The Best Casting Solution for Hospitality: Chromecast vs Apple TV
For hoteliers, staying ahead in the realm of in-room entertainment is pivotal for providing an unparalleled guest experience. With a plethora of streaming and casting solutions for hotels available, hoteliers are faced with the challenge of choosing the best casting solution for their hotel. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best casting solution for hospitality, featuring popular options like Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, and Apple TV, as well as smart TVs. Important factors that we take into consideration when determining the best casting system for hotels are the cost, compatibility with most streaming services, features, a user friendly interface, customizability, and security of guest credentials. It is important to note that these features are only available with a compatible middleware solution such as OnlyCast.
Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast is the best casting solution for hospitality. Chromecasts are certified by Netflix and are the trusted solution for hotels across the world.
Amazon Fire Stick
Amazon Fire Stick is not the best casting solution.
Apple TV
Apple TV is not the ideal solution for most hotels.
Smart TVs
Hospitality-grade smart TVs are not the best solution for casting.
Roku
Roku is great for home use but not ideal for hospitality.
OnlyCast's hospitality casting solution was designed to work with Google Chromecast and provide a seamless, user-friendly streaming experience for hotel guests.
Roku
What is Roku?
Roku has carved a niche for itself in the streaming world, and it’s the most popular choice for personal use. Roku streaming sticks consistently rank #1 for ease of use, quality of content, and overall customer satisfaction. So how do they hold up as a streaming device in the hospitality industry?
Roku Guest Mode
If you use a Roku device at home, you may not know that Roku streaming sticks come with the ability to program the device to “Roku guest mode”. Roku guest mode is easy to set up and use, but also has its limitations for hospitality use.
Compatibility
Roku devices are compatible with nearly any type of TV with an available HDMI port. This makes them a great choice for personal use.
Convenience
Firstly, Roku accounts only allow 20 devices to be paired, meaning a hotel with multiple guests will have to continually create new Roku accounts. This is not feasible for a busy hotelier. Secondly, switching between streaming and cable TV is not easy in Roku guest mode and often requires the user to login to the cable application with the hotel’s credentials. This is not secure for the hotel.
Customization
Thirdly, the display screen in Roku guest mode is not customizable. The apps cannot be customized, there is no interactive slideshow with hotel information, and no way to display a personalized guest welcome message. A personalized display screen is a chance to greet guests, make them feel valued and welcomed, advertise local attractions, showcase hotel amenities, and give the guests the feeling they are staying in a high-tech, modern facility. The welcome screen is also a great opportunity to encourage guests to book again through a direct booking website.
Support
Fourthly, and finally, there is no dedicated Roku customer support for commercial use, so if any problems arise, the guest or hotel must be able to fix them.
Cost
On a positive note, Roku streaming devices are very affordable, hence their popularity for at-home use.
Is Roku the best casting solution for hospitality?
While Roku streaming sticks are the tried and true choice for at-home use, Roku sticks for hotel use are lacking important features. In the hospitality environment Roku guest mode is not enough to protect guest credentials, they are not customizable and with only 20 devices paired at a time, they are not convenient. Thus, Roku is not the best casting solution for hospitality.
Amazon Fire Stick
What is Amazon Fire Stick?
The Amazon Fire Stick is another popular choice for personal use, with many prime members preferring this option for its easy integration with Prime Video and other streaming platforms. However, when it comes to hospitality use, Fire Sticks are not recommended.
Compatibility
Amazon Fire Sticks are compatible with most TVs, the only limiting factor is whether there is enough space behind the TV for the stick to plug into the HDMI port. Often an HDMI extender cable is required. Additionally, unlike Roku and other streaming devices, Fire Sticks do not have a “guest mode” feature. This means that guest credentials will be saved and seen by the next guest, and if the guest forgets to log out before checkout, other guests have the ability to use their streaming accounts and credentials. This is obviously a huge security issue for guests and hotels.
Convenience
Fire sticks are a convenient choice for prime members and avid watchers of Amazon’s streaming service.
Customization
The devices automatically customize with user information when they log in with their amazon account, however, Fire Sticks do not have a customizable display screen to welcome guests and give them important hotel information.
Cost
Fire sticks are very affordable making them an ideal choice for personal use.
Is Amazon Fire Stick the best casting solution for hospitality?
Due to the device’s limited customization options and lack of privacy of guest credentials,
Apple TV 4K
What is Apple TV?
Known for its sleek design and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, Apple TV is a favored choice among iPhone users.
Compatibility
Like the Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV has no guest mode, meaning a secondary program is required to ensure the privacy and security of guests’ credentials. With a MAC operating system, all apps are available and easy for guests to use and linking with iPhones is seamless.
Convenience
Apple TV is a conveient option for most as it allows for seamless airing and casting woth Apple devices. Considering how many people have iPhones, Apple TV is an obvious choice. However, for android users, Apple TV may not yield as many benefits.
Customization
A secondary program working through Apple TV will be able to provide a customizable display screen, an interactive menu, and automatic guest checkout.
Cost
In some cases, Apple TV is a good choice for hotel casting. However, Apple TV has one major drawback, the price. Apple TV 4K streaming boxes start off at $130 each and only increase in price with added features. Additionally, the secondary program (often a monthly subscription service) can be just as costly; with these programs starting at $10/device/month. It is difficult to justify these costs when there are other options on the market delivering the same features and functions as Apple TV at a fraction of the cost.
Is Apple TV the best casting solution for hospitality?
Apple TV is a good choice for hotels that can afford a more expensive set-top box. Apple TV does allow for customization, guest interactivity, and the ability to clear guest credentials but features one major drawback which is the price. Due to the fact that similar set-top boxes can function similarly at a fraction of the cost, Apple TV is not overall the best casting solution for hospitality.
Google Chromecast and Similar Devices
What is Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast has become synonymous with effortless casting, and its application in the hospitality sector has been transformative. Chromecast allows guests to cast their favorite content directly to the hotel TV, personalizing their entertainment experience. Chromecast in hotels adds a modern and tech-savvy touch to in-room amenities.
Different Chromecast Generations
Since its debut in 2013, Google Chromecast has seen multiple versions, with Gen 2, Gen 3, and Ultra widely used in hospitality for their ease of installation and guest security. However, Google has discontinued the Chromecast Ultra, Gen 3, and more recently, Chromecast with Google TV, making them harder to replace. As a result, we no longer recommend generations before Google TV for hotel use as they are outdated. Fortunately, there are similar, non-Google devices running the same Google TV operating system and offer the same functionality at a lower cost. Many companies also have Chromecast with Google TV available in their inventory or use one of the nearly identical devices on the market.
Want to learn more about the differences between Chromecast generations? Read more.
Compatibility
Google’s most recent generation, Chromecast with Google TV (4K and HD), has some unique features that make it ideal for hospitality. Chromecast with Google TV uses an android operating system, unlike its older counterparts, allowing for increased integration and added features. Google has however, discontinued Chromecast guest mode meaning a secondary solution will be necessary to wipe any stored credentials from the Chromecast between guest stays.
Convenience
While Chromecast with Google TV may no longer be a convenient choice in some areas many providers still have stock of these devices. Additionally, there are many devices that operate nearly identical to Chromecast with Google TV as they still use the Google TV operating system. Although the hospitality technology industry is in a transition between devices, Chromecast with Google TV and similar devices are still highly convenient as it allows for simple and seamless casting or streaming.
Customization
With a secondary program like OnlyCast, more features like a dynamic display screen with an interactive menu are available. Display a personalized welcome message with the guests’ name, provide information about hotel amenities and local attractions, and encourage guests to book through the hotel’s direct booking site on their next stay.
Cost
Chromecast with Google TV is the ideal solution for hospitality, and the best part is that Chromecast with Google TV starts at just $30 with secondary solutions like OnlyCast starting at only $3/device/month. That’s a huge savings compared to Apple TV 4K with virtually identical features and capabilities. The OnlyCast subscription includes advanced customer support, easy to understand instructions, and is now compatible with Google TV.
Is Google Chromecast the best casting solution for hospitality?
We highly recommend Chromecast for hotels, and because whether a large hotel or a small bed and breakfast, the affordability, customizability, and interactivity of Chromecast with Google TV cannot be beat. Chromecast with Google TV is the best casting solution for hospitality and the best casting solution for hotels of any size or scale.
*Customization features only available with hotel casting solution like OnlyCast*
Hospitality Smart TVs
What are hospitality-grade smart TVs?
Hotels with Smart TVs take in-room entertainment to a new level by integrating intelligence into the viewing experience. Hospitality-grade TVs are built specifically for use in hotels. They offer extended warranties, more customization options and enhanced features. Hospitality TVs come equipped with built-in streaming capabilities, often eliminating the need for external devices. The result is a seamless and integrated solution for guests to enjoy a variety of streaming services.
Compatibility
Casting may be available via a built-in device in the TV meaning there is no need to purchase a set-top box. However, depending on the model of TV, a secondary app will be necessary to wipe user credentials. Some hospitality TVs have this software available for an additional monthly fee. Additionally, some smart TVs are not compatible with iPhone casting and since there are millions of iPhone users, this poses a problem.
Convenience
Many guests find it a hassle to enter their credentials with the TV remote for every streaming service, and as such they do not even bother to enter their information onto the hotel TV. They instead opt to use their laptop or phone to watch content instead of dealing with the on-screen keyboard and remote cursor.
Customization
TVs designed for hospitality often come with many unique features tailored to the industry like a customizable start up screen, volume limiting, and low power mode. Many IPTV solutions require new hospitality TVs to facilitate their solution. Hospitality TVs offer customization options specifically designed for the hospitality industry that cannot be found in consumer grade TVs.
Cost
Unfortunately, hotel TVs come with their drawbacks, one of which it price. While the price of smart TVs has been decreasing over the years, hospitality TVs can start at $300 and only increase in price with added features. This is a huge investment for hotels of any size. We have also found that smart TVs are not always guest friendly.
Are hospitality-grade smart TVs the best casting solution for hospitality?
If your hotel has the ability to upgrade, we recommend first determining what features you and your guests require to ensure you get the best model TV for your property. Smart TVs, although a valuable upgrade to any hotel, require extensive planning and financing (cost of TVs, installation, lost occupancy during install, etc.). Since this is not feasible for many hoteliers, we often recommend other options that provide the same high-tech experiences guests are looking for at a fraction of the cost, like Chromecast with Google TV. While smart TVs will add value to hotels, these upgraded TVs with built-in set-top boxes or smart hospitality TVs are not the overall best casting solution for hospitality because they are expensive, and do not protect guest credentials without a secondary software.
Choosing the best casting solution for hospitality
When determining the best casting solution for hospitality, hoteliers should consider factors such as user interface, compatibility with popular streaming services, ease of use, and customization options. For the budget friendly hotel upgrade, we recommend Google Chromecast with Google TV to enhance guest experience and modernize your offerings. If you are looking for a pricier hotel upgrade, we recommend looking into hospitality TVs both smart TVs and standard with an additional casting component to find one that best suits your needs and budget. Overall the clear winner is Chromecast with Google TV, as it offers quality features and services that will enhance guest experience and modernize any property at an agreeable price point. Chromecast with Google TV is widely considered to be the best casting solution for hotels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hospitality industry is witnessing a paradigm shift in in-room entertainment, and providing guests with high-quality streaming and casting options is quickly becoming the standard. That’s why choosing the best casting solution for your hotel is crucial. Whether you lean towards the casting magic of Chromecast, or the all-in-one capabilities of a hospitality smart TV, your upgrade will improve guest experience and optimize hotel room entertainment.
It’s time to embrace the future of hospitality with cutting-edge casting solutions that elevate guest satisfaction to new heights.
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