Dish Network is building new capabilities into its Evolve TV service for hotels that will allow guests to stream Netflix in their rooms, and watch livestreaming TV on mobile devices while connected to the hotel’s Wi-Fi.
Dish says it’s the first major pay TV provider in the U.S. to integrate the Netflix service on a customized hotel TV platform. The integration will let hotel guests subscribe to Netflix or sign into their existing account by accessing the Netflix app via the on-screen TV menu, the linear channel guide or by pressing the Netflix button on the remote control. Then user credentials are automatically removed from the system after guests check out.
For Netflix, the Dish Evolve integration should expand the service’s availability at hotels. Netflix is already available at Marriott International Hotels, Starwood Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels, Best Western Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hyatt Hotels and InterContinental Hotels.
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Dish is also now offering hotels a livestreaming TV service that guests can view for free anywhere on the property. The service is available on devices with web browsers, and the streaming content features 24 channels selected by the hotel.
The company launched its Evolve service—which integrates live linear programming, casting and streaming apps via the Google Play Store—in 2017. Evolve is an Android TV-based platform and includes Bluetooth Low Energy and 4K support.
Evolve already offers access to other streaming apps including Hulu and YouTube.
The whole thing runs atop SmartBox, Dish’s headend video distribution platform for commercial applications. SmartBox is a low-power, free-to-guest TV system and can deliver up to 96 HD channels.