[Hostlander]

Hi,

We have a 30 bedroom hotel, Freeview will not be coming to our area until mid 2010 but we need to replace a few TV sets.

We need sets to display analogue signals taken from a mix of analogue from an aerial and several satellite boxes.

What technologies do you recommend? I have a Panasonic TX32LMD70 LCD at home which gives a good picture at the hotel, is this around the maximum size we should consider or would 37 or 42 still be good. Assume that our signal distribution is near perfect

For how long are TV's likely to include analogue tuners?

In the long run I would expect us to offer integrated freeview together with several satellite channels.

Thanks,

Robert

[Chris Frost]

I would seriously recommend you talk to a couple of the professional aerial installation companies in your area. Have a look at The Confederation of Aerial Industries Limited web site for details of CAI registered installers in your area.

For TV's I would also consider seeking specialist advice. There are features on Hotel TVs that you won't find on domestic sets, e.g. locking out the tuning menu (v. important), conditional channel access, video on demand, max volume, alarm clock.

On a more practical level, the cabling in your current RF distribution system will probably be fine. The head end distribution gear might need bringing up to spec to deal with handling multiple Sky channels mux'd along side the analogue/Freeview channel bands.

If you are planning the TV upgrade as part of a building refurbishment then it would be a good idea to look at installing a data network and then investigate the possibilities of TV & Video over CAT6. This could allow you to broaden the in-room entertainment choices and hook in a guestlink system for billing and additional services if it is appropriate to your target market.

Regards