A satellite master antenna television (SMATV) or community access television (CATV) can be of great help in a free atmosphere for guests. These systems are typically referred to when a hotel, hospital, or large multi-housing complex needs television service from a satellite provider such as DIRECTV and DISH Network or a cable company such as Time Warner and Charter Communications. Also known as Headend, these systems are ideal for large businesses and properties because the equipment works within the buildings’ own infrastructure.
Today, these systems can be found in hotels, hospitals, casinos, prisons, and nursing homes or virtually anywhere there is a multiple dwelling unit. The video signal is commonly sent through a distribution network to each monitor or television. The service can usually be accessed with the remote control of the television in the room.
Two forms of service are usually distributed in each room.
Free service for guests may include:
Up to 100 channels
Cable or satellite programming
local stations
Digital standard or high definition
Cable and satellite services are generally free to guests, as additional charges are not passed on directly to the consumer. Second, interactive television is commonly used as an interface medium that stacks with cable or satellite channels for unforgettable in-room entertainment.
Interactive services may include:
Hotel or hospital welcome screen
Hotel or Hospital Services – Bill Summary, Check Out, Room Service, Laundry, etc.
Information channel showing news, weather and local information
video on demand
Internet, messaging and email
Video games and fun activities
Applications such as Twitter, Facebook and other social networks
Internet TV or rental services like Netflix and Hulu
Option to buy hotel services, products and services
Common SMATV and CATV Signal Distribution Configurations
L band: requires a decoder for each room, no modulation needed
Pro:Idiom – Distributes high definition over digitally encrypted coaxial cable to flat screen monitors
IPTV: Internet Protocol Television delivered over the Internet
FTA – free to air from local towers
Today, most hotels and hospitals are only wired with coaxial cables. A headend television system can be distributed via coaxial cables via L-band or audio and video modulation must be considered for the system. Modulation will be needed for SMATV, CATV and Pro-Idiom Technologies.
Programming options include standard and/or high definition channels including: local stations, news, kids, entertainment, lifestyle, Latino, learning, movies, music, and sports. Monthly charges are generally based on delivery count. When you choose a programming lineup, it’s the type of channels you want to show that determines the package price. For example, let’s say you want local stations, movies, and sports. The package price is $5 per drop. If you drop movies, the pack would cost $2 less per monthly drop, even though that’s the same number of drops as your money saved each month. Take the final price of the package and multiply it by the number of cancellations (beds or rooms) and your figure will equal the price per month, less taxes.