“For sure, this is the way forward”
Stefan Viard
General Manager, ME by Melia, Dubai
Why InnCable™?
In short, we wanted to create the easiest to use, smallest, but yet the most powerful device possible. We had been battling with the option of going “built-in”, using the features of the ”smart TVs”. But from speaking to hoteliers and technology specialists from all over the world, we got the same message – those TVs aren’t really so smart. If you have ever tried opening a web browser or trying to launch your favorite media service on one of those, you know how klunky that can be.
With the InnCable™ , we wanted to keep the power of a set top box, without having to compromise and limit ourselves to the options of a smart TV. Suddenlly we realized – there will always be a cable from the wall (Ethernet) to the TV (HDMI) anyway – so what if that was the computer! What if the cable was the box!
“InnSpire has a history of very forward-thinking and innovative products”
How is the InnCable™ connected?
Power
So in order to get power, the InnCable™ can either run on PoE (power over Ethernet) through the network (InnSpire PoE converter required), be plugged in with a normal 5W micro-USB cable (like many smart-phones) or the InnCable™ can get power from the USB port of a modern TV (model dependent).
Network
Ethernet The InnCable™ prefers to be connected through Ethernet. This gives the most stable and reliable network connection. This is why one end of the InnCable™ is an Ethernet port, made to be plugged into a network (Ethernet) socket.
Wi-Fi
The InnCable™ can also run on Wi-Fi. This is not as realible as Wi-Fi networks are influenced by other networks in the area, and there tends to be congestion and overlaps of Wi-Fi networks which can significantly reduce their performance and reliability. But as long as it is done right this can be a good option!
What about TV-Signal?
IPTV The InnCable™ is an Android™ Set top Box, so it supports TV over Internet Protocol TV and works just like other InnSpire hardware, with TV-signal, channel-lists, and the possibility of EPG and IPG. If the TV-signal is over IP, it will come through the Ethernet connection, through the Internet, and the channels will be played and displayed through the InnCable™ on the TV. Coax If there isn’t IPTV but only Coax, then since there is no QAM or DVB-T/C/S tuner in the InnCable™, the TV signal will have to go like normally – through the Coax tuner of the television. However, the experience will still be very similar for the guest. The InnCable™ will be connected on HDMI-1 of the TV and control everything interactive and related to the InnSpire solution. When the guest clicks on TV, or presses the TV-button on the remote, the InnCable™ will tell the TV to switch to Coax, and the TV-channels will be displayed. The InnCable™ will still control everything, such as channel up/down, volume up/down, etc. At any point, the guest can switch back from Coax to the interactive mode (i.e. the InnCable™ on HDMI-1).
Remote-control
The InnCable™ is controlled just like all InnSpire solutions – with your choice of InnSpire remote-control. The InnSpire solutions have an RF (Radio Frequency) input, which allows easy control, and doesn’t require “line of sight”.
The InnSpire remote-control API
Inquire about our optional remote control API in order to integrate control of the InnCable™ into your own App or software. This can eliminate the need for a physical remote-control in the room, and allow for simple navigation through the guests’ own smartphones or tablets.
InnCable™ features
Optimal for InnSpire 3.0
The InnCable™ is optimized for the new InnSpire 3.0 – the most cost-effective and versatile InnSpire solution ever.
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television)
Image Source: Unsplash.com
IPTV for Hotels
Unlike the traditional satellite and cable TV formats, the best IPTV services deliver television content over Ethernet or wireless IP networks, allowing continuous media streaming.
The system includes:
- Live TV channels or streaming
- Time-shifted television
- Video on demand (VOD)
- Recorded movies and TV shows
Hotel IPTV is specifically designed for the hospitality sector. IPTV installation can be cloud-based or on-premises, and it delivers digital content to rooms throughout the property. It allows you to integrate TV with internet access and other services your hotel offers for guests.
You can tailor your IPTV to match your brand voice and make guests feel special, showing personalized content for the individual guest. Welcome screens, special promotions, on-demand video content and billing are only a few of the things you can use IPTV for.
Image Source: Pixabay.com
Hotel IPTV Benefits
The widespread use of broadband connections is one of the reasons why so many people turn to hotel IPTV. The fast 5G internet connection is preferred for high-quality and stable multimedia services. Guests can enjoy immediate access to Electronic Program Guide (EPG), various music and sports channels, video-on-demand services, and live and pre-recorded media, such as TV shows and music.
IPTV is a budget-friendly solution that doesn’t require cables and large hardware consuming in-room space. You can use it with any internet service provider, yet it protects the content by employing reliable security measures. IPTV services are scalable for hotels since you can integrate them with different TV and video sources for a better user experience.
Guests can benefit from:
- Accessing TV, audio and hotel services via the in-room TV
- HD and UHD channels
- Available Video-on-Demand
- Connecting their devices
- Using streaming services
- Ordering room service, booking SPA appointments/tours or checking out
- Easily accessible all-in-one solution for hotel information, services, news, events, gallery and more
Hotels can benefit from:
- Simple installation
- Value-for-money
- Small and compact hardware
- Low power consumption
- Monitoring and tracking problems
- Easy managing and maintaining
- Integrated diagnostics
- Happy hotel guests
Image Source: Pixabay.com
Let Your Small Hotel Become Big
Hotel Internet Protocol Television is suitable for businesses of any size, from small hostels and guest houses to 5-star hotels with countless rooms. The sophisticated IPTV solution delivers hotel guests convenience and full personalization.
Providing your customers with information that might interest them will increase their engagement and your revenue. With IPTV, it’s effortless to promote hotel tours, hotel restaurant amenities, conferences, activities and more.
Your guests will be happy to stay entertained in the comfort of their room, choose TV shows and music according to their preferences and even stream directly from their own mobile devices.
Simple Installation
As one of the best IPTV service providers for hotels, InnSpire developed the IPTV InnCable™ – an Android™ Set-top Box fit inside a cable, making the installation simple and ensuring secure and reliable content delivery. It is a scalable solution that requires only a few minutes to install.
It requires an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection, power and an HDMI outlet. After installing the hardware, you can add or remove software modules such as sales or entertainment.
Image Source: Unsplash.com
FAQs
What is IPTV in Hotels?
IPTV in hotels is an Internet Protocol Television, meaning the television is connected to corporate IP networks (often Ethernet). Hotel head-end systems deliver IPTV content to guest rooms, providing guests with high-quality entertainment and personalization.
Are Hotel TVs Free?
Typically, in-room entertainment services such as a TV are free for hotel guests. However, some hotels might require a fee for specific features.
Hotel IPTV delivers content through the internet, so guests can browse videos on demand, browsing names or categories.
Can You Stream on Hotel Wi-Fi?
Some apps allow streaming if your mobile device and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check if your phone has options such as ‘Screen Cast,’ ‘Smart View,’ or ‘Screen Mirroring.’
How Do I cast to a Hotel TV?
Some hotels restrict the use of casting while others do not. If you can’t use casting with your hotel TV, check if they have IPTV. That way, you can connect your device easily.
Will Chromecast Work in a Hotel?
You can connect a Chromecast to a hotel TV. However, if the hotel is using IPTV and InnCable, you can stream videos and shows on the TV directly from your phone without connecting to Chromecast.
