Cabletime, developer of the MediaStar range of IPTV, streaming and digital signage solutions, has acquired US-based hotel and hospitality TV software developer roomioTV. Cabletime says the move marks its intention to become a serious contender in the global hotel interactive TV market, enhancing its existing content distribution functionality with an end-user focused solution and bespoke property management interface.
roomioTV, which presents hotel guests with an interactive channel guide, can deliver live TV, TV on demand, or movies from well-known OTT providers. It can also run apps such as local weather updates or even the hotel room bill. The solution comprises a set-top box running an Android operating system with roomioTV’s locked-down interface which runs seamlessly with popular displays including Samsung and LG. In the USA, the roomioTV software works with standard hotel property management systems; Cabletime says it plans to expand this to other territories.
Shaun Oxenham, CEO at Cabletime (pictured), said: “We are very excited about this acquisition because roomioTV have managed the difficult task of developing an engaging interactive hotel TV experience that is cross-TV manufacturer. Their experience in the HiTV market is demonstrated in their well thought-out solution. We believe that the roomioTV solution, together with Cabletime’s existing head-end portfolio, will provide a compelling solution for hotels and chains in the hospitality market.”
Rich Alter, founder and CEO at roomioTV, said: “This is a great next step in the development of roomioTV. We have been highly successful in delivering advanced TV technology to a broad spectrum of hotel and hospitality segments, which will now provide Cabletime with a solid base from which to expand the system, strengthened by the power of its own IPTV hardware and software solutions.”
The acquisition, effective immediately, will see production and development of the company’s product lines being integrated, although a separate brand is expected to be revealed which refers to roomioTV’s heritage. Cabletime will also work with existing channel partners in its major markets to introduce the roomioTV solution. As part of the acquisition, Cabletime has signed a supply agreement with roomioTV’s primary US integration partner. The two organisations will work closely to introduce the new total hospitality TV package to the market.
Cabletime – IPTV, streaming and digital signage
