sponsored content
In-room entertainment changes the channel
Letting guests choose when , where and how to watch preferred programming is a potent loyalty driver .
Whether watching network news or streaming a favorite sitcom , the pandemic made robust in-room entertainment an even more critical offering as travelers sought comfort in the safety of their rooms . Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of in-room entertainment is daunting , but having a trusted provider helps . HOTELS brought together Sam Kapadia , general manager , The Sheraton Mahwah , New Jersey , and Amir Ahmed , senior vice president of sales , DISH Business , to dig into the state of in-room entertainment and where it ’ s headed .
Sam Kapadia : How have entertainment expectations changed ?
Amir Ahmed : Recent studies show that the average household has four subscription streaming services . At home , people can watch a streaming service or live TV when and where they choose , but that often isn ’ t the case when they check into a hotel . We know replicating every at-home experience isn ’ t possible but making it easy for guests to watch their favorite programming is an impactful way to increase engagement and loyalty . Giving guests multiple ways to access their favorite apps through casting , pairing or logging in increases the likelihood that they ’ ll be able to watch what they want , when and where they want .
SA : How can hoteliers meet these expectations without an unmanageable expenditure ?
AA : The technology to deliver an integrated entertainment experience for hotel guests has evolved , becoming more affordable and accessible . It ’ s no longer only limited to huge brands or luxury properties . Advances in video delivery platforms , like SMARTBOX 2 by DISH Business ( available this October ) will make these experiences more widely accessible . SMARTBOX 2 will offer up to 192 live HD channels and twice the efficiency of SMARTBOX — all at a more affordable price .
SK : Are streaming services replacing traditional TV watching ?
AA : The use of subscription streaming services has increased , but that varies widely by demographic ; for tens of millions of households , streaming is a supplement to live TV and not a replacement . According to a recent study by Enseo , TV viewing by hotel guests was up almost 50 % in August 2020 compared to the previous year with streaming services showing a larger increase than traditional TV , though both were up significantly . The on-demand nature of streaming is convenient , but guests still want to watch live news and sports . We believe that the best experience provides the most options with an intuitive interface to simplify discovery .
SK : What ’ s the next big thing in in-room entertainment ?
AA : Entertainment options will continue to expand ; we ’ ll regularly see streaming services enter and leave the market , which highlights the importance of finding a solution that is built to be flexible . I also believe we ’ ll continue to see a convergence of guest entertainment and connectivity . The TV continues to play a critical role in entertainment , but I think it will likely also play a bigger role in guest engagement with property amenities and even smart products . The best way to prepare is to find a great partner that can help you navigate the technology options of today and tomorrow . dish . com / hotels