Cable Like Experience for Rental Units

by UnluvMe

I manage several Air B&B rentals. Each unit already has wired and/or wifi internet access. As a perk, I was contemplating adding IPTV service to each unit. However, I would like to have a cable like experience for my guests. That would mean they would turn on the TV and immediately be presented with a guide or live TV. It would also mean having a simple, regular remote (and hopefully cheap, since they seem to constantly disappear) that controls everything. Also, I'd prefer that the hardware/software be locked to the IPTV function. I don't want guest loading other apps or altering the setup so that I have to redo everything after each stay. What hardware/software would you suggest for this experience? The price doesn't matter as much as the experience. Personally, I use the Nvidia Shield in my unit. But I'm open to any hardware, setup or service. I've searched but there doesn't seem to be a consensus for what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

rd_01

If your provider uses Stalker Portal, you can purchase MAG 256 boxes.

manosteel9423

MAG 254 or something like the Dreamlink Dlite or Formuler ZNano. They are inexpensive and are basically plug and play.

The nice thing about the DLite and the ZNano is that they can use an API or m3u connection instead of the MAC based connection, so if you find a provider, like Vader, that allows multiple simultaneous connections, you won't need multiple subscriptions. One $15/mth sub will play in up to 5 of your units at a time.

Mick_Stup

A cheap android box with Perfect Player set to auto launch?

Chameleon-Hosting

yup, a cheap android box 20eu + a monthly sub + perfectPlayer Preinstalled, set to run on start up, will give you the suppliers guide straight up on the screen, as long as the Tv source is set right. pm me for a trial dude.

SSharples

http://www.iptvsubscribe.co.uk do full package monthly plans at £10 a month and do FREE TRIALS, best service out there, visit the site, fill in the comment box and away you go

blindfist926

I know for sure you won't get the cable like experience from an Android app. I have an Android box and tried a few apps but having to use a mouse or just scroll around for channels my parents just gave up on it quickly, similar results with Sling. They just want to type something in and go. They aren't too technology savvy but this Formuler z7+ I just got today is great, I don't know about how the MAG 256/254 boxes function but I hear it's supposed to be a similar experience. I have the Formuler z7+ automatically go to the provider portal, turn the box off and back on and it goes right back to it, as if it were a regular cable box except with a whole lot more you can do on it.

I actually thought the box was a gamble because there isn't one single review showing that you can type out the channels like a regular cable box, but I find out today that it does. You type it as you see it though, if you go to the "All Channels" and the channel you want is say 35 that's what you can type while in the "All Channels" section. Then you find the same channel in say "Sports" and it shows channel 12, guess what you type while in that section. Overall I don't see how it could get much better though, I ended up adding most of the channels they're watching to favorites where they won't get too lost in the pool of channels. I'm currently still testing out trials before choosing who to stick with and canceling cable.

UncleBob999

NO - dont do it. If you scan this forum you will see that there are always IPTV problems. Those problems will become yours and yours alone, when people are paying for them by renting your unit and they go down. Suggest basic TV with basic channels for a rental property - people become insane when they dont get what was advertised in a cheap rental place. That is why NO hotel chains (without serious support staff 24x7) offer it, even though it would save them big bucks.