Technology Challenge

In the heart of Prague, where modernity meets history and luxury meets authenticity, there is an extraordinary hotel project that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional accommodation – The Viaduct hotel.

This is a place where the best boutique hotels combine with other unique forms of accommodation, creating an exclusive, luxurious and comfortable enclave close to the historic center of Prague.

The hotel is equipped with the latest multimedia technologies – access to high-speed Internet and a guest service system with an application on tablets placed in the rooms.

When designing the television system, the focus was on streaming services, completely abandoning traditional linear television. TV sets with a wide range of streaming applications were purchased. Therefore, during the renovation of the facility, the traditional antenna network based on coaxial cable was abandoned and replaced with category 5/6 structured cabling.

 

Guest verification

However, it quickly turned out that guests also required traditional television in their rooms. Both local channels received from terrestrial transmitters and satellite channels in many languages. In the case of an existing LAN infrastructure, IPTV television would be a natural choice.

However, the purchased TV sets, despite a large number of Internet applications, did not support this technology. Active elements of the LAN network – switches – were also not adapted to IPTV. The lack of support for IGMP technology prevented the use of multicasts in the network. And expensive replacement of recently purchased equipment was out of the question.

 

LAN Cabling – DVB-T Signal Transmission Alternative to IPTV

The challenge faced by The Viaduct hotel was to modernize the television system without the need to costly replace the equipment with one compatible with IPTV technology and with minimal disruption to the structure of the building.

Transmitting a DVB-T digital television signal in category 5 or 6 cables is a big challenge, requiring both technical knowledge and experience in the field of telecommunications. Engineers must not only understand the subtleties involved in the signal transmission characteristics of such a medium, but also ensure that the system can handle high-quality video and audio without loss of quality.

 

 

This task requires a thorough analysis of the network infrastructure, precise planning and the use of specialized devices compatible with modern data transmission technologies. Specialists from iBeeQ, specializing in innovative telecommunications solutions for hotels, performed a series of measurements and tests to understand how to best use the existing infrastructure.

 

Efficiency and low financial outlays: The key to success

The passive television distribution system via LAN cabling proposed by engineers from iBeeQ is an innovative solution that allows the transmission of television signals in buildings using the existing network infrastructure. This method is particularly beneficial in places where modernization or installation of new antenna cabling would be expensive or technically complicated. This system uses passive network components, which means it does not require external power to transmit the signal.

 

Key elements of a passive television distribution system:

 

1. Use of existing LAN infrastructure: The system is based on category 5/6 cables, which are standardly used in LAN networks. This allows you to transmit DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial), DVB-C (Digital Video Broadcasting – Cable) or DVB-S (Satellite) television signals without the need for additional cabling.
2. Signal converters: The devices convert the TV signal into a LAN-compatible format, which enables its transmission over structured cabling. On the receiving side, converters convert the signal back to TV format.
3. Passive network components: Passive components such as patch panels, splitters and network sockets are used to distribute the signal and do not require electrical power. This allows for simple and effective signal distribution throughout the facility.
4. Signal range and quality: Thanks to the use of digital technology, the quality of the television signal is high, and the system allows the signal to be distributed over long distances without significant loss of quality.
5. Ease of installation and scalability: The system can be easily installed using existing network infrastructure, which significantly reduces implementation costs. Moreover, it is scalable, which means that it can be expanded as needed by adding additional signal distribution points.

 

A passive TV distribution system via LAN cabling is a modern and economical solution, ideal for hotels, hospitals, office buildings or residential complexes that want to offer access to digital TV without the need to carry out expensive and invasive installation works.

 

Thanks to the use of DVB-T technology, guests of The Viaduct hotel gained access to a rich programming offer, which significantly improved the standard of hotel services provided. iBeeQ, a distributor of technologically advanced Axing headends, installed one of them in The Viaduct hotel. This allowed the program offer to be expanded to include international channels, providing foreign guests with content in their native language.

This unprecedented approach not only increased guest satisfaction, but also strengthened the hotel’s market position as an innovation leader.

 

Seamless Integration and Competitive Advantage

The implementation of the project without any construction works and maintaining the hotel’s operational continuity proves that innovative solutions can be introduced efficiently and effectively. The Viaduct Hotel, using low-cost TV modernization and innovative telecommunications solutions, has gained a competitive advantage by offering guests the highest quality services.

 

 

“Thanks to the professionalism and innovative approach of iBeeQ, we managed to complete the project without the need to costly replace the equipment with devices compatible with IPTV technology and without interfering with the structure of our historic building. What might seem to be a big technological challenge – transmitting a DVB digital television signal T in cat. 5 or 6 cables – was made with incredible precision and efficiency – said the hotel manager. The passive television distribution system via LAN cabling enabled the expansion of the programming offer to include international channels, which was warmly welcomed by our foreign guests. Their satisfaction with the opportunity to watch content in the native language directly translates into positive opinions and increased loyalty to our hotel.”

 

Summary: Revolution in Hotel Television

The modernization of the television system at The Viaduct is an example of how the right technology can transform hotel services, increasing guest satisfaction while reducing operational costs. Thanks to iBeeQ’s strategic approach, the knowledge and experience of its engineers and the use of existing cable infrastructure, The Viaduct has proven that innovation and efficiency can go hand in hand with cost reduction, setting a new standard in the hotel industry.