Case study: how a 5-star seaside resort structures IPTV across 180 rooms
The starting point
A 180-room resort open seven months a year, consumer TVs of different generations installed at three different points in time, a paper service directory in two languages, low-volume phone-based room service, a front desk overloaded during the 8-10am and 6-9pm slots, an Opera PMS already in use, and a data network built for guest Wi-Fi rather than for video.
Requirements gathered
A single branded interface across every room regardless of TV model; six languages; international channels for key source markets; streaming apps with guaranteed logout at check-out; an orderable F&B menu with room charge; housekeeping requests; check-out from the TV; a back office usable by in-house staff without technical skills.
Architecture chosen
A QUADRO Smart Box in every room connected via HDMI to the existing TV — no television replacement — a local server in the technical rack, a dedicated VLAN for video traffic separate from guest Wi-Fi, multicast for live channels and unicast for VOD, power supply and floor switches sized with a 30% margin. The decision not to replace the TVs is what makes the investment sustainable at this scale.
Integrations activated
Opera for guest profile (welcome message with name and language), room status, room-charge postings and check-out; the restaurant POS for item codes; the spa system for bookings. Every integration was tested during the low season with pilot rooms before rollout.
Project phases
Phase 1 (2 weeks): network audit and fixes. Phase 2 (3 weeks): hardware installation floor by floor, in batches, without taking sellable rooms out of inventory. Phase 3 (2 weeks): content upload, translations, price lists, integration testing on 10 pilot rooms. Phase 4 (1 week): training for front desk, F&B and housekeeping, go-live and hands-on support during the first days of opening.
KPIs monitored from month one
Percentage of rooms activating the interface; F&B orders per occupied room; average digital spend versus phone spend; number of housekeeping requests handled without a phone call; check-outs completed from the TV; technical tickets per 100 rooms; review scores on the 'TV' and 'in-room service' themes. KPI review is monthly and drives the reorganisation of the interface.
What to do differently next time
Two recurring lessons: the network audit must be done before signing, not after, because it's the item that generates the most surprises; and training needs to be repeated mid-season, when replacement staff come on board, otherwise the most profitable functions stop being offered to guests.
Frequently asked questions
Are these figures from a real client?+
No: this is a representative project scenario, built on the recurring requirements of the seasonal resorts we work with. It's meant to help assess the scope and phases of a project, not to promise results. Specific references can be requested during negotiations.
Do the existing TVs need to be replaced?+
In most cases, no: the QUADRO Smart Box connects via HDMI to the TVs already installed, provided they have a free input and are in good condition. This is the factor that most reduces project cost.
How long does installation take for a property of this size?+
With batch-based work, around eight weeks in total from audit to go-live, of which three are physical installation. In a seasonal property, the ideal window is the winter closure.
Can staff manage the system on their own?+
Yes, for content, price lists, messages and promotions: the back office is designed for non-technical operators. System-level tasks remain with support.
How is seasonality handled?+
With schedules and price lists programmed by period, controlled shutdown of devices at closing, software updates applied before reopening, and a training session as seasonal staff come on board.