REINVENTING INTERACTIVE TV

An interviw with Managing Director of VDA, Alberto Vuan

Connectivity, price and mobility become key issues in the decision making process as the demands for technology, service and customizable options of travelers change and hotel business models evolve. Hoteliers are seeking adaptive solutions that meet with their budgets and fit the new “tech paradigm”. We asked VDA Managing Director Alberto Vuan how his company is meeting this challenge.

VDA MD, Alberto Vuan

When it comes to interactive TV systems, we have changed our mission. We are offering a “TV Everywhere” concept for hotels, so that they can establish TV-based communications with their guests before, during and after their stay. PowerTV ONAIR enables hoteliers to expand their relationship with the guest, keeping the communication channels open through mobile devices after the guests. I believe we have “reinvented” interactive TV technology, moving all the apps and software into the cloud. What was once common to install a head-end component in each hotel and run through a classic set top box is now based in a centralized server. This has meant a complete redesign of the in-room box, which is capable, thanks to our “on air” technology, to work with or without a Cat 5 cable (by using the hotel’s Wi-Fi Network), and with any consumer TV equipped with HDMI cable with CEC 1.3 protocol.

The other important change – a small evolution in our business model – is that we have embedded into the box a real WiFi access point that generates a personal “WiFi bubble” in each room, enabling enhanced connectivity for the guest. The box also includes a connectivity feature, capable of receiving all the multimedia content stored in the guest’s mobile device and play it on the TV wirelessly. Another factor that increases the added value is the inclusion in the box of other wireless protocols: Zigbee and Z-wave, it is simple to put in-room controls on line, such as thermostats or even door locks without having to install heavy infrastructure, using our in-room box as a gateway.

Much like telecom companies, we are working with a new business model that is evolving with the hospitality industry. A hotel can “buy out” the technology and gain revenues from it, or on the other hand we can make customized solutions wherein the hotel pays a monthly fee to access the services. The price is also dramatically lower than it was in the past. For example the entry level cost for PowerTV ONAIR network for tablets and TV is charged per room per month for the guests tablet network (not including the monthly cost related to the PowerTV Box), meaning a hotel with 100 rooms only saves more per room per month for the service. Another important change is that there are no more five to seven year contracts, but the contract is, in our case, one year. After the first twelve months, the hotel can stop when they want. This approach is simpler and more cost effective for the Hotel who can monitor the results in real time also in terms of new revenues generated before the guest's arrival and during guest's stay.

Source: http://www.vdavda.com/documenti/SMR_H_WW_N16_p23%20(3).pdf

For more information please visit:

http://www.powertvonair.com/

http://www.hotelonair.it/eng/index.htm

or contact:

info_thailand@vdavda.com