Dish Network said it will integrate Netflix into its Evolve television product for the hospitality industry in the coming months, allowing guests to access their personal Netflix accounts on the TVs in their hotel rooms.
Dish said the Android-based Evolve also allows access to thousands of TV apps available through the Google Play store.
Dish launched Evolve in June 2017, a 4K-capable set-back box that integrates Chromecast, streaming apps via Google Play, live linear content and an interactive programming guide. Powered by Smartbox, Dish’s own head-end video distribution platform for commercial applications, Evolve is designed to work with any hotel wiring scenario, as well as existing or upgraded network infrastructures.
“Integrating Netflix on Evolve is a win-win for hotel operators and guests alike,” said Dish Business vice president Alistair Chatwin in a statement. “Hotel operators can further elevate in-room entertainment by providing guests with Netflix’s personalized entertainment experience, and customers can easily pick up what they’ve been watching at home on Netflix from the comfort of their hotel room.”
Guests staying in hotels powered by Evolve can subscribe to Netflix or sign into their existing account by accessing the Netflix app via the on-screen TV menu. Evolve features Chromecast built-in, so guests can also cast their Netflix content from their mobile devices to their hotel room TV. When the guest checks out of the room, their Netflix user credentials will automatically be removed from the system.
“With Dish’s Evolve, Netflix members can sign into their Netflix account on the hotel room TV in the coming months to watch their favorite Netflix series, documentaries and feature films, or discover new ones, just like they do at home,” said Netflix vice president of business development Paul Perryman in a statement. “Hotel guests who don’t have a Netflix subscription can easily subscribe via the Netflix app on Evolve and immediately begin enjoying titles from our wide assortment of content.”
