Hospital TV Signal Options: IPTV, Satellite TV, Cable TV

In healthcare settings, providing entertainment options like TV is essential for patient satisfaction and comfort. A high-quality TV signal system is crucial, not just for reliability but also to offer patients clear picture quality and reliable entertainment. When selecting the best TV broadcast signal distribution method, hospital teams have a few choices. Let’s explore three major choices: fiber optic IP distribution, satellite solutions, and cable TV receiver-box integration with systems like PDi’s BELLA-HD Universal Set Top Box.

1. Fiber Optic IP Distribution: A Future-Proof Solution

For hospital staff looking for a reliable, long-term TV solution, an IP distribution network is a smart choice. Here's why working with a cable company to set up a fiber optic system is a wise investment:

• High-Quality Signal and Reliability: Fiber optics deliver an incredibly clear, high-speed signal, minimizing interruptions and ensuring a great viewing experience.
• Scalability: With IP distribution, you’re not just planning for today. Hospitals can expand or upgrade easily, as IP distribution can accommodate future advancements in technology.
• Installation Considerations: This option requires an Ethernet connection at each TV location. While this means a higher upfront cost to upgrade infrastructure, it pays off over time with superior performance and reduced need for maintenance or replacement.

Ohio-based PDi Communication Systems, Inc. is the smart hospital TV brand. Since 1980, PDi has designed TVs with the patient and healthcare provider in mind.  Many PDi TV models today have a built-in IPTV player.  PDi is able to utilize Ethernet Cat cables with no need for amplifiers to provide TV signal throughout a facility.  PDi TV units are compatible with a variety of head-end systems and streaming devices.  For example, two head-end systems compatible with PDi hospital or patient TVs are COM3000 and the Blonder Tongue.

Hospitals with the budget to invest in IP distribution often find it’s worth the expense, particularly in larger facilities or new construction where many TVs are in use across different departments. Fiber IP distribution future-proofs the hospital’s investment and provides a top-notch patient experience.

• Fiber IP distribution not only ensures that the hospital's investment is safeguarded against future technological changes and advancements, but it also significantly enhances the overall patient experience by delivering superior picture quality and uninterrupted service.
• This advanced system allows hospitals to seamlessly integrate new technologies as they emerge, ensuring that patients have access to the latest entertainment options and interactive services.
• By investing in fiber IP distribution, hospitals can offer a more engaging and satisfying environment for patients, which can contribute to improved patient satisfaction scores and a more positive perception of the facility.

Consult with PDi today. We help equipment specifiers and healthcare facility owners or managers understand the right patient TV solutions to fit a variety of building types and patient spaces. It’s very important to think about all aspects of the patient experience together with the project needs before ordering and installing patient TVs. We know the right questions to ask to ensure you and your patients have a great experience.

No other healthcare TV manufacturer provides the depth or breadth of professional TV solution design, service, and support. We are your trusted partner to provide everything you need for safe, complete, fully integrated, hassle-free patient entertainment. We’ve been helping people do this for over 40 years. Take the first step, and talk to Helen now.

2. Satellite Solutions: Utilizing Existing Infrastructure with DISH or DirecTV

If budget constraints or logistical issues make fiber IP distribution infeasible, switching to a satellite provider such as DISH or DirecTV can be a great alternative to satisfy patients. PDi works with both providers who offer healthcare solutions that can use existing infrastructure.

Here are three benefits of Satellite TV systems for hospitals and healthcare facilities:

1. Minimal Disruption: Satellite options don’t require an extensive upgrade to the facility’s wiring if the existing infrastructure is functional.
2. Flexibility: DISH and DirecTV offer packages tailored for healthcare, providing a range of programming that can be customized to meet patient preferences.
3. Ease of Maintenance: Satellite systems often allow for simple maintenance routines, as many issues can be resolved remotely by the service provider, reducing the strain on in-house technical support.
   

    

Click the images above to download a flyer to see how easy PDi works with satellite providers. These flyers highlight the 6 easy steps to explain how DISH or DirecTV and PDi work together to provide the best patient experience possible.

1. TV signal into building from satellite dish
2. Add in other TV inputs (DVD, rooftop antenna, etc.)
3. Assign each input to TV channel (modulator)
4. Add TV power over coax cable
5. Deliver TV signal to each patient TV
6. Patient enjoys DISH or DirecTV.

With satellite options, hospitals can provide a variety of channels without the expense and complexity of a fiber IP system. However, facilities should consult with PDi ProServices to ensure their infrastructure is in good working condition to support this solution.

3. Cable TV Receiver Box Compatibility: Leveraging PDi’s Bella-HD System for Specialized Needs

For certain areas within a hospital, such as dialysis or infusion centers, PDi personal TVs are often needed to enhance patient comfort during long treatment hours. However, these setups might still require a cable receiver box. This is where PDi’s Bella-HD system can offer a solution, and it can be tested for compatibility with existing cable receiver boxes.

• Compatibility Testing: The Bella system is compatible with some cable receiver boxes. However, hospitals will need to work closely with PDi and their cable provider, as testing can take several months and may require remote control decoding for integration.
• Specialized Use: This option is particularly valuable for dialysis or infusion areas where patients spend extended treatment periods and appreciate access to more personalized entertainment options.
• Tailored Setup: While this option can be complex to implement, it offers a tailored experience in areas where patient comfort is paramount.

While this option is ideal for specific use cases, it may not be feasible for facility-wide implementation due to the time and coordination required. However, for areas where personal entertainment is critical, PDI’s Bella system with cable receiver compatibility is a thoughtful solution.

Consult with PDi to Choose the Right Option for Your Facility

Allow PDi to come alongside you early in the planning process to ensure your project vision becomes reality. We deliver the patient experience you envision, start to finish. Each option has unique benefits, and choosing the right one can greatly impact patient satisfaction, installation, and operational efficiency.

Just like at home, you have choices. Cable or satellite TV, local TV, streaming content, educational content and so many more decisions. PDi can quote DIRECTV®, DISH® or consult with you to ensure you invest strategically in cable TV options that best suit your patient populations and meet your needs.

Don't assume the risk of multiple contractors to put together a complex headend system. We help select the right distribution equipment to ensure it is the best and most cost-effective solution the first time, a clean installation, and easy-to-maintain system.

With over 40 years of experience, you can trust PDi. Don't delay, call us today.