Important Questions & Answers.
Would you like to get a quick overview without having to schedule a meeting right away? In our FAQ, we answer the most important questions about our offerings, the benefits of our solutions, the process of working with us, technical requirements, costs, and potential partnerships.
General Questions.
What does primetime offer?
Primetime develops and operates state-of-the-art TV and infotainment solutions for hotels and apartment providers, hospitals and clinics, retirement and nursing homes, and correctional facilities. Its services range from consulting and technical implementation to ongoing support.
Who are primetime's TV solutions designed for?
primetime's solutions are particularly well-suited for facilities where TV, information, and entertainment need to be delivered professionally, centrally, and reliably.
What is the difference between a standard TV solution and hospitality TV?
A standard TV solution is typically designed for residential use. Hospitality TV, on the other hand, is designed for professional use in hotels, nursing homes, and hospitals. This includes centralized management, ease of use, customizable landing pages, information channels, streaming apps, casting, security settings, and a low-maintenance infrastructure.
Why is a professional TV solution worthwhile for institutions?
A professional TV solution enhances the experience for guests, patients, and residents. At the same time, it lightens the workload for staff, reduces support requirements, and creates a flexible technical foundation for operation, maintenance, and further development.
What does "infotainment solution" mean?
An infotainment solution combines information and entertainment. Users receive not only TV and radio content, but also up-to-date announcements, services, events, meal plans, weather information, regional tips, and digital guest information—all directly on the screen.
How can I contact primetime?
You can reach us by email at mail@primetime.ch or by phone at +41 61 901 73 55.
Where is primetime located?
Primetime is headquartered at Güterstrasse 19 in 4133 Pratteln, Switzerland.
Collaboration, Consulting & Support.
What is the process for working with primetime?
The process begins with an analysis of the existing infrastructure and specific requirements. Based on this, primetime develops a suitable concept and implements the TV solution using its own primetimeTV platform. The goal is a solution that is technically sound, economically viable, and easy to use on a day-to-day basis.
What does primetime's consulting service include?
The consulting service includes an infrastructure and needs analysis, the development of a suitable operational concept, and technology consulting. This involves assessing which existing infrastructure can be reused and which solution best fits the operation, target audience, and budget.
How does primetime help you choose the right technology?
Primetime evaluates the existing building cabling, network infrastructure, device fleet, target audiences, and operational requirements. Based on this assessment, it recommends whether IPTV, DVB-C, multicast, HLS, direct streaming, dongles, or a fleet of smart TVs is the most appropriate solution.
How does primetime provide support in the event of disruptions?
Primetime provides existing customers with fast and straightforward assistance in the event of malfunctions and complaints. Customer inquiries are handled in accordance with the agreed-upon response and support times.
Platform & Technology.
What is primetimeTV?
PrimetimeTV is primetime's platform for modern TV, information, and entertainment solutions. It serves as the foundation for customized hospitality TV and infotainment solutions in hotels, hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.
What features does primetimeTV offer?
Key features include over 600 national and international TV and radio stations, digital guest guides, static and dynamic information channels, electronic program guides, virtual channels, landing pages, streaming apps, cloud casting, in-room entertainment, live streaming, and customized content (down to the room level).
What is a static or dynamic information channel?
A static information channel displays fixed content that can be adjusted manually—for example, hours of operation, house rules, menu plans, or general notices. A dynamic information channel, on the other hand, updates content automatically or on a scheduled basis. It can display, for example, current events, weather data, news, images, videos, or last-minute announcements. With primetimeTV, content can be updated centrally and displayed on all screens.
What is a digital guest folder?
A digital guest guide replaces printed information brochures in hotel rooms. It clearly displays important information—such as Wi-Fi access, hours of operation, restaurant options, house rules, services, recommendations, and additional offerings—on the TV.
What is cloud casting?
Cloud casting allows guests to stream their own content from their smartphones to the TV. For example, they can watch streaming content without having to log in directly to the hotel TV using their personal login credentials. This enhances convenience and data security.
What are virtual channels?
Virtual channels allow for the broadcast of original content. This includes, for example, live broadcasts of events, webcams, YouTube content, church broadcasts, ambient channels, or in-house informational programming.
Does primetimeTV work with a coaxial connection?
Yes. primetime's solutions can also be implemented using existing coaxial cabling. Depending on the situation, DVB-C, IPTV, multicast, HLS, or direct streaming are possible.
Does primetimeTV also work over Wi-Fi?
Yes. Depending on the infrastructure, a modern TV solution can also be integrated via Wi-Fi or existing networks. As part of the consultation, Primetime evaluates which technical option is best suited for each location.
What is the difference between DVB-C, multicast, HLS, and direct streaming?
DVB-C is particularly well-suited for traditional coaxial networks. Multicast is an efficient method of distributing TV signals over networks. HLS and direct streaming enable flexible digital transmission methods. The right technology depends on the building, network, devices, and usage scenario.
Can existing TV sets still be used?
Yes. Depending on the existing technical setup, older TV sets can be converted into smart TVs using a dongle, allowing them to continue to be used. Alternatively, a new, standardized fleet of smart TVs can be deployed directly.
Is a TV solution from primetime future-proof?
Yes, the solutions are designed to fit today's infrastructure while also taking future requirements into account. This includes flexible scalability, new features, centralized control, and the ability to seamlessly integrate existing systems.
Can primetime accommodate individual requirements?
Yes. primetime's solutions are modular and flexible. They can be customized to accommodate corporate design, target audiences, technical infrastructure, room categories, languages, channel lists, and institutional requirements.
TV Solutions for Hotels and Apartment Providers.
What TV solutions does primetime offer for hotels?
Primetime offers hotels modern hospitality TV solutions featuring cloud casting, international channels, a digital guest guide, a dynamic information channel, custom landing pages, and centralized management. This makes guests' stays more comfortable and simplifies hotel operations.
How does Hospitality TV enhance the guest experience at a hotel?
Hospitality TV transforms hotel TV into a digital experience platform. Guests have access to relevant channels, can stream their own content, find important hotel information right on the screen, and receive tips on special offers, services, and activities.
How does a modern TV solution make life easier for hotel staff?
When information is centrally available on the TV, the front desk staff doesn't have to answer as many routine questions. Guests can find opening hours, Wi-Fi details, restaurant information, shuttle schedules, and spa offerings on their own. This reduces the number of inquiries and frees up more time for personalized service.
Which is better: a dongle or a smart TV fleet?
A dongle is a good option if you plan to continue using existing TV sets. A smart TV fleet makes sense if you’re refurnishing rooms or want a uniform setup. Which option is better depends on your budget, infrastructure, the condition of your devices, and your operating model.
Why is cloud casting important for hotels?
Today, many guests expect to be able to easily access their own content. Cloud casting allows them to stream content from their own smartphones to the TV without having to save their personal login credentials on third-party devices. This enhances convenience and reduces security risks.
TV Solutions for Hospitals and Clinics.
What TV solutions does primetime offer for hospitals and clinics?
Primetime offers clinics and hospitals flexible TV and infotainment solutions featuring a dynamic information channel, patient terminal integration, hybrid transmission channels, and additional services for privately insured patients.
How does a modern TV solution improve the patient experience?
Patients receive not only entertainment but also relevant information directly on the screen. This includes visiting hours, meal schedules, notices, contact information, hygiene guidelines, and additional services. This provides guidance, comfort, and a better hospital experience.
How does an information channel help reduce the workload of hospital staff?
An information channel centralizes key information on the screen. This reduces the number of times employees have to answer the same questions. Information can be updated quickly and tailored to different departments or target groups.
Is primetimeTV compatible with patient terminals?
Yes, primetimeTV can be integrated into existing patient terminals. This creates a seamless information and entertainment experience at the bedside, without any interruptions in media playback.
Can hospitals offer additional services to privately insured patients?
Yes. With primetime, additional channel packages or enhanced features can be made available to privately insured patients. This allows hospitals to specifically improve patient convenience without unnecessarily increasing administrative burdens.
Can existing hospital infrastructure continue to be used?
Yes. In hospitals in particular, infrastructure is often complex and has evolved over time. Primetime supports hybrid delivery methods such as DVB-C, multicast, HLS, and direct streaming, allowing existing infrastructure to be reused whenever possible.
TV Solutions for Retirement and Nursing Homes.
What TV solutions does primetime offer for retirement and nursing homes?
Primetime offers retirement and nursing homes TV solutions featuring easy-to-use interfaces, an information channel, a chapel channel, live streaming, customizable channel lists, subtitles, audio descriptions, and centralized maintenance.
Why is a professional TV solution important in nursing homes?
For many residents, watching TV is an important part of daily life. A good TV solution supports entertainment, information, participation, and orientation. At the same time, it reduces the workload for care staff, housekeeping, and administration.
What are the benefits of an information channel in a nursing home?
An information channel can display meal plans, activities, schedules, contacts, notices, or services. Information reaches residents directly in their rooms, eliminating the need to print it out multiple times or explain it in person.
What is a chapel transmitter?
A chapel broadcast system transmits church services, Masses, or devotions from the facility’s own chapel or church directly to residents’ TV sets. This allows even people with limited mobility to participate.
Can events at the retirement home be broadcast live?
Yes. With live streaming, events, concerts, singing lessons, or other occasions can be broadcast directly to TV sets. Webcams—for example, from an animal enclosure or an outdoor area—can also be integrated.
Can residents bring their own TVs?
In principle, this is possible, but it presents technical and organizational challenges. Different devices, remote controls, settings, malfunctions, and compatibility issues can increase the workload for housekeeping and staff.
Which is better: personal TVs, dongles, or a standardized TV fleet?
Private TVs offer a sense of familiarity but often require a lot of maintenance. Dongles enable modern features on existing devices but can add complexity. A standardized TV fleet with an integrated hospitality TV solution is usually the easiest to maintain, the most secure, and the most efficient option in the long run.
Does a retirement or nursing home have to replace all its TV sets at once?
No. Modernization can be done in stages. This makes it easier to plan investments, and existing equipment can either continue to be used—depending on its condition and needs—or be replaced gradually.
How does primetime support residents with disabilities?
The solutions can be customized to meet a variety of needs. These include, for example, simple user interfaces, customized channel lists, subtitles, audio descriptions, and individual settings at the room level.
Operation, Support, and Cost-Effectiveness.
How does a centralized TV solution reduce operational costs?
A centralized TV solution reduces the number of individual installations, simplifies maintenance and support, and establishes clear lines of responsibility. Content, channel lists, and features can be managed centrally, rather than having to manage each device individually.
Does the existing infrastructure need to be completely replaced?
Not necessarily. Primetime assesses whether existing infrastructure—such as coaxial cabling, Wi-Fi, or networks—can continue to be used. Many solutions can be implemented in phases, making it easier to plan for investments.
Why is it helpful to have a single point of contact?
A single point of contact reduces coordination efforts, interface issues, and the diffusion of responsibility. Especially in nursing homes, clinics, and hotels, clear lines of responsibility help reduce technical complexity and maintain operational stability.
What investments are needed for a TV solution?
The investment depends on the infrastructure, number of rooms, desired feature set, equipment fleet, and operating model. Since the solutions are modular, they can be implemented in phases and adapted to your budget and needs. Generally, all you need to get the solution up and running is Wi-Fi.
Can costs be reduced in the long term?
Yes. Even though a professional hospitality TV solution may require a higher initial investment, it often reduces maintenance efforts, support costs, outages, and organizational complexity in the long run. It also extends the lifespan of the infrastructure and makes it easier to plan for.
Partners and Integration.
Does primetime work with technology and integration partners?
Yes. Primetime works with sales, technology, solutions, and integration partners. This allows TV solutions to be integrated into existing IT, network, and building infrastructure and further developed collaboratively.
For which companies is a partnership with primetime appealing?
A partnership with primetime is ideal for companies in the IT, networking, building automation, systems integration, hospitality, healthcare, or digital transformation sectors. It is particularly appealing to providers who want to offer their customers modern TV, streaming, infotainment, and hospitality solutions from a single source.
What are the benefits for primetime partners?
With primetime, partners can expand their portfolio in a targeted manner and offer their customers a modern, professional TV and infotainment solution. At the same time, they benefit from a proven platform, technical expertise, and a provider that understands the needs of hotels, clinics, and retirement and nursing homes.
How does primetime support its partners?
Primetime supports partners with technical expertise, consulting, platform know-how, and experience from projects in hotels, hospitals, clinics, and retirement and nursing homes. The goal is a partnership in which partners can provide professional support to their customers while relying on a proven solution.