New television technologies are enabling new revenue streams for hotels. Traditionally, TV systems have been a cost center for hotels. Now, enhanced TV services and interactive television offer the potential for revenues from advertising and advanced applications.

In the past, hotel TV systems have offered a limited amount of advertising services through simple barker channels (a sequence of hotel news and local ads). While this type of system can generate some revenue, hotels that upgrade their systems to include additional channels (custom program channels) can benefit from added advertising options.

Custom private TV content providers such as E-Guide Services, Inc. (EGS), the provider of E-GuideTV, a customized, in-room television channel guide (www.egstv.com), provide television programming information alongside advertising for private TV systems in hotels, resorts and other property types (casinos, universities, military bases, hospitals, multiple dwelling units). Each property's system is managed individually, allowing advertisers to customize their ad insertions nationally, regionally or on a property-by-property basis.

"E-GuideTV is a valuable resource for both in-room hotel guests and advertisers," 

said EGS President and CEO Christopher S. Stark, Sr. "E-GuideTV brings the traditional television viewing experience right into guests' home-away-from-home. Hotel properties and their guests have been excited about this new amenity. Content is king, and that's why E-GuideTV provides tremendous value to both consumers and advertisers."

Companies like EGS may provide these programs at no cost to the property. These companies also introduce opportunities for properties to participate in local ad sales programs, whereby the hotel property is allowed to sell advertising to local merchants creating additional revenues.

Advertising in hotel TV systems can range from simple text messages (ex: “See Cher Live tonight at Caesars Palace Colosseum!”) that are inserted on program guides to the insertion of high quality TV commercials.

This figure shows a hotel TV program guide which includes several advertising options. This example shows that the program guide can be individually branded, and can contain local information, text ads, ad banners, graphics (logos) and video.