Published: June 20, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek
How is IPTV in hotels and hospitals different from IPTV at home?
Centralized TV system MATV, SMATV, CATV, IPTV : Part 7
Currently, centralized TV systems in hotels, resorts, and hospitals are shifting from traditional MATV or SMATV to IPTV systems, specifically in the form of Private IPTV (often called Hotel IPTV or Hospitality IPTV). Many people might worry if adopting an IPTV system means it will fail when the internet goes down. In reality, IPTV systems used in hotels, resorts, and hospitals have their own internal equipment and network. This ensures the system can operate normally even if the external internet connection is interrupted, with the exception of streaming services that inherently rely on the internet, just like general smart TVs that can't function without internet.
Considering the value and business benefits gained from a Hotel IPTV / Hospitality IPTV / Private IPTV system—including an improved viewing experience, the ability to communicate with guests, and a modern brand image—it presents a worthwhile investment for service businesses in the hotel, resort, and hospital sectors.
What is Home IPTV or General Internet IPTV Like?
IPTV systems for home use or general internet-based IPTV are referred to as "OTT IPTV (Over-the-Top IPTV)." These are services from IPTV Service Providers where channels are delivered over the internet. Users need an internet connection to subscribe to packages from providers, gaining access to a wider variety of programs than traditional antenna or satellite TV.
The monthly fees for home IPTV or general internet IPTV vary based on the package and channel quality, including both legal and illegal options. The key advantage of internet-based IPTV is its accessibility anywhere, anytime, as long as there's an internet connection. It supports a wide range of devices, including TVs, smart TVs, IPTV boxes, smartphones, tablets, and computers, without needing to install antennas or satellite dishes.
However, internet-based IPTV has limitations: if the internet goes down or experiences issues (e.g., problems with the service provider's internet connection or the user's home internet malfunction), viewing will be impossible. Another crucial point is selecting a service provider with high standards and a robust system that can handle a large number of concurrent viewers, especially during live sports broadcasts or popular shows, to ensure clear, uninterrupted picture and sound without frequent black screens or disconnections. If you experience viewing problems, it's recommended to check your internet signal first.
What are Centralized TV Systems in Hotels, Resorts, and Hospitals Like?
Current centralized TV systems in hotels, resorts, and hospitals are often designed as Private IPTV systems, commonly known as Hotel IPTV or Hospitality IPTV. These systems are specifically designed with their own signal reception and conversion equipment (IPTV Headend), as well as control software running on an IPTV server or via a cloud-based system. This self-contained setup allows them to operate even if the external internet has issues, thanks to their dedicated infrastructure, except for content that inherently relies on the internet, such as streaming services.
Technically, Hotel IPTV or Hospitality IPTV systems that use an internal IPTV server are generally more stable and offer better system control than those relying on cloud-based systems. This is because if the internet goes down, cloud-based systems cannot be controlled or managed, whereas systems using an internal IPTV server will continue to function normally.
Considering the benefits of choosing Hotel IPTV or Hospitality IPTV—including an enhanced guest viewing experience, the ability to communicate information to guests, and a modern organizational image—it is considered a worthwhile investment for service businesses in the hotel, resort, and hospital sectors.
How Do IPTV Systems in Hotels/Hospitals Differ from Home IPTV?
The differences between Private IPTV systems for service businesses (hotels, resorts, and hospitals) and OTT IPTV systems for home use can be summarized as follows:
Private IPTV (Hotel IPTV / Hospitality IPTV) for Service Businesses: These are typically internal organizational systems with their own reception and conversion equipment, along with dedicated servers or cloud systems that control internal operations without relying on external internet. They offer high stability and function even if the internet is down (except for services that inherently require the internet, like YouTube or Netflix). IPTV systems that use an internal IPTV server can be controlled without an internet connection, whereas systems using a cloud-based solution require internet for control.
OTT IPTV for Home Users: This service is accessed by subscribing to an IPTV service provider who delivers channels over the internet. Viewers must have an internet connection to watch IPTV programs and choose packages based on their needs, which can include both legal and illegal options. It offers the flexibility to watch anywhere, anytime with internet access, and supports various devices like smart TVs, IPTV boxes, smartphones, tablets, and computers. The main limitation is that if the internet has problems or the service provider's system cannot adequately support a large number of concurrent viewers (e.g., during peak times), issues like choppy video, black screens, or inability to watch may occur.
