PPDS renews strandhotel Georgshöhe's TV system with Philips MediaSuite

This luxurious German hotel and spa has completed with PPDS a major update to the television system, with the installation of 183 Equipment Philips MediaSuite, that the guest can control from their mobile phone.

As part of a major modernization program, Strandhotel Georgshöhe, one of the best spas and four-star hotel in Germany, located in front of its north coast, on the island of Norderney, is a popular destination to relax and unwind, thanks to its variety of health and wellness and stunning sea views.

To maintain your high level of service, its managers have carried out a project to modernize its television system, for which they have counted on the German audiovisual integrator Avara AG, PPDS Partner, to design and install a state-of-the-art, future-proof TV solution.

One of the key requirements for deploying the TV solution was that it provided guests with the ability to choose and control how and when to access their preferred TV and entertainment channels and services..

In addition, as a result of the pandemic and the establishment of stricter and safer hygienic measures, hotel managers were looking for a system that would limit physical interactions with television with a predominantly digital experience., and thus reduce possible contact and fear of the spread of germs, harmful bacteria and viruses.

The new television system of Strandhotel Georgshöhe offers an extensive entertainment program in all rooms, including access to all favorite streaming services and apps, while allowing guests to control their TVs with their own personal device, ensuring safety and hygiene.

For this project, those responsible for the hotel and Avara have trusted the audiovisual multinational PPDS with the selection of the range of professional TVs Philips MediaSuite, that have been installed in the 130 rooms of this establishment.

Personalized services

In total they have been installed 180 Televisions 4K UHD Philips MediaSuite, in sizes from 32" to 50", designed exclusively to enhance the viewing experience in the rooms and throughout the hotel complex, with the integration of a complete linear and non-linear entertainment offer.

In addition to the traditional local and international channels, Philips MediaSuite TVs are the first for hospitality to incorporate Chromecast as standard and designed with a SoC Android, as they point out from the company.

In this sense, strandhotel Georgshöhe guests can also enjoy access to all their favorite streaming services, how Netflix, Disney+, Spotify and YouTube, directly on the big screen. They also have access to thousands of apps through the store. Google Play, including games, news and weather channels, and many more.

As he explains Elke Winkler, Key Hospitality TV Account Manager at PPDS, "although it is not the main objective of the holidays, the role of television has become a fundamental part of the hotel experience, especially at the end of the day, when people want to relax and unwind. This is where the quality of that experience can be the difference between a four- and five-star review.. Just check trip advisor to see what I mean.".

No doubt, viewing habits have evolved significantly in recent years, as many people prefer to access their content through streaming services, like Netflix, "That Philips MediaSuite TVs incorporate exclusively," says Winkler.. It is essential that hotels like Strandhotel Georgshöhe are able to adapt to those experiences., either through Chromecast or dedicated or built-in apps, while still accommodating those who prefer a traditional television schedule. With our teams, guests get the best of all worlds for a seamless experience".

Hygiene and safety

To respond to hotel hygiene requirements related to COVID-19, guests can now control and manage their TVs in the room from their own mobile phones via GuestConnect, PPDS's cloud-based remote control application.

Another alternative option to TV remote controls, often difficult to clean and widely used in hotels, is to offer guests a QR code at the time of registration that, once scanned with your mobile device's camera, allows them to control the TV in their room during their stay.

This option is also safe, as it complies with the GDPR regulations, to which it is added that it does not require the download of the application, user data is not retained and it is automatically disconnected once guests leave the hotel.

The latest generation of Philips MediaSuite TVs also incorporates the Google Voice Assistant, that allows guests to control their TV, such as volume adjustment, opening popular applications and receiving local updates, via voice commands.

As part of PPDS' commitment to deliver "extended shelf life" in its products, the new features, including the latest security patches, will also be available as part of future Android software updates, ensuring that TVs perform like the latest models.

In addition, all room information can be fully digitized, offering guests real-time information about their stay and access to restaurant menus, among other possibilities.

For its part, hotel staff can customize the content of each room from a central location through the unique platform PPDS CMND, ensuring that each guest receives offers and information relevant to the property's services, as well as offering a more personalized experience, such as welcome messages.

Jeroen Verhaeghe, international business manager professional TV at PPDS, "Room hygiene has never been so important or so scrutinized by hotel guests and has never been more difficult for hoteliers. The remote control of the TV is, historically, one of the dirtiest and most used elements in the hotel room, coming into contact with thousands of hands throughout his life. It is also traditionally one of the most difficult to clean.".

For this reason, "We have introduced GuestConnect," adds Verhaeghe., giving that little extra level of control and peace of mind to guests who want it, with the history and health of those who have used their own device, probably limited to themselves and their family".

for Matthias Pohl, CEO of Avara, "Philips MediaSuite TVs have provided an ideal combination of innovative technology and menu navigation., easy to use for hotel staff, as well as for its guests".

Advantages of Philips MediaSuite at a glance

• GuestConnect: guests can fully manage the TV in the room using their personal devices, no need to download an additional app: just scan a QR code to access instantly.
• Built-in Chromecast: guests can stream their personal content on the big screen without the need for additional hardware or software, ensuring easy transmission and device security.
• Netflix: it is possible to enjoy the comfort of home entertainment at the touch of a button, making viewing this platform instant and intuitive directly on the TV.
• Personalized content: MediaSuite and CMND allow hotel staff to create and deploy personalized content in rooms, including personalized information for the guest, hotel services, menus of restaurants and tourist attractions.
• Easy updates: hotel and Avara staff can easily update content and software via CMND, saving the establishment time and money.
• Paperless rooms: the hotel information folder has been replaced by digital content displayed on the large screen, allowing guests to access the latest information, while minimizing clutter and environmental impact.

Equipment installed at Strandhotel Georgshöhe

• 38 MediaSuite 32HFL5114/12 32" TVs
• 91 MediaSuite 43HFL5114U/12 43" TVs
• 3 MediaSuite 43HFL6114U/12 43" TVs
• 51 50" MediaSuite 50HFL5114U/12 TVs

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