Hotel Iptv True Unified Communications For Hotels

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HOSPITALITY IPTV True Unified Communications for Hotels
IPTV is the new buzz word in the hospitality sector and with good reason as it opens up a whole new world of interactivity and endless possibilities, which ultimately increases guest satisfaction and if designed correctly, will increase hotel revenue. However according to Wowtels managing director, Pietro Casoar, (www.wowtel-dreamwise.com), the Dreamwise IP unified communications system can provide much more than just TV to hotels. In this article we shall explore some critical elements that can dramatically benefit hotel operators by implementing the Wowtel Dreamwise system.

Lets take a look at some of the key points regarding the current conventional technology used in vast majority of hotels today. Conventional TV systems (Hotel MATV) consist of 2 main features:
A limited number of Live TV channels due to the coaxial cable networks installed
NVOD or Near Video On Demand

the technology falls short of providing any additional information and interactive services that may provide any real benefit to the guest and hotel at the same time. NVOD in itself is quite limited and is more than an inconvenience to guests as it requires them to wait for the movie to start, rather than immediately viewing the movie once the movie purchase has been made, says Mr. Casoar.

Standard MATV Technology

The overwhelming majority of hotels currently use standard MATV systems to provide TV to their guests via RF (radio frequency) equipment and cable called coaxial cable which was invented by Oliver Heaviside way back in 1929. Although the cable is widely used in most hotels and is a legacy technology, it is utilized to provide TV channels, NVOD movies and some promotional media. However according to Mr. Casoar, MATV systems fall short of giving any real interactivity or depth to the hotels communications network. What most people dont realise with current hotel MATV systems is that even though the channels come from a digital source, in 99% of cases the channels are actually converted and broadcast in analogue, thus greatly reducing picture quality, adding probability of interference which most of the time results in snow, thus, amongst so many other factors, basically resulting in a sub-standard service compared to todays high standards. Whereas our Wowtel Dreamwise system works on full digital IP technology, bad picture quality doesnt exist in our systems, says Mr. Casoar.

Conventional TV system shortcomings:
Channels are broadcast in Analogue and in standard definition
No High Definition Channels are possible using analogue
Poor picture quality TV channels
Susceptibility to Interference
Lack of personalization for guests
Limitation of the number of TV channels offered
Incapacity to provide interactive features to guests
No capacity to provide interactive e-commerce or marketing

Why use IPTV over the current analogue Hotel MATV Systems?
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system which Television Channels and Movie content is converted into data and transported through an IP network (a LAN) using either the hotels existing standard copper telephone cables thus eliminating the need for re-cabling or with Fibre Optic or Category 6 cables in new hotels. The digital data is then transported through the IP infrastructure, directly to each room via an IP Set Top Box or IP Television Set and guests can simply access the TV channels and other content using a standard TV remote control. For more advanced usage such as writing documents, emails etc… a wireless keyboard can be used.

What this means is that not only can the hotel now provide 1080p high definition Television and real Video On Demand (VOD), but other technologies such as IP Telephony, Internet and fully interactive promotional services can now be provided to each guest using the same single I.P. network infrastructure thus resulting in reduced cabling and labour costs whilst significantly adding value to the hotels communications system.

What are the highlights that make Wowtel-Dreamwise IP System the best choice?
No limitations on the number of TV channels that can be provided to guests
Provide a comprehensive local and international TV and radio channel line up
True Video On Demand (VOD) with full Play/Pause/Rewind/Fast Forward capabilities
On Demand free movie trailers to encourage movie purchase
Additional local and international Radio Channels (Via satellite and Internet)
Music On Demand (Inc. Music Video) with literally thousands of music titles
Fully customized guest interface and Middleware
Private messaging from front desk to guest
E-commerce and in-house shopping from TV screen
Targeted Direct marketing and Promotions
Full Interactive capability
Personalization services
Online bookings via the TV screen/remote control
Real time weather reports, flight information and other information services
Guests can view their bill before checkout
Full PMS integration for single billing solutions on guest checkout

What are some other services that can be added to the Wowtel-Dreamwise system?
Real time automated IP Security and Monitoring
Hacker detection, Anti-Hacker response and guest protection
24/7 Quality control
IP Telephony and VoIP Communications (including Skype Connectivity)
IP CCTV Security Video Cameras (Including PTZ)
IP Public Address (for security and mood creation requirements)
IP Access Control
IP Intercom
Secure and Encrypted Remote Access
Business applications and Video Games

What are the main benefits for Hotels?
Additional and Increased Revenue Generation
Improved Customer Satisfaction
Immediate Customer Service Response
Interactive Advertising and Promotional Vehicles
Better Market and Hotel Performance Intelligence
Greatly Reduce Printing, Stationary and Operational costs

About the Author:
Andrew Spence is a hotel specialist communications consultant and freelance journalist, with over 35 years experience providing sound advice to the global hospitality / lodging industry.

About Wowtel
Pietro Casoar is the Managing Director of Wowtel and an engineer, who has over 16 years of global experience in the RF and IT industries. He is also the author of several technical papers and presentations relating to RF and IP communications systems. Mr. Casoar is also one of the founders of Wowtel Pty Limited and the Wowtel-Dreamwise system, together with Mr. Vincent Fitzpatrick.

Pietros linkedin profile: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/pietro-casoar/7/165/a61
Wowtel are a manufacturer and provider of full turn-key unified IP communications to hotels, resorts, mining villages, hospitals, retirement villages, serviced apartments, ocean liners, housing estates, government and most major projects. Wowtel operate in the Asian, European and Oceania markets.

Cheap Hotels Perth Avail Cheaper Accommodation in Perth

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Perth is the state capital of Western Australia and today Perth has become one of the most visited and famous holiday destinations among large number of tourists. Whether you have plans to visit Perth for business or holiday purposes, you may have main concern for hotel reservation. But with advancement in technology it is not at a tough job to search cheap hotels Perth.

In Perth you may find a wide range of well constructed hotels that offers all modern facilities and great amenities to its guests. Its excellent amenities may include air conditioned room, television with cable connection, coffee or tea maker, room service, private bathrooms and many more. All Perth hotels prove great hospitality to the tourists along with non-stop best services so that tourists may find their stay relaxed, peaceful and enjoyable.

The cheap hotels Perth is well connected to all major airports of Perth. Some of the best hotels of Perth include big names of Scarborough Observation Resort, Backpackers Inn Freemantle, Grandview B&B, City Stay Apartment Hotel, Mountway Holiday Apartments, The Peninsula, Joondalup City Hotel and many more. All these hotels are classified as budget hotels, family hotels, honeymoon hotels, business hotels and luxury hotels.

One of the excellent ways to get huge discounts on hotel reservation is by booking cheap hotel Perth in advance or in off season when there is less rush of tourists. At that time the prices of hotel rooms is quite low. Moreover, the money saved on accommodation can be used to meet other important purposes when you are in Perth like shopping, eating, hiring car on rent and so forth.

Thanks to the most popular and convenient online medium you can now perfectly avail cheap hotels Perth in an easy, effortless, quicker, safer and reliable manner. Online you may find a cut-throat competition among hotel sites due to which their room prices might fluctuate. For entailing a lower priced hotel deal you are required to make careful comparison. This helps you to get right hotel deal at a right time and at a right price. In this way, without coming out of your home you can book hotel accommodation in an easier way. Online you can even check out last minute hotel deals.

So, make a good research if you wish to save money on hotel reservation by accessing cheap hotels Perth.

Cheap Boston Hotels Staying in Boston the Affordable Way

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Boston is a name that many associate with worldwide repute as an established cultural and academic hub. Walk down the streets of Boston and you will be instantly charmed and fascinated by the quaint architecture, lush greenery in the parks and gardens, historical landmarks, and of course, the most prestigious universities in the world including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

If you decide to explore this incredible city on a budget, you might be wondering if there are many budget accommodation choices in a place where signs of luxury and prestige, including the biggest luxury hotel chains, are prominent everywhere. You will thus be glad to discover a decent range of cheap Boston hotels that are not only value for money, but also provide easy access to the citys many sightseeing, dining, sporting and entertainment options.

Looking for a modestly priced lodging that provides a satisfactory guest experience in Boston? You will certainly not be disappointed by the budget to mid-ranged accommodation you can find throughout the city, as these hotels provide an intimate ambience at an affordable price. The charming character of Boston is certainly reflected in the furnishings and dcor of these hotels, while you can enjoy the comfort and basic amenities that are adequate in leaving you feeling well-rested and ready to continue your exploration of the city.

When planning your trip to Boston, it is best to consult the events calendar as hotel occupancy rates usually rise sharply during certain popular events and festivals such as Independence Day, Patriots Day and the Boston Marathon. As Boston boasts several top universities in the city, it is also to be expected that the graduation weekend towards the end of May will also result in more people streaming into the city to attend the ceremonies, resulting in less available rooms as well.

If you want to get the best rates as well as a room in the downtown hotel of your choice, it is thus especially crucial that you book well in advance if your visit takes place during these time periods. All is not lost if you fail to secure a room however, as there are more cheap accommodation options in the suburban areas of the city which are also well-served by Bostons public transportation network.

One main advantage of Boston is that it is a relatively small city, which makes it easier to explore the various attractions within walking distance of each other. This is why the downtown and Back Bay areas are especially recommended if you would prefer to be located close to these sights. You may be thinking that there may be less cheap accommodation options close to the city centre, but you would be surprised by the diverse types of budget accommodation that exist alongside their more outstanding luxury counterparts. You can find bed and breakfasts, motels and mid-ranged hotels near the city centre which allow you to pick something that suits your tastes and budget.

For business travelers, I especially recommend the downtown area, also known as the financial district, as there are numerous accommodations and business facilities specifically catered to the needs of busy executives. Tourists can choose to stay in either the downtown or Back Bay areas as both locations are well-connected by Bostons public transport network which includes the subway and trolley.

Here, you will also find endless options to keep you well-fed and entertained cafes, restaurants, bars, shopping centres and historical landmarks. Arts buffs can also benefit from staying in these areas as the theatre district is just a stones throw away.

Starwood Hotels To Open New Westin Resort For Punta Cana Holidays In 2013

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Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide is planning to build a new resort in the Dominican Republic after it signed an agreement with development partner Grupo Punta Cana. The Westin Puntacana Resort is expected to open to tourists taking Dominican Republic holidays in late 2013 in the Playa Blanca area of the Puntacana Resort and Club complex.

The new resort will have 204 luxurious rooms including 16 suites, and guests going on holidays to the Dominican Republic can enjoy facilities such as a large swimming pool, full service spa, fitness centre, 24-hour business centre, meeting and wedding rooms, children’s club, walking trails, lobby bar and a poolside grill.

Brian Povinelli, the Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels and Resorts, commented: “The Westin Puntacana Resort is a highly anticipated addition to our growing resorts portfolio, offering travellers a refreshing, island retreat on one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean.

“The new resort will offer all of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to inspire wellbeing and send guests home feeling better than when they arrived.”

During holidays in the Dominican Republic, travellers staying at the new resort will also have access to first-class amenities at the Puntacana Resort and Club, such as championship golf course, nine gourmet restaurants, a Six Senses Spa, a 1,500-acre ecological reserve and three miles of pristine white sand beaches.

The resort is the first of two Dominican Republic hotels that Starwood Hotels and Resorts is planning to open over the year or so. The first property, Four Points by Sheraton Punta Cana Village, is due to open in October, 2012 and is also being developed by Grupo Punta Cana.

Punta Cana is situated on the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean and travellers from all over the world head to the region every year to experience tropical Punta Cana holidays amid stunning natural scenery that is made up of white sand beaches, turquoise ocean waters, lush green landscapes.

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Starwood Hotels and Resorts to be able to share the Puntacana experience with even more travellers as they visit the Dominican Republic,” stated Alberto Abreu, the Executive Director of Hospitality at Puntacana Resort and Club.

He added: “The Westin Puntacana Resort will allow even more visitors from around the globe to experience the one-of-a-kind beaches, weather, and activities available in our country, and at our resort. We look forward to welcoming more guests into the Puntacana family as we move forward with this project.”

Cheap Kerala Holiday and Honeymoon tour Packages – Make Your Choices and Preferences

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Kerala, one of the most exhilarating tourist destination located in the southwestern part of India has successfully maintained unique cultural characteristic with customs, arts and festivals that not simply continue to boom but as well generate a great source of income encouraging tourism. Kerala tour packages include many of exciting touring destinations including backwater, serene beaches, plantations and greenery, beautiful hill stations, houseboat tourism, rejuvenating spa and ayurvedic tour packages, wildlife tour packages, etc. The great thing is that you can easily book a holiday tour packages as per your choice and preferences.

Cheap Kerala holiday and honeymoon tour packages offer you a great opportunity to view the lovely flora and fauna of the state. If you are a wildlife lover, the Wayanad, Periyar, Munnar and Kumarakom bird and Wildlife Sanctuary not only allow you to view different types of birds and animals but as well to enjoy elephant safari.

Kerala tour package include the beautiful hill stations and among all those Munnar is one of the most beautiful and serene one which widely cater the attention of honeymoon couples and holidayers from all around the world. These days the backwater or houseboat cruise packages is the most desirable holiday package and seeked out by both domestic and foreign tourists. The places particularly available for houseboat tourism are Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kochi, and Kottayam etc. You will truly enjoy overnight stay when it cruising through narrow canals and passing through beautiful villages of God’s Own Country-Kerala.

Imperial India tour packages are also perfectly designed to delight honeymooners. If you are a newlywed couple and planning to spend your precious time with each other honeymoon tour packages take you to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations including Kerala, Darjelling, Mount Abu, Manali, Mussorie and more. These destinations easily provide you better accommodation facilities in the form of resorts and good hotels. The rates of the package differ depending upon the destination, your number of days of stay and facilities provided.

The incredible India is truly vast and beautiful and north India being no exception. This part of the country has ample of tourist attractions that assure you some of the best travel destinations. Knowing this fact, north India tour packages provided by travel agencies include some eye-catching destinations like hill stations, snow capped mountains of the Himalayas, deserts of Rajasthan and cultural attractions. The Golden Triangle tour constitutes some of the vibrant cities including Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

As far as hill stations of northern part of the country is concerned, places like Gulmarg, Dehradun, Mussorrie, Mount Abu, Nainital, Ranikhet, Srinagar, Patnitop and Shimla and more offer an ideal summer gateway or for a honeymoon. The major hill stations located in these places as well provide you with vast opportunities for adventure sports like trekking and mountain climbing etc.

Imperial north India tour packages as well include wildlife tourism, desert tourism, hill station and pilgrimage tourism to meet varied desire and taste of people interest.