Hotel Movie Systems

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I install movie systems in hotels nationwide and noticed 2 articles concerning free movies. One was a plug/unplug method that is a sign of desperation. The other talked of signals floating in the air.

Here is how they work.

CATV channels start on 2 and work their way up. Below channel 2 are frequencies called subband channels. On these frequencies signals travel to the tv set and backwards to the main computers where the movies play from. The movies themselves play on channels above the highest channel listed in the hotels channel lineup. Normally, a filter is installed on the line to all the public tv's that blocks the movie channels from appearing in the bar or the fitness room, etc. But there is no filter in the room. Behind the tv there is a cable box. When you enter the systems menu on the screen it is sending a signal backwards through the cable to a computer. Once you order a movie, the computer sends a signal to every tv that the box addressed to your tv can see the movie but none of the others can. Then your tv will tune to the channel that the movie is playing to. The movie is being fed to every tv in the hotel, yet only you see it.

How to get them for free.

There is no secret trick to ordering a movie and it playing for free. 5 free minutes is a thing of the past. If you hit order, the movie system automatically sends a signal to the hotels computers to bill you right then. The only way to see them free is to wait for another room to order a movie. (Be aware that the latest systems allow users to pause, rewind, fastforward and even stop a movie to watch later. You may start watching a movie only to have it stop midway.) The first thing you need to do is locate the cable box. If there is one externally mounted just remove the boxes input cable and run it directly into the tv. If there is a phone cable running from the tv to the cable box remove that. If the room has an older Zenith, forget it. The box is actually a board inside the tv. You have to remove the back of the tv and do some rewiring. Newer Zeniths and newer Philips tv's have what is known as a smart card. These are mounted inside the tv but come loose with just 2 screws. In either case pull the screws on the panel where the cable enters the tv. Then pull the cable gently and the card will come loose. Pull the card out about an inch. Once that is done use a universal remote to autoprogram the television. It will pick up all the regular channels and the ones that are hidden. Then just channel surf until you see a movie playing and enjoy. This sounds like a lot, but it only takes about 3 minutes and most of that is waiting for the tv to autoprogram.

A couple side notes:

• If there is a black plastic sleeve holding the cable on, don't spend an hour trying to carve it with a knife. Just stick a car key in it, hold it against a flat side of the cable fitting, and turn. They come right off.
• The end/beginning of a month is the worst time to do it. The systems service reps come in for a monthly maintenance at that time. When the system is disconnected, a computer at the front desk will show no communication with your tv. This usually goes unnoticed during the month, but the service rep will make sure all tv's are working. To be safe, keep the Do Not Disturb sign on the door at all times, and when you are out of the room, hook the tv back up.
• If you get ahold of a Philips or Magnavox that you can't get the menu to appear with a universal remote, give up. The tv has been locked out by the system and a special remote you can't get in stores or from the tv's manufacturer is needed to unlock it.