At HITEC Toronto, DISH Business introduced its OnStream platform and LG Electronics showcased Apple AirPlay on its hotel TVs as the first provider to offer the service in guestrooms.
DISH Business launches OnStream platform
DISH Business has debuted OnStream, a Platform as a Service (PaaS) that delivers content to TV screens, displays and mobile devices to power custom digital experiences for hotel management, staff and guests. With an intuitive, fully customizable user interface, OnStream makes it easy for hoteliers to build and deploy the technology across their properties.
OnStream offers numerous features through TV screens, including seamless access to streaming and linear TV content; a streamlined departure with digital check-out; and menus for onsite dining options. Guests are able to easily request linens, housekeeping, room service and other amenities right from their TV.
“As the hospitality industry evolves, DISH Business is committed to staying ahead of the curve,” said Kris Singleton, SVP, DISH Commercial Business. “Travelers increasingly expect to have access to entertainment and the technological comforts of home while on the go. OnStream provides guests with an experience while offering hotels the opportunity to stand out from competitors.”
DISH Business’ technology connects TVs to the hotel’s back-end systems, including property management systems (PMS), allowing it to power convenient self-service actions. Hotels will have the opportunity to unlock new revenue streams with on-screen advertising for property-centric dining, shopping, spas, special events, casinos and more. Additionally, OnStream will soon tap into loyalty data to personalize guest offers.
With features such as native casting, built-in third-party streaming apps and cross-channel search, OnStream makes it easy to find live, streaming and on-demand content across in-room TVs and personal devices.
LG brings Apple Airplay to hotel room TVs
LG Electronics has introduced the world’s first commercial television sets to feature Apple AirPlay technology support for hotels, offering guests a seamless and secure way to share content from their iPhone or iPad to their guestroom TV.
Michael Kosla, hospitality VP, LG Business Solutions USA, said AirPlay will be available to guests on LG Pro: Centric Smart Hotel TVs starting later this year at select properties.
“This is a major advancement for in-room entertainment in the travel and hospitality industry, and underscores how closely we are listening to the needs of consumers who increasingly demand simple access to their personal media options on the biggest screen, wherever they are,” Kosla said. “Hotels that offer this feature will have an immediate leg up with travelers who use Apple devices, boosting guest satisfaction while providing real differentiation from local competition.”
LG Electronics and Apple worked together to ensure that AirPlay will be as easy to use as when at home. Guests will connect their iPhone or iPad securely to the LG smart hotel TV by simply scanning a unique QR code. With no logins or passwords to remember and no separate app to download, this will be the simplest way for a hotel to enable guests to access their personal entertainment apps and accounts on the big screen in their room.
LG is the first display manufacturer to confirm AirPlay integration following Apple’s announcement at the company’s WWDC23 event last month revealing that AirPlay will be available in hotels.
Hotel operators will be able to start offering AirPlay capability on LG smart hotel TVs later this year. AirPlay capability will be available on 2023 LG smart hotel TVs and on recent year’s models.
