To help support the reopening of hotels around the globe, Philips Professional Display Solutions has announced the launch of GuestConnect – a brand-new health and hygiene inspired cloud-based TV remote that allows guests to control their in-room MediaSuite TV with their own mobile device.
According to a study, the TV remote is often found to be the most contaminated item found in a hotel room – containing up to 2,000 percent more bacteria and yeast than a toilet seat, due to regular use from hundreds if not thousands of different people.
The new app from Philips PDS, compatible with selected Philips MediaSuite Hospitality TVs, has been designed specifically to help reduce the potential spread and transmission of Covid-19 and other harmful germs and bacteria, replacing the traditional hard to clean remote control (due to raised buttons and gaps) with a digital replica on a guest’s personal mobile or tablet device - without the need to join the hotel’s network.
It is typically recommended TV remotes used at home should be cleaned at least once a month. New government advice for hotel housekeeping recommends a heightened focus on the daily cleaning of all hand contact surfaces in rooms, including, but not limited to, light switches, bedside tables and remote controls – with latest research from the World Health Organisation (WHO) showing Covid-19 can survive for four days on plastic surfaces.