How to Select the Best Chromecast Solution for Hotels

If you are looking for the best Chromecast solution for hotels, it is important to first understand the changing needs of guests. Gone are the days when hotel guests were satisfied with the selection of local and premium live channels you had to offer. Now, they bring their own content on their laptop, tablet, or phone. Research shows that they want their devices to work seamlessly with on-premises technology. Hotel managers are looking for the best solution to creating loyal and happy guests. That means making it possible for guest to stream content to their in-room TV from their device.

One of the most effective ways to allow guests to stream content is by using Google Chromecast devices. However, there are now multiple solutions for using these Google devices. Choosing the right one will save you time and money and create the best possible experience. When selecting the best solution for your property, you need to consider three things: the solution’s support for Chromecast with Google TV, the typology of the casting setup, and what remote guests will need to control their streaming experience.

Does the solution support Chromecast with Google TV or only Gen3 Chromecast Devices?

In 2020, Google made a big move from the Generation 3 Chromecast to the new Chromecast with Google TV. This was a significant upgrade taking the Chromecast from a simple device for casting to a robust streaming device with a dedicated remote. The new Chromecast with Google TV offers some features that work exceptionally well in hotel settings. The devices offer custom slideshows, custom videos, built-in apps, and even customizable guest interfaces that can be tailored around holidays, seasons, and other events.

While the features available with the new devices can significantly improve the guest experience, this only works if your streaming solution works with the newer Chromecast. While OnlyCast Supports both Chromecast with Google TV and the older Gen 3 devices, not all solutions do. This is a critical point to consider when looking for the best Chromecast solution for hotels.

This can be an issue that goes beyond limited features since the older Generation 3 models are no longer in production. It is already difficult to find these older models, and it will soon be impossible. Chromecast with Google is still available through OnlyCast and other outlets. Also, OnlyCast is compatible with devices made by other brands, and these devices may even be less expensive than Chromecasts.

Since some OnlyCast users still have some Generation 3 Chromecast models as part of their system, OnlyCast continues to support them. However, since they are outdated and no longer available, they are not ideal for new installations.

What is the Topology of the Casting Setup?

If you are searching for the best Chromecast solution for hotels, you need to consider the typology of the setup and how it works with your current hotel entertainment infrastructure. There are two main typologies: centralized and decentralized.

Centralized Casting Solutions

Many hotel managers are drawn to centralized casting solutions that maintain a few casting devices in a central location like the hotel’s server room. On the surface, this is an attractive solution. It requires less hardware than other solutions. It also requires fewer support calls to guest rooms since there is no hardware in individual rooms.

However, there are some major drawbacks to consider. First of all, these systems do not typically allow for enough Chromecasts for the entire hotel. There may be 15-20 devices for hotels with 100+ rooms. If more than 20 guests want to cast at a time, they will not be able. Second, this solution still requires some way to distribute the content to the individual rooms, such as IPTV. This typology may the best Chromecast solution for hotels that already have a robust IPTV system and are just looking to add casting as a feature but may be impractical for properties looking for new installations.

De-centralized Casting Solutions

The best Chromecast solution for hotels, in most cases, is a decentralized casting solution like the one offered by OnlyCast. This means placing a Chromecast device in each room. While it does require more equipment, it provides the most convenient and flexible solution for management and guests. With a dedicated device, every room in the hotel can cast at the same time. Every room can also have a custom guest display powered by the Chromecast.

While the decentralized casting solution is often the best Chromecast solution for hotels, it has some possible drawbacks if not supported by a dedicated casting solution like OnlyCast. First of all, the devices need to be set up properly so that guests cannot see and access the casting devices in other rooms. OnlyCast ensures guests can only access their room’s dedicated device. There are also other security concerns. Steps must be taken to deter theft of the devices and to ensure guests cannot perform a factory reset on the devices. Fortunately, Chromelocks are available to secure the devices and keep them from walking off or being reset.

Best Chromecast Solution for Hotels: What Remote Will Guests Need to Use?

You can have the greatest Chromecast streaming solution in your hotel, but your guests won’t be satisfied if you don’t get the remote controls right. Unless you are using a solution like OnlyCast, offering your guests access to the advanced features of devices like the Chromecast with Google TV requires a dedicated remote. This would normally mean having two remotes in the room, one for the TV and one for the Chromecast, which is not ideal.

The remotes that come with Chromecast with Google TV use Bluetooth instead of the traditional infrared (IR). Home users enjoy the Bluetooth connection since it doesn’t require a line of sight to the Chromecast, but this can cause trouble in hotel environments. Bluetooth remotes need to be paired to devices. These pairings can fail, requiring a service call to the guest room for re-pairing. Bluetooth connections also drain batteries significantly faster than traditional IR remotes, again leading to more service calls.

Even if you ignore the extra complexities that come from using the original Chromecast remote, there is still the problem of needing a remote to operate the TV. Two remotes in each room double the number of problems, such as lost and broken remotes. Most guests, staying just one or two nights, don’t want the additional hassle of figuring out two different remotes just to stream their content.

Fortunately, OnlyCast uses one remote to control both the TV and the Chromecast. The CastRemote uses a special relay to convert its more traditional IR control into Bluetooth to control the Chromecast. This means longer battery life and no chance of unpairing, which means fewer service calls. It also has a simple, easy-to-use design with a designated casting button, making it easy for guests to switch from regular TV to casting.

OnlyCast: The Best Chromecast Solution for Hotels

Avoid extra complexity for you and your guests. Learn more about how you can improve your guest experience and reduce service calls with OnlyCast. Visit www.onlycast.tv