AirCast Red Button TV Information System Launched

AirCast is a new information system that enables hoteliers to distribute information to their guests via one or more interactive TV channels dedicated to hotel-specific information.
AirCast works on any coaxial network with the only in-room requirement being an integrated digital television (iDTV) such as those already used to receive Freeview channels in the UK, and so without the need for any card or set-top box in the room.
At its core, the solution is based on mHEG-5; the tried and tested interactive technology used by broadcasters for services such as BBC Red Button, Teletext and Sky Text on Freeview, which guests are already familiar with.
The system provides a way to reduce costs by removing the need for printed in-room literature and also to generate additional revenues through engaging promotion of products and services available at the hotel.
Airwave has developed AirCast in partnership with Strategy & Technology (S&T), a leading global supplier of MHEG-5 solutions to major broadcasters worldwide.
As AirCast is truly interactive, guests can quickly and easily access the information they want, when they want. The information that can be made available to guests via the TV is wide-ranging, including live feeds - such as News, Sports and Weather - together with standard hotel information and current promotions.
The system is available at a much lower cost than any other interactive system and can be easily retrofitted to any coaxial TV network.
AirCast will be officially launched at Hospitality 2011, Hostec pavilion, NEC Birmingham on the Airwave Stand: 345. Hostec is a technology pavilion within Hospitality 2011.
(KMcA)