TECHNOLOGY
HOME TO HOTEL
As hotels follow homes into the digital age, guests who opt to bring their own device, such as a smart phone or tablet with a variety of entertainment apps, may wish to cast directly to the hotel TV, and therefore will expect the capability to do so easily, as they would in the comfort of their own home. As a result, the standard of technology expected by guests is higher than ever, according to Samsung Australia Senior Director of Display and Memory Solutions, Phil Gaut. “Guests now expect a minimum standard of inroom entertainment to what they experience at home and hotels are upgrading tech and TVs accordingly – including high resolution, surround sound and stylish design,” Gaut said. But casting on its own misses out a significant section of the population. According to Deloitte’s Media Consumer Survey 2021, Matures (75+ year-olds) and Boomers (56-75-year-olds) are only spending between 19% and 28% of their total TV viewing on streaming video services. “If older guests aren’t au fait with streaming in their home environment, it’s unlikely they will want to cast a streaming app in a hotel,” said Foxtel National Manager for Accommodation, Scott Wiedemann. “Our own platform data seems to support this, with guest usage of casting at only 5%. And with the reintroduction of international travellers, many of whom won’t be able to use their international streaming apps in Australia, hoteliers should consider combining linear TV, free-to-view on demand libraries and casting together so they’re catering for all their guests’ viewing needs.” Hotel televisions can also support guests who wish to work or connect with friends online during their stay. “In-room TV usage is broadening out to be used as a second large screen through screen sharing/ mirror technology, for content gaming and as a work monitor,” Gaut added. At Hisense Australia, venues are increasingly seeking Hotel Mode as an essential feature. “[Hotel Mode gives] control to the venue manager to manage specific functions, settings and channels that would be readily available on a residential model – ensuring guests can enjoy all the comforts of home,” said Hisense Australia National Retail Training Manager, Chris Mayer. For commercial venues, the company has implemented ‘Miracast’ functionality which allows users to share the screen from an Android device or compatible Windows 10 or 11 computer.
BEYOND ENTERTAINMENT
But Ci Group VP Hospitality, Travis Anderson, says the most striking thing about hotel in-room tech is how quickly it is going beyond entertainment. “Once a TV effectively becomes a simplified computer interface it can do so many more useful things for the guest and hotel alike,” Anderson said. Today, the hotel TV acts as a technology hub within rooms, 66
HM The Business of Accommodation
displaying the hotel’s own welcome and promotional messaging on screen, and controlling connected smart devices such as lights, air con, blinds and more. “Guests are already able to stream great content to smart TVs, but it’s the automation of controlling the lights, blinds, ceiling fans, TV, AC and even the door lock from a central point which we see as the next level experience in premium hotels,” Gaut said. Hotels are also moving away from traditional check-in and check-out at reception to other tech-driven options including contactless self-service terminals, from guests personal mobile and via Smart TV Hub in room, according to Gaut. The hotels that are leading in this technology race are adapting to guest demand in areas such as casting personal streaming services and contactless transactions, as well as using smart technology to market and deliver a range of hotel services. “Not only can they promote hotel services on screen, but guests can place their order direct, streamlining service delivery,” Anderson said. “You can also use the medium to profit from the promotion and sale of local attractions or services from outside the hotel.” Anderson says getting diverse technologies to work together is the key pre-requisite to the guest room technology of tomorrow. n
Smart TVs can act as a technology hub within rooms, controlling connected smart devices such as lights, air con and blinds
Hotel televisions can support guests who wish to work during their stay
Hotel guests are embracing the options to Bring-Your-OwnContent (BYOC)
