- TeleAdapt MediaHub – Frequently Asked Questions
- TA-9500 | ChargeHub – Frequently Asked Questions
- iHome iP90 Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary on Hotel Guest Room Technology Terms
TeleAdapt MediaHub Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the MediaHub Active and the MediaHub Standard (Passive)?
A: The differences between the Active and Passive Media Hubs are as follows:
Passive – Once the MediaHub Standard (Passive) has been connected to the television and the guest has connected their chosen equipment to the MediaHub Standard (Passive) the guest must then manually selects the source on the television to find the device they have connected. The MediaHub Standard (Passive) is able to work with any brand of TV that has the following available ports; AV (RCA), PC Audio, PC Video and a HDMI port. These must be free ports. Many TV’s only have one AV port and this may be currently being used by the Video on Demand providers Set Top Box.
Active – The MediaHub Active is able to ‘Auto Detect’ any sources that are active on the MediaHub Active as long as ‘Auto Detect’ is activated on the MediaHub Active. This means that the guest is able to connect their device to the MediaHub Active and once activated the MediaHub Active will automatically instruct the Set Top Box or TV to switch to the relevant source via an interface.
The MediaHub Active currently interfaces with a number of Hospitality TV’s such as the Philips, Samsung and LG Hospitality TV’s. The MediaHub Active also interfaces with the many Sharp models and the iBAHN ETVi set top box. We are actively working with other TV manufacturers to enable the MediaHub Active to fully function with their TV’s.
Q: What is the MediaHub HD and how does it differ from the MediaHub Active.
A: The MediaHub HD is a later model and has two distinct advantages over the MediaHub Active. The first being it has a single HDMI connection to the TV, rather than 4 cables as with the MediaHub Active. This makes installation easier. It also makes the use of the unit easier for the guest if being used in passive mode. As all the guest needs to do is go to the HDMI source and anything they plug into the front of the MediaHub HD unit will be displayed on the TV. The other key feature that the MediaHub HD has is Bluetooth audio streaming. This allows guests to stream a high quality audio signal (stereo or mono) from a Bluetooth enabled MP3 player, such as a mobile phone or iPhone, to the MediaHub HD over a Bluetooth connection to the TVs speakers. Essentially it converts the TV into a wireless stereo for better sound quality.
Finally like the MediaHub Active the MediaHub HD unit has auto detect capabilities. This means that the guest is able to connect their device to the MediaHub HD unit and once activated the unit will automatically instruct the Set Top Box or TV to switch to the relevant source via an interface.
The MediaHub HD model currently interfaces with a number of Hospitality TV’s such as the Philips, Samsung and LG Hospitality TV’s. The MediaHub HD also interfaces with the iBAHN ETVi set top box. We are actively working with other TV manufacturers to enable the MediaHub HD to fully function with other TV’s.
Q: How do I use the Bluetooth feature on the MediaHub HD unit.
A: The Bluetooth streaming feature is very easy to use. Here are the steps.
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- Simply press and hold the Bluetooth/USB button for 5 seconds until a PIN number appears on TV screen
- Using the PIN, pair an iPhone or other Bluetooth enable phone to the MediaHub
- Select device’s Bluetooth Device Discovery screen
- Choose the MediaHub
- Enter the four-digit PIN
- Choose “Connect”
- Press play and enjoy your favorite songs with the freedom to control your music from anywhere in the room
Q: What devices is the MediaHub HD Bluetooth streaming compatible with.
A: Incorporated into the MediaHub HD is a wireless guest interface called the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP. Any device that support A2DP, which is most MP3-playing Smartphone’s including iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre, Android, Nokia, Samsung, and more. The iPod Touch and iPad are also compatible. Other iPod models are compatible when equipped with a Stereo Bluetooth dongle.
Q: How is the MediaHub Made for the iPod
A: The MediaHub allows guests to play music via the TV speakers, watch content on their video compatible iPod on the TV and to charge their iPod via the USB port on the MediaHub. Here are some more details:
Play Music
Hotel guests can use the MediaHub to play music from their iPod through the TV speakers with either the Composite Audio/Video ports of the MediaHub or the Mini Stereo Jack found next to the VGA connection.
iPod to Mini Stereo Jack
iPod to Composite A/V
Play Music Without a Cable
MediaHub HD provides a Stereo Bluetooth interface for playing music from an iPod using a Bluetooth signal. Guests can control their music selections from their iPod without leaving it tied to the MediaHub. Give your guests the freedom to move while enjoying their music, even controlling their music from the bathroom or balcony!
Play Video
Downloading movies and video from the Internet is a common pastime. There are thousands of movies and TV shows available for purchase or rental via iTunes. If your hotel guest has a video stored on a video enabled iPod, they can watch that movie on the big screen by using the Composite A/V connection on the MediaHub.
iPod to Composite A/V
Power Charging
The USB port of the MediaHub provides 5v power right at your guests’ fingertips for charging portable electronics. Guests can use their standard iPod charging cable to power up their iPods. They can even re-charge while playing their music or video.
iPod to USB
Q: What is the maximum cable length between the MediaHub and the TV?
A: The maximum cable length Teleadapt currently offer is 3.5m. This is because after this distance the cable signal may reduce. Longer cables are available however this depends on the minimum order quantity (MOQ)
Q: Can you customise the finish and/or style of the MediaHub to match the decor in our Hotel?
A: MediaHub trims (hyperlink to MediaHub trims) are offered as standard in both oval and rectangular and in silver or black. Optional brushed aluminum trims are also available for the MediaHub HD.
Q: What happens when I press a switch on the Active and MediaHub HD unit?
A: Both the MediaHub Active and MediaHub HD units contain LED switches. These are lit when active. The purpose of the switches is to allow the guest to control the active source when they have multiple devices connected. When a switch is pressed on the Active and MediaHub HD unit the selected source will become either active or inactive. The process is as follows:-
Switch pressed –Signal sent to Set Top Box / TV via MediaHub – Set Top Box / TV will then make the chosen source active or inactivate depending on what the initial state was. As an example if the Audio/Video source was active, pressing the switch will make it inactive.
Q: What is the minimum depth needed for the wall mount?
A: The minimum depth needed for a wall mounted Passive or MediaHub Active is 45mm
The MediaHub HD requires a minimum depth of 59mm for wall mounting.
Q: How does the desk mount kit work?
A: The desk mount kit is fitted to a detached wall mounted MediaHub. This will turn the MediaHub into a desk mounted MediaHub.
Q: How can the desk mount kit be fastened to the desk or furniture?
A: A desk mounted MediaHub can be attached to the desk via screws, glue or strong double sided tape.
Q: What is the main use for the HDMI socket?
A: The main uses of the HDMI socket at the moment are DVD players or HD Camcorders. However many new notebooks are now coming as standard with a HDMI for connection to TV’s etc rather than VGA. MAC notebooks for example connect via HDMI.
Q: How does the MediaHub handle the different HDMI standards?
A: MediaHub’s are able to handle all current HDMI standards.
Q: How does the MediaHub Active unit integrate with a in-room movie providers Set Top Box (Set Top Box)?
A: The Active and MediaHub HD units integrate with a Set Top Box using a RS -232 communication serial protocol.
Q: How does a guest select the input when using a MediaHub Standard (Passive)?
A: The guest must manually select the source by using the remote control. Many Video on Demand providers have an AV button on their remote which will toggle thru the available inputs. As an example if a guest connects their video iPod to the Audio/Video sockets on the MediaHub Standard (Passive) and starts playing it, they would then use the remote to toggle to AV on the TV and their video content would be displayed.
Q: How does the Active and MediaHub HD unit control the TV?
A: The Active and MediaHub HD unit sends signals using the programmed software to interact with the TV / Set Top Box and therefore control the source selection. As an example if a guest connects their video iPod to the Audio/Video sockets on the MediaHub Active and starts playing it, the MediaHub Active would detect the source and via an interface with the TV / Set Top Box automatically switch to AV on the TV and the guests’ video content would be displayed.
Q: How does auto detect work on the MediaHub Active and MediaHub HD?
A: When an input on the front of the Active and MediaHub HD unit detects an active device, a signal is automatically sent to the TV / Set Top Box. The TV / Set Top Box will then be instructed to automatically change to the chosen source.
Q: Why does the active input light go off on the MediaHub after 5 minutes?
A: The LED light turns off after 5 minutes to reduce possible light pollution in the guest’s room. If any LED switch is pressed after the 5 minute period the LED that was originally lit will re-illuminate.
Q: If the Set Top Box does not have a serial port how do you connect the MediaHub to the Set Top Box?
A: If there is no RS-232 serial connector available on the Set Top Box it is possible to use a USB to RS-232 converter cable.
Q: The Philips Hospitality TV has two control ports (Data 1 & Data 2, can the Set Top Box use one and the MediaHub the other?
A: This is not possible as the Philips TV will not output on both ports. However it may be possible using a splitter cable to run both the Set Top Box and the MediaHub from one of the control ports (Data 2). To do this the Set Top Box must work with the Philips Serial Xpress protocol.
Q: How can guests use the MediaHub if they don’t have the cable required?
A: Many hotels make a TeleAdapt Connectivity Kit available for loan or even purchase. The Connectivity Kit (hyperlink to Connectivity Kits) comes in a Standard and Advance version which provides the cables guests would require to use the MediaHub.
Q: What type of devices will most commonly be used on MediaHub’s?
A: iPods, iPhones, Laptops, Portable DVD Players, Camera’s, Camcorders and Video games consoles. A survey of guest usage patterns of MediaHubs by a major hotel group about 2 years ago found that the most commonly used device was the Laptop.
Q: Is it possible to have a MediaHub with a power socket?
A: MediaHub’s already have a 5 volt USB power socket for charging devices such as mobile phones and iPods. The PowerHub which can be supplied as either a standalone product or incorporated with the MediaHub to create the MediaHub Extender contains two power sockets and a data socket (RJJ45, for Internet).
TA-9500 | ChargeHub – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many devices (mobile phones / Smartphone’s, iPods etc) can be charged on the ChargeHub simultaneously?
A: You can plug up to 4 devices in to charge at the same time.
Q: What devices is the ChargeHub compatible with?
A: The ChargeHub was designed & tested for compatibility with many different manufacturers portable devices, which together with the industry standard USB socket, enables the charging of a very wide range of electronic hand-held devices such as phones, PDAs, MP3 players, GPS, Game Consoles and Bluetooth accessories such as headsets and headphones. iPhones, iPods, Blackberry’s and all major phone brands are included. For a full list please visit: http://www.bluelounge.com/ts_compatibility_list.php
Q: Where can I install the ChargeHub?
A: The ChargeHub can be built into furniture for example in a quest room or business centre. You can also use the ChargeHub behind reception or at the Concierge desk by simply screwing it on to or under a desk, in a drawer or on the wall.
Q: What are the lengths of the cables?
A: The power supply cable is 1.8 metres, the Docking cables are each 25cm long.
iHome iP90 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Hotel Mode on the iHome iP90 do?
A: Hotel Mode activates or deactivates specific features of the iHome to make it easier to use and more enjoyable for your guests. The iP90 has a 3 position switch on the bottom of the unit. For regular home use, keep the switch in Normal position. Hotel Low lowers the volume of the unit and Hotel High maintains regular volume for suites and larger rooms. While in either Hotel mode:
- Clock adjust and 12h/24h buttons are disabled
- Radio presets can be accessed, but not programmed
- Alarm becomes a SINGLE DAY alarm. Guests will not awaken to previous guest’s alarm setting.
- The 7/5/2 alarm choices and “wake to playlist” functions are disabled, making the alarm extremely easy for guests to use.
- The remote control sensor is disabled
- HOTEL LOW lowers the maximum volume of the unit to half. To avoid unpleasant sound transfer between rooms.
- HOTEL HIGH maintains regular volume output.
Q: Will the iHome fit any model of iPod or iPhone?
A: Yes, the adjustable iPhone/iPod dock allows the simple docking of any dockable iPod/iPhone. iHome is also Made for iPod and Works With iPhone.
Q: Can the guest wake up to music on my iPod/iPhone?
A: Yes, the guest simply docks an unlocked, iPod or iPhone into the iHome unit. They then set the Alarm and chose “iPod” as the “Wake” method.
Q: Are there any security features?
A: We provide a security lanyard with the iHome as a deterrent to theft.
Q: What colours are available?
A: The unit is currently available in Black.
Q: What happens if we lose power?
A: The iHome has back-up batteries that will run the clock and the buzzer alarm but will not allow charging or playing of the iPod/iPhone. The batteries last approximately 12-15 months.
Glossary on Hotel Guest Room Technology Terms
Set Top Box (STB) – this is the box installed by the movie provider that allows for pay per view movies in each hotel guest room
HSIA – High Speed Internet Access – The term is generally used to refer to the wired Guest Broadband service provided at the desk within a hotel guest room
Guest Broadband – This is the same as HSIA and has probably taken over from HSIA as the term used to described the Internet access service offered to hotel guests in their room
Hospitality TV or Hotel TV – offers a special set of features for the hospitality industry; such as;
- A start-up channel and pre-set start-up volume can be set
- The maximum volume can be set to avoid noise complaints
- The TV can be “locked” so that guests can not alter its configuration.
This includes locking the side buttons for menu access, volume and channel control. Menus can be locked (i.e. colour adjustment etc), channels can be locked out and inputs such as HDMI, VGA etc can be locked so guests cannot connect their own devices. This is generally done to prevent guests from making copies of pay for view movies
- The TV has interfacing capabilities so that it can work in conjunction with the movie providers Set Top Box
- Once one TV is setup you can “clone” the configuration to setup the other TV’s
The TV normally has a commercial on-site warranty
Companies such as Philips, LG, Samsung and Sharp make a Hospitality model
Connectivity Panel – a panel connected to the TV that allows the guest to quickly and easily connect their own electronic devices to the TV. An “Active” Connectivity Panel will automatically sense once a guest has connected a device and via an interface with a Hospitality TV, get the TV to go to the appropriate channel. Offering a truly plug and play experience for the guest. TeleAdapt produce a Connectivity Panel, which they call the MediaHub.
Remote Jack Pack (RJP) – This term is used to describe a Connectivity Panel by some TV manufacturers
Cable Holder – The device used to hold the Guest Broadband cable at the desk. It can be as simple as cardboard tent card or a custom made unit. A good Cable Holder has the following characteristics:
- It needs to be heavy enough to hold the cable. A paper or cardboard tent card normally isn’t heavy enough
- It must have the ability to hold instructions. A slot to hold a small instruction booklet is the most common
- The Instructions need to communicate that this is a Broadband service and it should outline the connection steps in a straightforward manner. Finally the instructions must contain a help desk number. The guest needs to know who to call if they need help or have a question. The question may be as simple as “How much does it cost”. Approximately 7 out of every 100 guests who use the broadband service will call the help desk.
- It will be fixed to the desk ensuring that it stays in the same position and that the cable never leaves the room
A good cable holder improves the guest’s experience of the Guest Broadband service and also increases revenue
iDevices – The term is used to describe the ever growing range of portable devices available from Apple such as iPods, iPhones and iPads
