Reflecting on 13 years as CEO of Streamvision, I’ve seen a remarkable transformation in in-room entertainment. Our journey from a small start-up to a leader in hospitality technology is a testament to our innovation.
In the early days, hotel entertainment was basic, with slow internet, old TVs, and limited channels. PayTV, driven by sports content, was a novelty. As Streamvision entered the market, IPTV began changing the game. Integrating digital services like weather updates and messaging into guest room screens was a leap forward, but early challenges included limited data cabling and a nascent understanding of IPTV.
Hotels soon adapted, incorporating data cabling into new constructions. This allowed us to enhance our offerings, digitising pay-per-view movies and integrating live services and in-house systems like Property Management Systems (PMS) and Point of Sale (POS). This shift improved guest experiences, connectivity, and created new revenue streams.
The arrival of high-bandwidth, low-cost internet transformed the industry again. Free internet became standard, pushing hotels to find new revenue sources, like advanced TV portal services. Today, guests expect free internet, PayTV, movies, and streaming services like Apple Airplay and Google Chromecast. Hotels are now cancelling subscription content services, finding cost savings that outweigh previous revenue losses.
Looking ahead, the trend is towards single-screen aggregation of subscription services, high guest interaction with in- room TVs, and opportunities for hotel operators to promote their brand and create new sales opportunities. A streaming-only approach is emerging, with smart vendors integrating seamlessly into this landscape.
The future holds even more exciting developments. Smart rooms with integrated controls and environmental sensors, integration with personal accounts like Microsoft or Google, and AI-enhanced communication between guests and hotel operators are on the horizon. AI’s role in content creation is especially promising, potentially allowing instant generation of personalised content.
In summary, the future of technology in hospitality is exhilarating. At Streamvision, we’re excited to be at the forefront of these advancements, continuously driving innovation to enhance guest experiences.
Greg Bassine
CEO & Founder
