TV service provider DISH is looking at energy-efficient, in-room entertainment services for hotels. So the satcaster has launched SMARTbox, a satellite TV platform targeted at hotels and hospitality operations and aiming to improve the in-room media experience and reduce costs for operators.

The 3 racks measuring 7-feet tall could be replaced with a single SMARTbox unit built to standard rack-width spacing. It stands 9 inches high. DISH claimed the device, which allows remote monitoring, enables up to a 90% reduction in power consumption and up to a 93% reduction in rack space compared to similar wares. Instead of the industry standard of 12-24 HD channels, the service can provide 36-96 channels in HD and SD with one unit capable of providing HD and SD channels simultaneously.

DISH is working to "create a new trend for delivering TV to the hotel and hospitality industry," Robert Grosz, DISH’s vp, commercial sales told us. Meanwhile, the ability to monitor TV services offsite is critical as it allows the operator to more quickly alert the hotel and resolve any issues with the system, he said, adding that the company looks to customize its offerings to provide both HD and SD analog/digital channels through a hotel in a single unit.

The ability to offer both digital HD and analog SD also makes it easier for hotels to transition to HD, said dir, product mgmt Alistair Chatwin. The goal is to provide "the flexibility to connect varying TVs throughout their facility, including in the guest rooms, lobby ad workout facility," Grosz said. According to DISH, most hotel solutions use modified residential receivers. Smartbox was designed as an enterprise-grade solution.

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