La migliore soluzione di casting per l'ospitalità: Chromecast vs. Apple TV
Per gli albergatori, rimanere all'avanguardia nel campo dell'intrattenimento in camera è fondamentale per offrire un'esperienza unica agli ospiti. Con una miriade di soluzioni di streaming e casting per hotel disponibili, gli albergatori si trovano di fronte alla sfida di scegliere la migliore soluzione di casting per il loro hotel. In questa guida completa, esamineremo la migliore soluzione di casting per l'ospitalità, includendo opzioni popolari come Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick e Apple TV, oltre ai televisori intelligenti. I fattori importanti che consideriamo per determinare il miglior sistema di casting per hotel sono il costo, la compatibilità con la maggior parte dei servizi di streaming, le funzionalità, un'interfaccia intuitiva, la personalizzazione e la sicurezza delle credenziali degli ospiti. È importante notare che queste caratteristiche sono disponibili solo con una soluzione middleware compatibile come OnlyCast.
Google Chromecast
Google Chromecast è la migliore soluzione di casting per l'ospitalità. I Chromecast sono certificati da Netflix e sono la soluzione di fiducia per hotel in tutto il mondo.
Amazon Fire Stick
Amazon Fire Stick non è la migliore soluzione di casting.
Apple TV
Apple TV non è la soluzione ideale per la maggior parte degli hotel.
Smart TV
Le smart TV di livello ospitalità non sono la migliore soluzione per il casting.
Roku
Roku è ottimo per uso domestico, ma non è ideale per l'ospitalità.
La soluzione di casting per l'ospitalità di OnlyCast è stata progettata per funzionare con Google Chromecast e offrire un'esperienza di streaming fluida e intuitiva per gli ospiti dell'hotel.
Roku
Che cos'è Roku?
Roku si è ritagliata una nicchia nel mondo dello streaming ed è la scelta più popolare per l'uso personale. I dispositivi di streaming Roku si classificano costantemente al primo posto per facilità d'uso, qualità dei contenuti e soddisfazione complessiva del cliente. Quindi, come si comportano come dispositivo di streaming nell'industria dell'ospitalità?
Modalità ospite di Roku
Se utilizzi un dispositivo Roku a casa, potresti non sapere che i dispositivi di streaming Roku offrono la possibilità di programmare il dispositivo in "modalità ospite di Roku". La modalità ospite di Roku è facile da configurare e usare, ma presenta anche alcune limitazioni per l'uso nell'ospitalità.
Compatibilità
I dispositivi Roku sono compatibili con quasi tutti i tipi di TV dotati di una porta HDMI disponibile. Questo li rende una scelta eccellente per uso personale.
Comodità
In primo luogo, gli account Roku consentono di associare solo 20 dispositivi, il che significa che un hotel con molti ospiti dovrà continuamente creare nuovi account Roku. Questo non è fattibile per un albergatore impegnato. In secondo luogo, passare dallo streaming alla TV via cavo non è facile in modalità ospite Roku e spesso richiede che l'utente acceda all'applicazione via cavo con le credenziali dell'hotel. Questo non è sicuro per l'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.
Compatibilità
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.
Comodità
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.
Compatibilità
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.
Comodità
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.
Compatibilità
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.
Comodità
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.
Compatibilità
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.
Comodità
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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