We were told recently by a successful hotelier that no matter what the company name that “Hotel PayTV” is dead. I agree.

I agree because, the TV world is experiencing the most rapid technological change since the advent of colour. Hotel guests, whether business or leisure, are also expecting higher levels of sophisticated technology based on the home entertainment options and innovative personal technology that is already a major part of their daily lifestyles, i.e.: more channels, video on-demand, interactivity. The challenge for the hotel industry is to meet these expectations, taking into account the specifics of the hotel room and the travelling guest.

At home or on the road, users access entertainment via televisions, personal computers, Blackberries and iPhones. But in the hotel room, where the focal point is the television, this screen needs to be the guest’s one-stop source for entertainment and information. The television has become an aggregation interface, providing access to multiple sources, including television programming, video content and the Internet.

In the next few years, hotel guests will continue to expect more from their hotel experience, so hoteliers have to be prepared to give it to them. Non-linear television, with digital video recordings (DVRs) and the ability to pause, rewind or fast-forward television programming is a reality of entertainment expectations. Also, Internet-based content streaming to television screens in hotel rooms is already a favourite of guests in hotels throughout Europe.

But before making sweeping changes to in-room entertainment and information amenities, it is important to take the time to develop a robust and relevant strategy that will not be outdated in just a few months. Don’t use your hotel as a laboratory; research new technologies and create a system that works for you and your clientele.

Even if hoteliers think that Hotel PayTV is dead (the whole market of Pay TV) we, Acentic, are NOT just a Pay TV provider. Most importantly, we are a technology company providing hotels with state-of-the-art digital services. But hoteliers must not get too carried away: Acentic’s research shows that the most watched television program among hotel guests around the world today is still the news.