To help support the reopening of hotels around the globe, Philips Professional Display Solutions is excited to announce the launch of GuestConnect – a brand-new health and hygiene inspired cloud-based remote control that allows guests to control their in-room MediaSuite TV with their own mobile device.
As part of strict new government rules around health and safety for hoteliers, the new dedicated app from Philips PDS has been designed specifically to help reduce the potential spread and transmission of COVID-19 and other harmful germs and bacteria.
According to a study, the TV remote is often found to be the most contaminated item found in a hotel room – containing up to 2,000 percent more bacteria and yeast than a toilet seat, due to regular use from hundreds if not thousands of different people. It is recommended TV remotes used at home should be cleaned at least once a month. New government advice for hotel housekeeping recommends a heightened focus on the cleaning of all hand contact surfaces in rooms, including, but not limited to, light switches, bedside tables and remote controls.
The new PPDS GuestConnect app, compatible with 5014 and 6014 Google-certified Philips MediaSuite Hospitality TVs, removes these hygiene fears, obstacles and cleaning challenges, replacing the traditional remote control with a digital replica on a guest’s personal mobile or tablet device – without the need to join the hotel’s network.
Anthony Tizzard, Business Manager EMEA, commented: “TV remote controls are a hotbed for bacteria and, if not regularly cleaned thoroughly, can pose a health risk to guests – particularly if used by someone with COVID-19. While hotels are taking extra precautions around cleaning heavily-used items such as remote controls, there will remain a level of uncertainty and concern from some guests. GuestConnect from Philips Professional Display Solutions takes away those concerns putting the guest fully in control.”
Seamless installation
‘Easy to use and completely secure, the GuestConnect app can be added to a personal connected device, without visiting the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store, by scanning a unique QR code unique only for that guest’s hotel room TV. QR codes are generated and displayed at reception and can be provided during check-in to the hotel or, alternatively, displayed for the customer to scan and download when they first switch on their in-room TV.
Once installed, the GuestConnect app, which can be fully managed using the Philips PDS CMND platform, provides guests with the full suite of functionalities found on a modern TV remote control. In addition to standard functions (channel changing, volume, etc.), guests will also have full access and control of other MediaSuite services, including Chromecast built-in, premium content and apps from the Google Play Store.
Access and control to the TV is severed immediately at point of check out, with a new QR code immediately generated for new guests.
Tizzard added: “At Philips Professional Display Solutions, we understand the challenges being faced by the hospitality industry and the importance, more now so than ever before, in creating the safest and most hygienic environment for hotel guests.
“As a trusted partner for many of the world’s leading hotel chains, we see it as our duty to innovate new ways for the industry to overcome these challenges. GuestConnect is the latest in a long line of solutions designed exclusively to do just that – quite literally, taking control of the situation for themselves.
“Our team will continue to develop the services available on GuestConnect, making life easier for both hoteliers and guests into the long-term.”
Alternatively, for guests more comfortable with using a traditional remote control, Philips Professional Display Solutions has also extended the availability of its wipe-clean remote controls, which feature an easy to wipe, ergonomic design with completly flat buttons.
