop which was reliant on WiFi, of which 35% had one item, 32% had two and 23% had all three devices to ensure they kept in contact with the world outside. Hotel bandwidth provision has quickly moved from a couple of ADSL lines, to 100Mb bearers and now the first 1Gb enabled hotels being connected. Hotels like the Magnolia in Denver openly admit that 1Gb is a little over the top, but they aim to be ahead of the curve. Luckily, the steps need not be so large. For instance, an ISP can

Trending in 2016 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Airtime – Movies and more from the Cloud WiFi with site bandwidth up to 1Gb Even Larger Screen HD LEDs Samsung Reach and LG Pro-centric Catch Up TV Services – BBC iPlayer KS clock for wired and wireless Qi charging.

4K and UHD in lobbies Sky HD In-Room IoT – APPs enabling automatic check-in, keyless access and room controls Virtual Reality

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fundamental guest benefit are beginning to emerge and we see this trend continuing.

The Right Infrastructure

provide a bearer line capable of 100Mb, with the ability to throttle bandwidth in multiples of 10. So a new hotel may elect for 40Mb over 100Mb bearer circuits, and can buy more bandwidth as demand increases. Fortunately as demand for capacity has grown, so the cost of the bandwidth has been falling, particularly in the main cities and hubs.

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a new buzzword used to describe the emerging world in which objects, animals or people are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network. In reality, this means that literally everything can be connected and managed. Hoteliers are working hard to grasp the implications of this revolution to determine how to take advantage of this technology to either add value to their guests, reduce costs or both.

We already know that there are 7 billion smartphones worldwide and 70% of hotel guests are carrying one with them as they arrive, so the most obvious first benefit is automatic check-in. Ted Horner, top hospitality technology consultant explains “In a recent survey, 74% of guests said that they would use mobile technology to automate the check-in process and by-pass the reception desk. More importantly, 64% of those guests responded that they want to use their smartphones as a room key.”

(NFC). Third-party enhancements to the physical door lock are required before the technology can be used.”

Of course, once in the room, the Smartphone can also be used to manage devices such as HVAC, lighting and electronic blinds etc. Some guests are already used to these remote technologies at home, and it also gives the property the ability to delight other guests as they touch and enjoy these features for the first time.

So we can see how IoT can add value to the guest, but what about driving revenues ? Well, based on the premise that a two-way real-time communication exists between PMS and SmartPhone, a hotel could offer automatic upgrade to late check out for say £10, £20 or even £50 if the next evening’s occupancy is looking low. These type of features are a real winwin to both guests and hoteliers alike and are the type of innovations that succeed as they are more than self-financing.

Hotel APPs make it happen

To take full advantage of the IoT a dedicated hotel APP is essential, as it facilitates the communication between guest device, PMS, room devices and the cloud.

Fingi has been one of the leading innovators in the field of Hotel APPs which is a perfect way to build strong relationships with guests enabling easy access for making reservations, increasing loyalty. The natural extension of this, is to use the APP as part of the customer journey that includes a automatic checkin, room access, front desk connectivity, lighting, A/C, TV and all room controls.

The first hotels with this technology as a

Designing the cabling for a new build hotel should be a simple task, but is often the case, the devil is in the detail. For instance, determining whether the network carrying TV signals to the room is Cat5/6 data, coaxial cable or both is the first task. Much will depend on factors such as grade of hotel, capex and ongoing opex budgets, number of rooms, TV channel line up, need for overthe-top services (like BBC iPlayer etc). For 90% of cases, we would recommend running both coaxial TV cable and Cat5/6 data to all TV points. At extreme ends of the scale – large high-end hotels, just Cat5/6 data supporting an upscale IPTV system is a valid solution. Of course, running a mission critical multi-point data network 24/7 x 365 incurs tight SLAs and high ongoing costs, which can often be justified in such properties. At the opposite, budget end of the scale, hotels can survive with just coaxial cable for TV, but there is no escape from the fact that they need a data network to support WiFi as a minimum.

Coaxial cable is reborn

This year, Virgin Media embarked on a multi-million pound advertising campaign extolling the virtues of the thickness of it’s cable compared to it’s rivals and explaining how DOCSIS 3 technology delivers a better quality TV experience. It is great marketing as they are really talking about a version of the humble coaxial cable which has been the mainstay TV cable network for the last 50 or so years. What is different however, is as well as being able to deliver digital HDTV signals, the cable can also support an IP data network, meaning that for the first time, a separate Cat5/6 cable does not also need to be run to each room. This is extremely beneficial for many existing sites with coaxial cabling, who can now deliver high-speed IP services directly to the room, including WiFi (via in-room WAPs) and on-screen APPs. This technology has just come of age and we expect to be installing many sites over the next year.

Of course, the coaxial cable backbone is also the most robust and cost-effective way to deliver digital TV signals, be they terrestrial or satellite. All modern hospitality TVs have been specifically designed to be compatible with signals received via coaxial, so installing coaxial just makes common sense.

IRS Delivers Ted goes on to say “The concept of keyless room entry itself is not exceptionally complex. Hotels can enable a guest to use their mobile device in place of a traditional keycard to unlock the guestroom door through several communications technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or near-field communications

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Integrated Reception Systems, (IRS), are one of the smartest ways to deliver quality HDTV signals in hotels as they can carry hundreds of UK and international TV and radio channels simultaneously, which can be received by many of the Samsung and LG hospitality TVs with inbuilt satellite tuners. A further application comes with the development of the new proposition from Sky, which provides that real home-from-

future proofed room tech

home experience delivering an amazing choice of high quality premium HD channels directly to the room. This solution has struck a cord with hotels across the spectrum, from the budget sector, through to boutique hotels and the most prestigious and iconic five star properties in the UK. The value of this proposition is borne out by the glowing guest reviews on TripAdvisor.

IPTV Comes of Age.

Many hotels built over the last 10 years have only data networks in place and so IPTV has been the usual option for delivery of TV signals. The early adopters of this technology often suffered from quality issues and high service costs. However, as operating knowledge has increased and the equipment and software has matured, IPTV is once again a very viable option for premium hotels. The key hospitality providers, Samsung, LG and Philips all have a range of LED products with inbuilt IPTV capability, meaning no extra set top box.

We have however seen a new trend whereby new technology enables us to deliver traditional RF TV over the Cat5/6 directly to the tuner in the TV. This then requires much lower ongoing maintenance than IPTV.

array of authorised international channels directly from the cloud to cater for travellers who want to watch live TV from their homeland. Tim Worrall, Managing Director of Airwave said “15 years ago we were distributing movies to hotels on VHS tape, 10 years ago we used to courier a hard-drive, and then 5 years ago we started streaming content over the internet to the hotel VOD server. Now Airtime has arrived, hotel TV connects directly to our content in the cloud, and movies are securely streamed to the guest’s TV. This is true disruptive technology, reducing costs, improving efficiency and delivering content on demand to where it is needed. Vive la revolution.”

Hotel TV – now are LED, getting bigger and more connected In any guest room, one of the first visual indicators of the hotel’s star is the size and brand of the TV, which makes a statement about the quality of the hotel. A quick search on Trip Advisor will show guests posting compliments like “the room had a glorious 50 inch Samsung LED-just like home :)”

LED technology has meant lower power consumption and brighter, crisper images, and the trend has been for hotels to install the largest sensible screen size they can, knowing that the asset needs to deliver for at least 5 years.

TV has been one of the most powerful communication mediums for many years and it is amazing how little advantage most hotels take of that 40/50 inch advertising screen which sits right in-front of their target market, throughout their stay.

Now brands like Samsung, LG, and Philips, have their own commercial models, with native information systems, and remote centralised tuning and channel mapping. These systems can operate both over normal coaxial networks as well as Cat5/6 data.

There is an emergence of on-location, inner city rooms, lacking space, where we believe the TV will be turned into a window on the world. With the introduction of the 4K or Ultra High Definition TVs, with 4 times the resolution of HD, we can see these screens acting as a substitute for windows, with images of the buzzing world outside being projected, or a calming feed from a distant tropical beachscape.

In reality, we believe that UHD is not a fad, indeed many films and major sports events are now being recorded in 4K, and we have already installed these screens into the lobbies of boutique hotels needing that WOW factor. UHD is so clear, that it almost delivers the immersive experience that 3D TVs strive to achieve, but without the glasses.

Airtime – Movies and more from The Cloud

UK consumers have embraced catch-up TV APPs with BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and ALL4 proving extremely popular. Indeed in August 2015, BBC iPlayer saw 287 million views and a 24% uplift from the previous year.

Clearly people want to watch TV, but at a time that suits them. The new hospitality Smart TVs from Samsung already carry these popular APPs, thereby delivering that home-from-home experience.

Recognising this trend, the new Airtime APP, also available on the Samsung hospitality platform will provide guests with the latest video-on-demand movies directly from the cloud without the need for expensive servers on site. All that is needed is to download the APP. In future, the service will also deliver an 0845 555 1212

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future proofed room tech Seamless connectivity

Smartphones, Tablets and PCs are an essential possession for travellers who are increasingly bringing their own content with them (known as BYOC, bring your own content). Well, sometimes it is more accurate to say their subscriptions for content with them. The growth of services such as iTunes and Netflix are driving the need for an easy way to connect to the big screen in the room.

The new Staybridge Hotel in Vauxhall has been installed with a system enabling guests to stream sound and video content from most devices, including Android and Apple platforms. This is not cheap, as every room has been fitted with Samsung Lynk-Sinc LEDs, Apple TV boxes, and their own dedicated wireless access point.

The end result however is spectacular, and coupled with high bandwidth to the site, guests are delighted. Check out TripAdvisor

Power to the people

Whilst the capability of smartphones has increased exponentially, the time required between charges has remained fairly constant. Forgetting or mislaying your smartphone charger can now be a disaster.

The neatest solution we have found is KS Clock, which offers Qi wireless charging, wired charging for iPhone 5/6 and Android, as well as Bluetooth Audio Connectivity. The latest version even offers an accessory to charge your iWatch.

Another clever innovation which attracted investment in the Dragon’s Den is the Sync-Box, which recesses power, and AV connectors so that TVs can be positioned flat on the wall. There is also a panel cover which hides the ugliness of power sockets.

Now Virtual Reality is a reality

One travel sector has already grasped the opportunity of Virtual Reality (VR) as Qantas is going to be using the Samsung Gear VR, and the accompanying Galaxy Note 4, for in-flight entertainment for its first-class customers. Initially, it will be used for passengers to enjoy Qantas-created 360-degree videos and other content, but it is not too difficult to envisage these also appearing soon in high end hotel suites. As always, content is king, so as well as the hardware it is essential that the right quality content is available to make it a success.

TripAdvisor is popular because we want to know what we are getting before we arrive. Whether it be booking a two week holiday in a foreign land, or a weekend break in a city, most of us have spent time browsing previous guest comments and flicking between official photos, and real-life warts ‘n all contributor photos. What we really want to do is jump into the future and experience the hotel a little ourselves before we commit.

Believe it or not, you do not need to break the bank to experience VR, and at the entry level cardboard headsets are available on eBay from £1.75, which is then used to house your own smartphone.

The content can also be downloaded for free from YouTube.

Future Vision - The Robot Hotel The 5 star Henn-na Hotel in Japan (the name translates as Strange Hotel) is the first in the world to be staffed by robots. Admittedly, it is located in a theme park, but nevertheless is a fully functioning hotel, and gives us a vision as to what the future could hold. At reception, Humanoid robots greet Japanesespeaking guests at reception, while English-

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speaking guests are met, for reasons that aren’t exactly clear, by a robotic dinosaur.

These robots are said to be able to engage in intelligent conversations.

More functional droids are on hand to cart luggage to the hotel’s 72 rooms, staff luggage lockers and clean. Tipping, thankfully, does not compute. Other features help make the Henn-na the most futuristic in the world, including guestroom doors that are accessed by facial recognition and room heating adjusted via radiation panels that detect body heat.

In areas such as floor cleaning, room service, bag delivery/storage and concierge, it can easily be seen how robots may play a part in the future. Of course, both the technology needs to mature and us humans need to become comfortable with our new robotic friends before the technology becomes a widespread reality.

Evolution not revolution

The biggest challenge that hotels have is the 7 year investment cycle, which means that by the time rooms enjoy a refurbishment technology has moved on dramatically.

The secret is to try to make the hotel infrastructure as future proof as possible with open standards wherever possible so that mid-term updates in tech are possible.

Ease of use and reliability are still the most important factor however, but as ever hotels also need to embrace change to exceed guest expectations.

student accommodation

Student Accommodation Unite Students

Unite Students is the largest provider of student accommodation in the UK, with over 44,000 rooms across 23 cities. Unite are covering all bases to offer the best and most comfortable experience for their students with high speed internet, content insurance and 24 hour security all included in hall fees. Unite approached Airwave to provide the very best in TV entertainment for their students and Airwave have delivered providing 40” and 55” Smart TVs to over 30 sites in the UK. These TVs are now a focal point in Unite’s lounges which have been redeveloped throughout 2015, with a number of Smart Apps available such as BBCiPlayer, Facebook and Skype students have every base covered when it comes to their entertainment and networking options. Airwave continues to support Unite in their pursuit of creating the perfect lounge space for their students to relax, unwind and entertain. Airwave hopes to support Unite in 2016 and beyond.

Iconic - Luxurious Student Living Developed by Parklane Properties in Leeds, redefining luxury student accommodation.

Iconic offers much more than just a great place to live and study.

Offering high-spec studio and one bedroom apartments with all the luxury and added extras of a boutique hotel, from the flat screen TV and contemporary en-suite to the plush double bed and designer fitted kitchen.

131 Samsung 40” 590 series smart TV’s with LYNK SINC were installed onto either swivel desk mounts allowing TV to be viewed from the lounge or bed area of the apartment, or wall mounted.

Samsung Hospitality TV’s with LYNK SINC were selected so that any updates or changes to set-up of the TV’s can be carried out remotely without having to gain access to the student accommodation. Also LYNK SINC allows messages to be sent to individual or groups of rooms , and services such as cleaning packs, food packs, personal training , accommodation for visiting family etc.. to be promoted via the content management system on the welcome screen, which appears every time the student switches on the TV. The range of apps available on these models include all catch-up TV, BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, All 4, Demand 5, YouTube, BBC News, BBC Sport, TuneIn Radio, Twitter, Spotify, Facebook, Euronews, Accuweather, Web Browser, Eurosport etc...

Students can connect mobile devices wirelessly to stream content directly to the TV’s.

The 590 Series TV ‘s have integrated satellite tuners capable of receiving free to air foreign language channels vis the IRS network installed.

Ian Tait, Key Account Manager of Airwave commented… “Providing students with Smart commercial TV’s gives them the high tech solution they crave. LYNK SINC gives the operator the ability to promote additional services and message individual or groups of rooms from a central point”

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samsung

Inspirational Design, Engaging Experiences, Integrated Technologies Enhance your guest experience with Samsung hospitality solutions

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reate a sophisticated viewing environment for your guests with the new HC690 series.

Offering a premium design, without a cumbersome frame, the displays virtually blend into the background allowing guests to focus on the images projected rather than the equipment delivering them. In addition, the smart connectivity options mean that the screens offer a myriad of entertainment solutions for guests. Features include Smart View where guests can enjoy their mobile content on the larger in-room TV, Screen Mirroring which enables guests to share the screen of a mobile device on the TV, AllShareÂŽ technology which enables guests to play personal content through a wireless connection on their room TVs and Soft AP which provides a software access point (AP) or hotspot.

These all combine to transform the guest experience by providing an in-room, multidevice entertainment hub. Concurrently, hotel proprietors are able to customize the welcome menus on the screens with a straightforward interface and stay on budget with affordable content-streaming options and other cost-saving features.

These are the kind of experiences that extend your competitive advantage, generate customer loyalty, repeat business and boost sales.

Tailor the in-room display as an information and entertainment hub with a fully customisable content management solution Samsung LYNK™ Remote Enhanced Active Control for Hospitality (REACH) is

a flexible, easy-to-use and cost-efficient content management solution for your hotel hospitality displays. Leveraging an existing coaxial infrastructure to streamline content and TV management using LYNK REACH 3.1 software, hotel managers and IT administrators can update and adjust TVs remotely and deliver a wider range of content over RF signals to realise an array of benefits.

Content managers can readily edit and manage information, and content can be provided from the Internet through the REACH Server.

Customise your hotel message with a fully and easily customisable UI

Equipped with familiar and intuitive UIs, the LYNK REACH 3.1 solution interface helps content managers readily edit and manage information, and deploy it in real time providing a selection of fully customisable, easy-to-use templates which helps content managers set up a customised property portal with editable background messages and images.

Generate additional revenue with on-screen advertising

Deliver promotional advertising about amenities or special offers directly to guest rooms through a ticker on in-room displays. LYNK REACH 3.1 provides a template that supports advertisements

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with live channels for broadcasting in public hotel areas, such as displays in lobbies and restaurants.

Customise in-room content for specific audiences Provide guests with customised TV content based on room groupings to tailor the guest experience and provide relevant, timely information. Managers can create display groupings with dedicated content, announcements or channel listings for specific sets of guests, which is ideal for targeting information to groups such as corporate attendees. For example, a block of rooms used for a conference can be set to receive pop-up messages alerting guests of a meeting time and location.

Deliver quick and convenient information to hotel guests

For hotel guests, LYNK REACH 3.1 provides quick, convenient access to relevant information. Guests can readily access content, including hotel services, real-time weather reports, flight information and more, with multiple-language support on their in-room TVs. Local event and tourist information can also be displayed for fast and easy guest access.

Samsung and LYNK are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

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philips

Enhancing the guest experience with the right message at the right time Philips reveals new concepts and ambitions in the hospitality sector Shaping communication within hospitality

Over the past decade, televisions have moved far beyond their traditional role of providing in-room entertainment. Within the hospitality sector, TVs have become a full-fledged communications platform in their own right. Everywhere you place a screen, from the reception and bar to conference facilities and guest rooms provides an opportunity to engage with your customers at a personal level.

What differentiates Philips hospitality TV and signage solutions from standard consumer models is this ability to tailor your communications to match your objectives as well as the needs and desires of your guests. With hospitality TV’s, you can enhance your customer service, reinforce your brand values and increase your revenue by promoting additional services like your restaurant or spa. In addition, the latest advances in Philips hospitality TVs give you the ability to manage and upgrade all your TVs, plus customise content and messaging from a single, centralised system.

New Innovations from Philips Hospitality TV

Philips hospitality TV is built around four different product lines; Studio, Easy Suite, Media Suite, and Signature, with a focus on our core innvations such as SmartInstall and SmartInfo. SmartInstall is a serverbased solution that gives hoteliers the ability to control all of their individual TVs from one centrally-managed system. It completely eliminates the hassle (and

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“By providing the right message at the right time, you can enhance your customer service, reinforce your brand values and increase your revenue by promoting additional services…” related costs) of going room to room to perform maintenance, update channel frequencies or reconfigure settings.

SmartInfo is a unique interface for managing all guest-facing communications.

It allows you to provide branded content and custom promotions, once again through a single centralised system.

In addition to these technologies, the top-of-the-line Signature range incorporates a number of high-end features like a bezel-less design with Ambilight, which casts a soft glow beyond the frame of the TV. Finally, keeping total cost of ownership in mind, we have put a

great deal of effort into improving energy efficiency and are introducing A++ rated TVs throughout our new range.

Full Range Supplier for all Signage Needs

In the past, Philips has manufactured and sold hospitality TVs and digital signage as two individual solutions. However in the EMEA, these two ranges have been rolled into a single extensive portfolio. This allows for a more streamlined approach to service our customers, providing them with new, more effective ways to get the right message to their audiences.

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lg

When guests benefit,

hotels benefit Convenient, reliable solutions for you and your guests with LG’s innovative in-room technologies

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G’s Pro:Centric® Application enhances the hotel guest experience of their inroom hotel TV. Guests can locate and enjoy available television programming, check on the daily weather and review hotel amenities - all from the comfort of their room using their LG HD TV. Pro:Centric acts as a digital concierge – guests are presented with a branded user interface on the television and can view “electronic billboards”, which present information on hotel amenities such as restaurants, bars, fitness and business centres; or use the interactive Electronic Program Guide (EPG) to select their favourite sitcom or find the premium movie channels.

The hotel staff can customise and update the billboards to promote amenities and services that benefit their guests. The ability to quickly and easily add or update information creates real savings in printing and distribution costs and enables more timely

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presentation of pertinent and valuable information to guests.

When guests benefit, hotels benefit.

By providing a simple means of access to entertainment and hotel services, Pro:Centric improves guest satisfaction and promotes a consistent revenue stream for your property.

The cost-effective delivery of uniform services and features across both RF (radio frequency) and IP (internet protocol) based networks eliminates the need for additional hardware such as a set-top box in the room. Pro:Centric also offers the additional benefit of remote programming of the televisions’

configuration files, (channel map and installer menu items), thereby saving the costs of room visits to modify these settings.

LG’s exclusive Pro:Centric system provides your guests with information at their fingertips without creating operational headaches for the hotel.

The system is simple to install and has a client GUI for remote administration and maintenance using a secure remote VPN client.

The Pro:Centric server collects data from the internet, e.g. live weather data, which is regularly sent to the TVs over your existing RF distribution system to ensure that the most up-to-date information is displayed on all your Pro:Centric TVs. With the streamlined delivery system of Pro:Centric, you can specify the data channel to avoid interference with existing content channels. The Pro:Centric system can also operate over a multi-cast IPTV network.

The transmitted data includes channel and program information, as well as any additional customized messages you’d like to share with your guests.

The Pro:Centric Server (PCS) can also deliver the TLX file to the TV’s for programming of the channel map and installer menu settings, thereby avoiding room visits to change these settings.

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sky

Keeping Guests

Entertained

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sky

Alison Dolan, Deputy MD at Sky Business looks at the role in-room entertainment and WiFi can play in increasing guest spend

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hether they’re staying for business or leisure, the TV is the first thing guests turn to when they’re looking to unwind in their room. It stands to reason therefore, that the better the TV content on offer, the happier guests are to keep watching, order some room service or buy a drink from the mini bar.

Hotel guests’ expectations and demands are higher than ever. Many have Sky at home, alongside a large LCD or Plasma screen, generally with surround sound. There are also more business travellers, of both sexes, frequently travelling alone. Many of these expect good entertainment or movie content that they can watch in their hotel room, without needing to download movies to their tablet, or be expected to eat alone in a hotel bar in order to watch the sport.

If in-room entertainment isn’t up to expectations whether because of a small TV screen, standard definition channels, unfriendly user menus, or having to pay to watch a movie - then guests have little reason to spend their free time in their rooms. Sky In-Room, however, provides an opportunity for hotels to offer an entertainment experience that matches or exceeds what their guests enjoy in their own homes, so they don’t need to go and spend elsewhere to be entertained.

Sky In-Room operates like an in-home Sky TV service, giving guests full control over the content they watch.

There’s something to suit everyone – young or old, business or leisure, solo traveller or families. In the world of sport, guests can enjoy live domestic and international football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, golf, Formula 1® and a host of other great sports from around the world. Highlights in entertainment include must-see programming from Sky1, Sky2 and Sky Living, an unrivalled selection of brand new award-winning dramas on Sky Atlantic, as well as the most iconic shows of recent years. There are kids’ channels like DisneyXD, Nickelodeon and Nick Toons, an unbeatable selection of movies, award-winning news coverage on Sky News, and much more. The flexibility of content available through Sky In-Room means that different room types can take different content packs, allowing hoteliers to boost business by offering the ultimate mix of live sport, entertainment and news programming to encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

Access to reliable and fast internet is another fundamental in a hotel. A good WiFi connection encourages guests to spend more time at their hotel, which can translate into additional revenue from the minibar, room service, restaurant, bar and even spa sales as they check emails, spend time on social media and surf the web. Sky’s free WiFi service, powered by The Cloud, provides consistent and efficient WiFi in the most cost-effective manner.

From business travellers to holidaymakers, Sky offers hoteliers a range of flexible products and solutions to meet the needs of their guests. From an unrivalled choice of entertainment to seamless connectivity from The Cloud, it’s all part of delivering the best experience for your guests and therefore driving revenue for your business.

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* Minions image copyright 2014 Universal Studio

airtime

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016 see’s Airwave Europe and Techlive International launch a game-changing cloud content application in the video-ondemand hospitality market. Airtime is the out-of-the-box, content-ondemand solution that caters for the entire market, from 5 star properties with hundreds of rooms, to ten room guest houses - this system is totally scalable with no cost implications.

Airtime requires no additional equipment other than a Smart TV. Working closely with Samsung (the fastest growing TV brand in hotels*)

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throughout this project, the delivery of world class content from providers such as Universal, Paramount and the BBC has never been easier. A room equipped with just a Samsung hospitality SmartTV and a stable broadband infrastructure, your guests can be enjoying the latest movies, weeks before consumer subscription video-on-demand providers.

Along with blockbuster movies there is also great programming from the BBC as well as content provision for mature audiences.

Airtime is owned by Airwave Europe and managed by Techlive International,

a wholly owned subsidiary of Airwave Europe. This allows us to utilise our in-depth knowledge of the market and offer our renowned customer service, drawn from being in the hotel pay-tv industry for over 25 years and currently operating in over 40 different international markets. This experience is backed-up by an application built on award winning technology, incorporating content encryption and a content management system that ensure the latest titles are always available.

The management of Airtime is

airtime

AIRTIME ARRIVES

Airtime is the new cloud content app, set to take the hospitality industry by storm.

hassle-free for the hotelier; there is no additional in-room equipment to maintain and no servers taking up space and resources in the hotel. The guest can have a direct relationship with Airtime and rent the content in room using their credit or debit card, this negates all financial commitments for the hotelier for content provision.

In this scenario the hotel could even take a percentage of commission from each purchase; money for nothing!

The payment mechanism for this transaction has been audited by a PCIcertified auditor, and is certified to PCI

Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available, so your guests can be safe that their card information remains safe. There are alternative commercial models available, including being able to offer the Airtime free to guest so we can make sure Airtime works for your property.

Along with Hollywood movies and BBC content Airtime will also be adding live channels to its roster in 2016. This will enable traveling guests to watch their local content on a professional display without the hotel having to install additional satellites and hardware.

Tim Worrall, Managing Director of Airwave said “15 years ago we were distributing movies to hotels on VHS tape, 10 years ago we used to courier a hard-drive, and then 5 years ago we started streaming content over the internet to the hotel VOD server. Now Airtime has arrived, hotel TV connects directly to our content in the cloud, and movies are securely streamed to the guest’s TV. This is true disruptive technology, reducing costs, improving efficiency and delivering content on demand to where it is needed. Vive la revolution.�

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air range

Airwave’s ‘Solutions for all’ Airwave introduces you to the next stage in hotel in-room technology with our latest ‘Air’ solutions, compatable with your existing digital hotel TV screens.

AirMEDIA: Smarten Up Upgrade to the AirMEDIA smart solution, and provide guests with the very latest Smart TV features and apps, as well as hotel information and services. AirMEDIA transforms HD Ready Hospitality TVs into affordable modern Smart TVs. It’s a complete standalone solution that includes the AirMEDIA Box, a unique gyroscopic remote control, and access to an online portal, which allows you to gain complete control over look, feel and functionality of the system.

Designed specifically for the hospitality sector and individually configured for each hotel, AirMEDIA is a small box which, when connected to the television, immediately transforms the guest experience from a passive to an interactive one.

With AirMEDIA guests can use apps just like those on a smartphone or tablet device, but on a much larger screen. This opens up a huge range of applications from popular catch-up TV and video streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix and YouTube, to information based applications targeting news, weather or magazines. Surfing the web is a breeze using the feature rich HD Browser that provides access to even more exciting services, and all of this is done from the comfort of the guest’s hotel room. The Hotel Media Share app enables guests to stream movie, photo and music content from their own devices onto the in-room TV,

AirCAST: Tailored Hotel ‘Red Button’ Services AirCAST is the revolutionary information system, enabling you to communicate with your guests via a dedicated ‘red button’ channel. hence creating a more personal and interactive experience.

Dedicated Hotel Features

AirMEDIA offers a fantastic service advantage that is specifically designed for hospitality, so guest’s personal details, usernames and passwords are cleared automatically after use; safety and security is assured. Best of all AirMEDIA requires no on-site server, just a wired or wireless network and a broadband internet connection.

The premium solution

An advanced version of the AirMEDIA solution is available with great additional features. These include: ■ Property Management System (PMS) Integration ■ Movies On Demand (also known as VOD) ■ On-Screen Room Service ■ Feature Rich Concierge Services ■ View Bill ■ Express Checkout ■ Wake-Up Alarm

AirINFO: Get Informed Dedicated High Definition In-Room TV Channel

If you’ve ever wanted a low cost, high quality information system for your hotel, or a way to promote hotel products, services or facilities that generate additional revenue.

AirInfo HD hotel information channel is broadcast over the Internet and received at your hotel using a specially configured PC player. The player’s output is then converted to an HD digital freeview type TV signal.

The televisions will be configured so that they display the Hotel TV channel when powered on by a guest, so as to guarantee that the guest is presented with your own dedicated and branded channel. The guest can then, if they chose, switch to standard TV channels (BBC1, 2, ITV, CH4, etc).

The AirINFO HD Hotel TV channel offers useful information, branding and advertising opportunities, and the standard layout can be easily modified to incorporate the hotel’s name, logo and colour scheme. Additional design changes can be made inconjunction with hotel’s management.

The standard template consists of: Traffic RSS Feed ■ Hotel Branding ■ User Definable ■ On-Screen Clock Graphical Areas ■ Looping Video Feed ■ Regional Weather Outlook (Branding/Advertising) ■ National News ■ Text / Message Area RSS Feed (HQ and Hotel Manager ■ Motorway (Main Route) Messages)

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Inform

Costly, printed in-room directories are a thing of the past. AirCAST enables hotel guests to quickly and easily navigate through different sections and pages on hotel information and services. Hoteliers can instantly update the system via a web interface, keeping information fresh and up to date.

■ Hotel services and facilities ■ Local area information and useful contacts ■ Local sites and attractions ■ Live feeds, e.g. News, Weather, Sport

Promote

Generate revenue by using AirCAST to promote hotel products, services and facilities or to advertise local businesses.

■ Hotel offers and promotions ■ Restaurant, bar or spa deals ■ Advertise local businesses, such as taxi firms or restaurants

A tailored solution

AirCAST is a bespoke information system for your hotel. It can be tailored to suit your hotels individual style and requirements.

■ Hotel logos, colours, images and corporate videos ■ Hotel specific content ■ Tailored categories and pages

How it works

AirCAST is based on the same interactive technology used by broadcasters worldwide, for services such as BBC Red Button, and already built in to TV screens from all major manufacturers.

air range

Airtime: Make the most of your free-time with Airtime Airtime is the cloud content streaming service which allows hotels to offer guests BBC programmes on demand and the latest in Hollywood movies weeks before the titles are available on consumer subscription services. This can all be done without installing any additional hardware such as STBs and servers. With a Samsung SmartTV hotels can download and register the Airtime app from the SmartHub environment and, once the app has been registered, your guests will have a wealth of content at their fingertips ready to stream direct to the TV. The individual programmes can be purchased by the guest direct through the secure payment gateway integrated into the application so there is no need for any PMS interface. This really is a plug and play off the shelf VOD solution that cannot be ignored and is completely scalable from ten bed boutique guest houses to three hundred bed hotels – Airtime truly does tick all the boxes. There is the opportunity for hotels to earn off of the back of the service as well by taking a share of the profits. What’s not to like? Contact us at today for more information and you could soon be benefitting from the features below:

■ No cost to install the application.

■ No additional hardware required.

■ The latest content instantly available and updated in real time.

■ No PMS interfacing.

■ A share of the profits.

AirSIGN: Go Digital AirSIGN is the digital signage software, based on the same technology as the AirINFO in-room information services. AirINFO allows you to broadcast hotel and hospital information, news, weather and services to screens in public areas such as receptions, lounges, bars and restaurants. AirSIGN can be configured to fit a screen of any size, from small 19” screens up to multi-screen video walls.

Already playing out to thousands of screens across Europe, Airwaves own digital signage platform “AirSIGN”, is truly indispensable for the distribution of content over the internet. Whether you require digital menu boards, timetables, information, or simply rolling graphics in your foyer, AirSIGN can do it all.

Using a specially configured PC player, content is scheduled online and played out to a single screen, or many screens.

The output can be played out on to screens as small as 7”, right up to the biggest possible video wall sizes.

AirSIGN allows the user the opportunity to incorporate

useful information, branding and advertising opportunities.

AirSIGN features:

■ Supports multiple screen areas, e.g. video, background image, scrolling news, weather.

■ Configured small form factor PC player (subject to requirements).

■ Access to web control interface, allowing global remote administration.

Remote Support – via Airwave

■ Use internal components: to enrich your signage presentation. These include RSS News, RSS Weather, RSS Video Podcasts, HTML component, TV Tuner / Capture card, clocks and more.

Components can be used directly on the timeline or within a designer scene.

■ Advertising Engine: Build your own Advertising network, to provide your customer proof of play, visual analytics and more.

Each customer can be managed through the subaccount manager 0845 555 1212

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airwave at work

Airwave at Work Perfect connection at Wentworth

Wentworth is one of the most prestigious golf and country clubs in the world. To match its famous golf course’s, clubhouse and hospitality facilities, Airwave were awarded the contract to upgrade and install a TV solution to match its surroundings.

Working with the clubs management a system was selected incorporating the latest Samsung Smart LED TVs and Sky In-Room, to provide the ultimate in-room guest experience. With over 300 channels available, both guests and players alike can enjoy a wide range of programmes during their stay, including all the latest Sport in HD.

Jeff Summers Key Account Manager of Airwave Europe commented ‘‘Wentworth is probably the most recognisable golf club in the UK. We worked very closely with the management team to ensure installation could be

completed in time for this year’s Ashes and The Open. The guests and golfers will now be able to enjoy an unrivalled selection of television programmes in the comfort of the locker rooms, pro shop and guest rooms.

Superb delivery from Hilton at the Hilton Ageas Bowl Hilton at The Ageas Bowl is a brand new 171-bedroom hotel, located at the picture-perfect home of Hampshire Cricket.

The stunning property boasts fantastic guest views overlooking the iconic Ageas Bowl cricket ground. They also have the country’s first eforea spa (an organic spiritual escape) and BEEFY’S fine dining restaurant, Lakeview sports bar, extensive meeting and event space, gym and 18-hole golf course.

Airwave supplied and installed the latest range of LG televisions to all areas of the site, all 171 guest rooms have the latest 42’’ LG TV’s, 7 of the suites also have 47’’ TVs in the lounge area. We were also able to supply to 2 X 60’’ televisions for the Media Centre within the ground, 2 X 47’’ for the Staff training room and canteen.

The added feature Airwave implemented was LG’s Pro:Centric V solution, enhancing the visitors in-room experience as soon as they arrive. Providing an easy to use interface with channel guides and internet data feeds, the solution features applications designed to connect guests to hotel services including room service, menus and reservations for the eforea spa

The next big thing at Center Parcs After the unprecedented success of its Woburn site opening in May 2014, we were approached by Center Parcs to upgrade the Sports Café Videowall within a year, to further enhance the guests experience. The existing 3x3 55” videowall was upgraded to provide a 16 screen solution in a 4x4 configuration built-in using Full HD 55” LG screens, combined with a 2x2 Full HD 55” LG Videowall on either side. The completion tied in nicely with the finals of Wimbledon, and guest reaction indicated they were extremely impressed to be able to watch multiple games across the screens.

Going forward Center Parcs are now able to offer high definition viewing from a good distance on any individual source.

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airwave at work

Hoxton has the X Factor The Hoxton Holborn Hotel offers people more than just a bed for a night. The hotel is a place where people can eat, drink, work and play anytime of the day. Each of the rooms are cleverly designed so guests have everything they need and nothing that they don’t. In the Hotel there are four different sizes of rooms and each have their very own name; there’s Shoebox, Snug, Comfy and Roomy. No matter how big (or small) you like it each one comes with free Wi-Fi, an hour of phone calls, fresh milk, tea and coffee, water and a daily breakfast bag drop.

Airwave supplied and installed the latest in Samsung 32’’ and 40’’ 675 Series Hospitality televisions, with many features hoteliers need, at a reasonable cost. The slim, streamlined design of these screens contributes to a pleasant room ambiance and suits the Hoxtons unique style.

Airwave’s system solution also included the design and Installation of a IRS digital coax network to provide the most comprehensive

channel offering available. This ensured a future proof upgrade path for the hotel when the latest broadcasts become available, or should the hotel subsequently decide to upgrade to a Sky in room system at a later date. The IRS Network provides the Hoxton’s guests with a wide ranging and varied channel selection including Freeview and thousands of UK and international channels with many in full HD. This network is compatible with televisions with terrestrial (DVB-T) and satellite (DVB-S) tuners. IRS utilises just a single coax cable into each room.

Jeff Summers, Key Account Manager at Airwave commented ‘’When the guest arrives in the room after a potentially exhausting journey, they will be able to access a delightful variety of options and services directly from the televisions remote control. The intuitive design allows simple navigation to view available television channels, as well as the Hotel’s Marketing and Information within each room.’’

TV Tips from Amsterdam The 706 bedded Student Hotel Amsterdam West is much more than just a place to sleep. It combines the comfort, privacy, and quality normally expected of a hotel with the fun and frolics often found in a student house. It is a unique concept where all guests benefit from free WiFi, study & work areas, lounges, an on-site gym, games room with ping-pong and billiard tables, free events and parties. Airwave worked with local United.TV partner, TriAV to install all rooms with Samsung Lynk-Sinc enabled LED screens, with an integrated IPTV system delivering over 80 channels from around the globe, as well as interactive APPs. Bert Nijeboer, Sales Director at TriAV said “We are very pleased with the new Samsung TVs and the installation overall. Airwave was also able to modify the guest landing page to reflect The Student Hotel branding and also enables them to communicate key information to their guests.

Students can also share their own content wirelessly with the screen. The fact that there is no set-top-box is an added bonus”

Airwave provide Signage to one of the world’s leading manufacturers Scania was founded in 1891. They have delivered more than 1,400,000 trucks and buses for heavy transport work around the world. Today Scania is one of the world’s leading manufacturers within the industry.

Airwave supplied 42 of Scania’s nationwide UK depot’s with varying sized LG signage screens including: 47”, 55” and 60”. The screens will display marketing material within each sales area and some depots will have up to 3 screens installed.

This will give Scania the wow factor within the market, showing off the latest vehicles with design specification, information and other features appearing on the screens.

The LG signage screen allows Scania to create their own signage information, by simply uploading content from a PC with LG’s easy to use Supersign software. The information is then transferred using a USB flash drive and plugged into the Supersign TV. The content can be in the form of a billboard - no additional hardware is needed.

Pinnacle of luxury - Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard The Shard has redefined London’s Skyline forever, and likewise the new Shangri-La hotel has set new standards in the city’s luxury hotel market. The hotel occupies 19 floors and enjoys breath-taking views, with an indoor infinity pool on level 52 being one of the coolest places in the world to take a dip. Samsung’s elegant Smart LED range sets were chosen for the rooms, with 40, 46 and 55 inch screens being selected to ensure that guests have just as good a view within the room, as from their window overlooking the city.

Each room features a Samsung large screen hospitality TV’s with on-board Freeview and Free Sat tuners, which in conjunction with a coax network is delivering an Impressive array of

international channels directly to the guests TV. Airwave also installed 7 x Bose, large screen Videowave surround sound entertainment systems in each of the hotels unique high level suites. Each Videowave entertainment system has access to a huge selection of international TV channels directly accessible via the multi-function remote control. Games consoles, mobile devices, tablets and computers can also be displayed directly on to the entertainment systems via an input console built in to the system.

Each room also features Bose docking stations connected to each entertainment system which provides instant access to all audio files throughout each suite.

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digital signage

Digital

Signage The right message, at the right time

W

e believe that whatever your business, it pays to look professional. Digital Signage is a modern, high-impact method of advertising with advances in technology meaning signage screens and becoming bigger and better than ever.

Purchasing one of these high-impact displays can transform any environment, from hotels to hospitals, and airports to universities; signage is a great way to communicate and market your messages.

Simple Signage for Higher Education Digital signage is a great way to dispatch information to staff or students to where it’s most relevant. For example information screens can be put outside classrooms or lecture theatres to show students when they are free or in use. In addition, signage is a great way to show different pieces of content simultaneously, For example, televisions can display news content via RSS feeds, weather information, and music videos all on the same screen.

LG SuperSign

HD Slimline Freestanding Digital Posters Freestanding Digital Posters are high-impact advertising displays, shown in portrait, which gives the look of a smart-phone or tablet.

These displays have a built in HD media player, meaning they require no additional hardware such as PCs, DVD players, excess cables or software. You simply load your media onto a USB, then plug and play. Features such as buttonless tempered glass, rounded corners, super slim profile and aluminium frame all add to the poster’s eye-catching tablet like aesthetics.

The displays are fitted with commercial grade panels, which provide them with a wide viewing angle, improved colour contrast and brightness. With an eco-friendly power timer you can be assured of their green credentials and low operating costs. Plus another great feature is that these screens can run 24 hours a day.

An intuitive piece of scheduling software is included which allows you to schedule different content to play at different times of the day, in addition you can add scrolling text to compliment your content and communicate messages across to your audience.

LG SuperSign is perfect for restaurants, hotels, retailers, hospitals or education establishments who are looking for a cost-effective way to engage with audiences, using eye-catching, up-to-date information. LG SuperSign TV displays live television as well as tailored signage content.

This software is easily accessible and can be simply uploaded via a USB drive, therefore requiring no additional hardware or media player. The system comes with templates which are easily customisable and updatable.

Furthermore advertisements, information, images and videos can be incorporated into a custom template on screen to communicate with customers, patients or students.

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digital signage

Video Walls

A video wall is a high impact technology which allows you to link a number of screens to create one giant ‘superscreen’.

These giants will enhance the look and feel of your space and add a ‘wow’ factor that will set you apart from the competition.

From 2x2 or 16x16, the sky really is the limit with these video walls, you can go as big as you wish.

Wayfinding Wayfinder screens are often located in reception or entrance areas and can be configured to display directions or static markers such as lifts or toilets.

Prior to an event, the software within the screens can be used automatically update the displays and show directional signage. Similarly location displays can also be used to show whether rooms or areas are in use, for example, they can be programmed to say ‘room empty’ outside a hotel room or university lecture theatre.

Signage for all conditions Outdoor signage posters are suitable for the harshest of outdoor conditions, plus they are designed with a robust outer casing to give protection from both the elements and the public.

Not only are the displays able to withstand hot and cold surroundings but they are able to manage their own internal conditions, maximising LCD panel life. Built in air-conditioning can be tailored to allow the display to work at an optimal level in any climate, and additionally the outer casing has an IP65 rating which means it keeps out all airborne dust, and is protected from any wet weather conditions.

The brightness of these displays is around 3 times brighter than the average standard home TV to allow easy usability in direct sunlight. These screens have proved extremely popular at transport hubs such as airports and train stations, and in town centres, sporting arenas and outdoor leisure centres

The next big thing After the unprecedented success of its Woburn site opening in May 2014, we were approached by Center Parcs to upgrade the Sports Café Videowall within a year, to further enhance the guests experience. The existing 3x3 55” videowall was upgraded to provide a 16 screen solution in a 4x4 configuration built-in using Full HD 55” LG screens, combined with a 2x2 Full HD 55” LG Videowall on either side. The completion tied in nicely with the finals of Wimbledon, and guest reaction indicated they were extremely impressed to be able to watch multiple games across the screens. Going forward Center Parcs are now able to offer high definition viewing from a good distance on any individual source.

Dream solution supplied for Benson for Beds Airwave were contacted by Benson for Beds, the UK’s largest bed retailer, to supply two screens and a tablet for their new ‘Comfort Stations’.

The unique ‘Comfort Stations’ are systems that use diagnostics and technology to help choose which mattress will give the customer the right level of support for a great nights sleep.

Airwave found the perfect fit - 2 X 32’’ LG screens and GPADS, which were then distributed to 300 of their stores in the UK. The screens allow customers to see the key

features such as firmness, mattress types and ratings allowing the sales team to qualify these using the GPAD which has software installed to answer the customer’s questions.

Wayne Bowring, Key Account Manager at Airwave said, ‘It was great to be able to support and supply Benson for Beds with solutions that fitted their needs, and now that such technology is becoming readily used in every marketplace, Airwave have options to fit all’ 0845 555 1212

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airwave healthcare

Patient Entertainment

Scarborough Hospital Scarborough Hospital’s brand new surgical ward – Lilac Ward – was officially opened by Alan Rose, Trust Chairman, on his last day as Chair of the Trust Board.

The ward has 31 beds in 15 single rooms and four, four bed bays and includes a Surgical Assessment Unit, which will help streamline the patient pathway for patients requiring surgery, meaning care for surgical patients is greatly improved.

Lilac Ward is the first ward nationally to have been built using a design solution called the repeatable room design. Andrew Bennett, Head of Capital Projects, explained: “The Ward utilises an evidencebased, best practice design solution called the repeatable rooms and standardised components initiative. The design of the four-bed bays makes efficient use of space whilst maximising the distance between bed heads, which is an important factor in infection prevention. The ‘nested’ design of the single rooms with ensuite facilities also makes best use of available space. The design of Lilac Ward is also intended to maximise not only the visibility of external landscaping to patients but also the visibility of patients to nursing staff.”

All this meant that the patient entertainment platform had to be designed to fit with the best practice design criteria of the new ward.

Airwave opted for the Samsung healthcare range of LED TV’s, which includes the “Purecare” wipeclean IC remote control, and mounted the 22” screen version on a HCA 1.8m medical wall arm in the four bedded bays. As the HCA arm folds flat to the wall this fits with the design criteria of access around the bed and best utilisation of space as well as aiding infection prevention.

In the single rooms Airwave installed flat wall mounted 32” Samsung healthcare TV’s to fit with the style of the ensuite bedroom whilst maintaining the style and feel of the surgical ward in general.

Alan Rose, Chairman of the Trust Board, said: “Lilac Ward represents the finest piece of real estate across all of our sites.”

Plus

Nuffield Health Cambridge

Nuffield Health has opened the doors to a different kind of hospital in Cambridge. Their new £30m hospital is a major investment in patient care for Cambridge, featuring state-of-the-art clinical facilities, and a Smart TV Patient Entertainment system supplied and installed by Airwave Healthcare. The new 38-bed facility is equipped with an in-house MRI scanner, three operating theatres, a day oncology unit and consulting rooms.

Airwave Healthcare is a long standing partner to Nuffield Healthcare, so when approached to deliver the Patient Entertainment System for the new flagship hospital in Cambridge Airwave were delighted to help.

Working closely with Nuffield, Airwave designed a bespoke entertainment platform to deliver a tailored, branded, entertainment experience to Nuffield service users. Utilising the very latest Samsung commercial LEDs, which come with a 2 year on site swap out warranty, alongside the AirMEDIA Smart TV platform gives patients access to over 250 apps via their TV, as well as screen mirroring, providing a home from home experience whilst meeting the demands of media and technically astute service users.

The AirMEDIA platform gives a complete multimedia experience with access to the Internet, catch-up TV, games and hospital services via the TV. Users can easily switch between live TV and the AirMEDIA platform with one, simple to use AirMEDIA remote control.

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content

Content is king!

L ast year continued to provide plenty of opportunities for Airwave as we grew our content client base and built on existing partnerships. We can look forward to what will be the best year yet for our content provision team. We’re all set to provide you with great guest entertainment, with flexible packages for all scenarios including blockbuster Hollywood movies and great BBC programmes.

Our movie content is provided with multi language support including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic and Dutch*. Simply sign up to our partner programme today to benefit from our outstanding service. Whether you are a hardware provider looking to enhance your system with VOD, or if you are a hotel or hospital looking to enrich your client’s stay,

we are uniquely placed to offer you a one stop, end to end service.

We are currently trusted by over thirty valued partners and provide content in more than forty countries around the globe. This allows us to offer content to over a staggering five million guests each year in many of the world’s leading hospitality brands including Marriott, Sheraton and Four Seasons. Whatever your requirements we will tailor the right content package for you, and we don’t just believe in offering great content – the core of our ethos is to deliver a seamless content delivery service. *Where provision allows

GuestTek’s international expansion aided by content partnership.

I

n what has been a busy year for GuestTek’s international growth, we have seen six new properties go live with Techlive content, at time of publication, with more on the horizon.

It has been two years since GuestTek partnered with Techlive International to assist in supplying content for their international sites, and armed with the vast library of Hollywood titles and BBC content they have continued to expand their international portfolio with iconic sites such as The Grosvenor House Hotel, London Marriott Park Lane and The Lanesborough. Not content with assisting GuestTek internationally, Techlive have also pushed their BBC content across the Atlantic and it is now available in over 10,000 rooms. This move by GuestTek ensures their domestic customers have a worldwide brand which caters for not only the travelling Brit, but also offers alternative shows to

the American audience. Shows such as the award winning Sherlock series have been deployed along with concert offerings from Brit Hits One Direction and Take That. The quintessential British comedian Michael McIntyre offers some light entertainment whilst world renowned wildlife documentaries and lifestyle shows are included in a line-up that is sure to give GuestTek the edge in content provision.

“It has been terrific having a partner as responsive and capable as Techlive/ Airwave as GuestTek takes on the challenges involved in rapid international growth. Whether it is addressing new

content needs, technical needs or exploring new ways of working together, Richard and his team are always responsive, insightful and enthusiastic.”

Programming Operations Manager Richard Excell also commented, “It’s great to be able to assist a company whose expansion internationally has been not only rapid but also prestigious with the properties we are serving. We are delighted to help Jason and his team bring new ideas and content strategies, and the BBC addition to the US market should prove to be a fantastic revenue generator for everyone involved. And we’re not done there; we continue to push the boundaries and are constantly looking to develop our asset library - watch this space for a new genre of content we hope to be able to bring to Guest-Tek and others, which will further enhance their asset portfolio to drive more sales and keep content hungry guests satisfied.”

Pan-European Service Guaranteed

United.TV: Global Vision, Local Care

A

irwave and partners across Europe have now united to provide customers with services and support throughout Europe.

United.TV is a family of companies across Europe with a common set of standards allowing for a consistent installation quality for networks and AV equipment. We will work closely with the key suppliers such as Philips, Samsung

and LG, and also provide a unique support mechanism for pan-European groups.

United.TV work together to provide consistent solutions for both the hospitality and healthcare sectors, as well as retail digital signage.

United.TV is a hub of innovation and enables the member companies

to create and develop innovative new technology including information channels, OTT services, WiFi solutions and Hollywood Movie content distribution.

With a unique collective reach which transcends national boundaries.

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Evolution of the

in-room Solution

Staybridge Suites, Vauxhall

T

he latest addition to IHG’s Staybridge Suites portfolio (Vauxhall, London) has opened it’s welcoming doors.

Promising an even warmer welcome than usual, in this latest site’s case.

Along with the friendly and attentive team members, Waggers the dog is on hand to welcome you to your home from home experience.

Focusing on longer stay guests, the property offers all of the amenities modern day travellers expect, and a few they won’t.

With a fantastic array of cutting edge, guest focused technology and entertainment; guests really are put in control of their digital experience.

Working closely with Cycas Hospitality to create an innovative guest experience, Airwave Europe have created an industry first solution.

Focusing on the guest entertainment fundamentals, a wide range of Free-to-Air SD and HD domestic and International TV channels were combined into an extensive line up of live TV. Offering a home from home viewing experience for

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the guests and no subscriptions or piles of Satellite decoders to house and maintain for the hotel team, it’s a taste of how things should be.

Class leading Wifi is as critical as a comfy bed these days, so a fully AC certified Ruckus installation was provided. Offering the most reliable device connections and blistering speed, along with 100% coverage of all guest rooms, this is how Wifi really should be designed, installed, and supported.

Finally the in-room TV was absolutely key. Being the focal point of the guests interactive experience, the correct choice was essential. 40” Samsung SMART Hotel TV’s were selected to provide the extensive TV channel line up as well as the richest SMART TV experience available in hotel rooms. The full UK lineup of Catch-Up TV services are available, along with a great range of News, Sport and Lifestyle Apps.

The integrated LYNK SINC Guest Information solution means the TV’s look great, fully branded in the Staybridge Suites welcoming colours. The system provides guests with an easy to use, reliable and extremely cost effective TV experience.

The final piece of this ‘next generation’ hotel room solution was to incorporate a truly cross platform mobile device streaming and Screen Mirroring experience. Both Apple and Android users are offered a fully compatible mobile device streaming service. Even iTunes Store and Google Play Store content can be enjoyed on the big screen thanks to a bespoke AppleTV/SMART TV solution.

Paul Chambers, Sales and Marketing Director at Airwave, quoted, “It is great to be able to offer the option for guests to mirror their mobile devices onto the big screen. Being able to use Tablets, laptops or phones, really gives the guests the sense of feeling at home”.

Airwave worked with RoomNet to deliver high speed internet throughout the hotel to both staff and guests, with Wireless access points placed strategically in all guest rooms as well as public and back of house areas.

“Our guests are able to travel with their downloaded music, movies and favourite TV series wherever they go” says General Manager, Giovanni Valentini.

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