TV Connectivity in Hotel Room- Hotels Progressing Toward Integrated Technology

The technological evolvement in tourism is continuous and interconnected with electronic devices, which can be proven by the launch of new Media Suite launched by Phillips. The increased number of hotels and hotel chains offer free WiFi, however, the clients are obliged to use their own electronic devices, such as laptops, Smartphones and tablets. Media Suite makes the life of travelers easier, and their luggage less heavy (no computers necessary).

The new launch of the latest Philips product offers cost saving methods of online services for hotels and their clients without further connection setup boxes, modems and radical changes in replacement of Internet providers.

Hotels and their clients seek for an up to date improved devices. The Media Suite offers great advantages, which can be used by everyone, such as children, teenagers, businessman, elderly people and leisure travelers. The advantage to check news online, weather, download applications, and stay connected on social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. Leisure travelers can gain information about the destination and watch their home country TV online.

Arena, 2011

Additionally, the product can be enhanced and updated as new trends and improvement arrive on the market. Hoteliers demand Media Suite, and it can be seen as the new revolutionary product, which attracts hotels guests.

Simple device as Internet connected TV, operated by a simple remote controller can be successful not only in the hotel industry. The usage of the device is very broad. However, before launching the product, analysis of the importance of such a device was undertaken. The company launched a survey, which concluded that “more than half (55%) of respondents in a pan-European survey of 6,767 travelers, said that they would chose a hotel offering an internet enabled TV service over one which does not. 92% stated they would use NetTV every time they are in a hotel room. The most appealing services to access via the Internet were found to be catch-up TV (39%), news (17%) and weather (11%). In terms of hospitality specific services, city information (39%) is most in demand, followed concierge services (16%) and airport information (10%).” (Arena, 2011).

In our opinion, Media Suite will be attractive for frequent travelers, hotels located at the airports and business oriented hotels. All in one device provides sustainable ways how to relate to clients’ needs and wants during their stay. However, the most important questions we have to ask: is the service of providing such a device included in the hotel room price, or are hotels going to charge additional charges for NetTV? What is the appropriate rate for such a service? As discussed before, more and more hotels increasingly offer WiFi for free, due to the importance of being connected and possibility to compete with other hotels, however, Media Suite is an expensive electronic device located in multiple (all) hotel rooms, gathering numerous differentiated services.

Please feel free to post any comments, we will be glad to discuss any of your opinions about the device and new upcoming trends.

Maria Hunova & Sylvain Sevenier

Key Words: Media Suite, Phillips, Technology, Internet, Improvement, Hospitality, Hotels

Arena. (2011). Philips launches MediaSuitee TVs giving today’s hotel guests, tomorrow’s connectivity. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://www.arena-international.com/philips-launches-mediaSuitee-tvs-giving-todays-hotel-guests-tomorrows-connectivity/609.article