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Comfort, Durability, and Versatility: Creating Outdoor Spaces That Keep Guests Coming Back

by | Aug 20, 2026 | Business Development, Consumer TVs, Digital Signage, Hospitality, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

From Lobby to Guest Room: The Top Hospitality Display Trends AV Integrators Shouldn’t Miss in 2026
Outdoor spaces are no longer just an extra perk for hospitality venues, they’re a core part of the guest experience. Whether it’s a hotel patio, a restaurant terrace, or a resort pool deck, well-designed outdoor environments invite guests to stay longer, spend more, and come back again. The key is choosing outdoor hospitality solutions that balance comfort, durability, and atmosphere while standing up to constant use and changing weather.

Cape SoleilThoughtful outdoor design can transform a wide range of hospitality and commercial spaces, including:

  • Hotel patios and courtyards, where guests want comfortable places to relax, work, or socialize
  • Restaurants and bars looking to expand seating without compromising style or comfort
  • Sports bars, where outdoor viewing areas keep energy high on game days
  • Resorts, from poolside lounges to outdoor dining and gathering spaces
  • Outdoor retail and mixed-use environments that benefit from inviting, well-furnished common areas

No matter the setting, outdoor spaces should feel just as intentional and welcoming as indoor ones.

Outdoor Furniture Built for Hospitality Environments

Outdoor furniture in hospitality settings has to do more than look good. It needs to withstand sun, rain, humidity, and frequent use, all while staying comfortable and visually appealing over time. That’s why weather-resistant materials and commercial-grade construction are essential when selecting outdoor furnishings.

Agio Outdoor Furniture: Custom Design Meets Long-Lasting Performance

Agio outdoor furniture offers hospitality spaces the flexibility to design seating that truly fits their layout and guest flow. Featuring Resysta, a durable composite material designed for outdoor use, Agio allows customers to create custom outdoor furniture pieces tailored to their specific space.

Resysta is resistant to moisture, heat, and UV exposure, making it a strong choice for high-traffic outdoor areas. The result is furniture that maintains its appearance and performance season after season, without the maintenance demands of traditional wood.

Cape Soleil Outdoor Furniture: Designed for Comfort and Heavy Use

Cape Soleil outdoor furniture is built with hospitality environments in mind. Designed to handle daily use in commercial settings, these pieces combine durability with comfort, making them ideal for patios, pool decks, and outdoor dining spaces where guests expect to relax and stay awhile.

Explore the Cape Soleil lineup.

Outdoor Hospitality TVs: Entertainment Without Compromise

Outdoor TVs have become a must-have for many hospitality environments, especially for restaurants, bars, and resorts looking to extend entertainment beyond their indoor spaces. Outdoor hospitality TVs are specifically designed to perform in challenging conditions, offering:

  • Weather resistance to handle rain, heat, humidity, and dust
  • Minimal glare, ensuring clear visibility from multiple seating angles
  • High brightness levels so screens remain viewable even in direct sunlight

By incorporating outdoor TVs, venues can host game-day crowds, outdoor movie nights, or live events, keeping guests engaged and on-site longer.

Finishing Touches That Bring Outdoor Spaces to Life

While furniture and TVs create the foundation of an outdoor space, it’s the finishing touches that truly elevate the experience.

  • VerdeLighting adds warmth and extends usability well into the evening, creating a welcoming ambiance after sunset
  • Outdoor rugs help define seating areas, add texture, and soften hard surfaces
  • Live music or quality outdoor audio systems enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming conversation

Together, these elements help outdoor spaces feel cohesive, intentional, and just as refined as indoor environments.

Creating Outdoor Spaces Guests Want to Return To

Successful outdoor hospitality solutions combine durability, comfort, and atmosphere. By investing in high-quality outdoor furniture, reliable outdoor entertainment, and thoughtful design details, hospitality venues can transform patios, terraces, and courtyards into high-performing spaces that enhance the guest experience and drive long-term value.

When outdoor areas are designed with the same care as indoor spaces, they become destinations in their own right, spaces guests remember, recommend, and return to.

From Lobby to Guest Room: The Top Hospitality Display Trends AV Integrators Shouldn’t Miss in 2026

by | Jul 9, 2026 | Business Development, Consumer TVs, Digital Signage, Hospitality, Uncategorized

From Lobby to Guest Room: The Top Hospitality Display Trends AV Integrators Shouldn’t Miss in 2026
As guests’ expectations evolve, the hospitality industry continues to adopt future-forward audio-visual solutions that enhance the hotel experience. And when it comes to TVs and digital signage, these eye-catching innovations are essential in turning new visitors into repeat customers.

Ashley May-Smith and Liz Wheeler, Business Development Managers at Almo, discuss key trends in the hospitality industry and the importance of digital signage when creating a memorable guest experience.

Digital Signage Displays in HospitalityWhat are some TV and digital signage trends in hospitality spaces?

“Digital signage and in-room display technology in hospitality are rapidly evolving into intelligent, experience-driven platforms,” Liz said. “Key trends include interactive self-service solutions like kiosks and wayfinding, and seamless integration with property management systems.”

And with the rise of hybrid work environments, many hotel meeting rooms require technology to support modern collaboration.

“Conference rooms are also seeing a major shift, with advanced displays and digital signage supporting collaboration through wireless sharing, hybrid meeting capabilities, and real-time scheduling tools,” she explained.

“At the same time, hotels are introducing Direct View LED in lobbies to create high-impact, immersive first impressions that elevate brand presence. Combined with cloud-based content management and more sustainable display technologies, today’s solutions are transforming screens into dynamic, connected touchpoints across the entire guest journey.”

How has digital signage become an essential piece of hotel infrastructure?

“Digital signage has shifted from a supplementary feature to a core component of hotel infrastructure, serving as a centralized communication and engagement platform across the property,” she detailed. “It enables real-time distribution of information such as events, directions, and promotions, while also enhancing conference room functionality with digital room scheduling, meeting visibility, and collaboration tools.”

Along with increased guest engagement, digital signage solutions elevate the hotel brand by crafting a cohesive visual identity.

“In high-traffic areas like lobbies, large-format and Direct View LED displays act as both informational hubs and visual anchors, delivering impactful content that shapes the guest’s first impression,” she explained. “Beyond communication, signage improves operational efficiency through self-service solutions and supports revenue generation through targeted promotions, making it an essential, scalable system that connects guest experience, operations, and brand storytelling.”

How are digital signage solutions working to create a more accessible environment for guests?

“Digital signage is playing a critical role increating more accessible and inclusive hospitality environments by making information easier to find, understand, and interact with,” said Liz, detailing the many ways that digital signage solutions create a more accessible space for guests.

“Wayfinding and interactive displays simplify navigation throughout the property, including conference and event spaces.

Digital room signage outside meeting rooms provides clear, real-time visibility into schedules and locations, reducing confusion and improving flow for attendees.

Self-service solutions reduce reliance on staff interaction, supporting guests with varying communication preferences or needs, while high-resolution displays with clear visuals improve readability.”

“Together with real-time updates, these technologies help create a more seamless, user-friendly, and inclusive experience for every guest,” she explained.

How have guest expectations changed as we move towards personalized in-room entertainment and streaming?

“Guest expectations have evolved a lot over the years,” said Ashley. “In the past, in-room entertainment was more limited to options like local channels and pay-per-view.”

“So much of the content we consume now is viewed on a multitude of streaming services, and for the most part, guests want the ability to log in to their own account and pick up right where they left off in their favorite show,” she said. “There’s a comfort in being able to access a piece of home while you’re away.”

How have digital signage and self-service experiences improved efficiency for guests and hotel staff?

“Digital signage allows hotels and hotel staff to be much more agile than in years past. Think back to the days of paper menus – if the cost on a food item changed, for example, the hotel would need to re-print those menus, which is costly,” she explained.

Along with improving efficiency for guests and hotel staff alike, these solutions allow for tailored guest experiences.

“Many hotels also utilize self-service kiosks now, which allows guests to do things like book dinner reservations, or even request late check-out,” she detailed. “Digital signage gives guests flexibility, and staff the ability to react quickly and easily to changing circumstances.”

smart tvs hotelWhat are the benefits of cloud-based content management?

“Cloud-based content management allows hotels to streamline operations while improving guest experience,” she said. “From customized brand messaging to contactless check-ins, cloud solutions can help hotels scale services without the need for expensive on-prem infrastructure.”

By allowing hotels to easily scale their offerings, cloud-based content management promotes a cohesive brand image while maintaining efficient hotel operations.

“This remote access means having the ability to make changes on the fly across properties without having to physically go to each property, saving time and money.”

Let’s Elevate Your Next Hospitality Project

Whether you’re refreshing guest rooms, designing a lobby experience, or planning a full-property rollout, Almo is here to help you choose the right displays, integrations, and platforms.

To explore the full portfolio of future-forward hospitality solutions, visit Hospitality.AlmoProAV.com.

Ashley May-Smith | [email protected]

Liz Wheeler, DSCE | [email protected]

Hospitality Tech Is Changing Fast: What Integrators Need to Know About TVs and Signage in 2026

by | Apr 2, 2026 | Business Development, Consumer TVs, Digital Signage, Hospitality, Pro Audio, Pro Displays, Uncategorized

guest experienceIf you’ve worked even one hotel project in the last couple of years, you’ve noticed that guest expectations are changing fast. Today’s travelers don’t just use the screens around a property… they depend on them. And as their expectations rise, your hospitality clients look to you to make sure every display – from the lobby video wall to the guest‑room TV – feels modern, seamless, and easy to use.

Let’s walk through the biggest display trends shaping hotels in 2026 and what they mean for your next installation.

  1. Guest‑Room TVs Need to Work Exactly Like Home (If Not Better)

You’ve probably had a hotel client ask why guests can’t cast Netflix or stream their own content yet. The truth is, people don’t want “hotel entertainment”- they want their entertainment. And if the in‑room TV doesn’t support it, they go straight back to their phones.

Modern hospitality TVs fix that. These displays are the nerve center of the guest room. Guests want to walk in, tap their phone once, and instantly watch their favorite shows, just like they would at home. Streaming, casting, personalized content… the whole package.

And trust me, when you give guests that seamless experience, they notice.

  1. Casting Options Aren’t a Perk… They’re a Requirement

If you’re selecting in‑room displays for your hotel projects, you already know a standard TV won’t cut it. Hotels expect Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, and secure login options right out of the gate. If it doesn’t pair easily with a guest’s device, it’ll feel outdated the moment it’s installed.

More hotels are also tying their TVs into PMS systems or mobile apps so the screen can:

    • Welcome guests by name
    • Share check‑out times or property highlights
    • Promote upgrades or amenities
    • Even sync with room controls

This is exactly the kind of behind‑the‑scenes magic that enriches a property, and sets your installation apart.

  1. Digital Signage Has Become the Backbone of the Hotel Experience

hotel restaurant guestsWalk into any hotel lobby today, and you’ll see what I mean; digital signage is everywhere, and it’s doing real work. It’s helping guests:

    • Find their meeting rooms
    • Navigate large properties
    • Check event schedules
    • Browse menus or promotions
    • Get real‑time weather or travel updates

This isn’t “nice to have” anymore. It’s operational infrastructure.

Here’s the deal: hotels want screens that update automatically, change by time of day, support multiple languages, and stay on brand across every location they own. When you build signage networks that can handle that, you’re giving them an asset, not just a display.

And while we’ve been talking screens, it’s worth remembering that great visuals only go so far without clear, consistent audio to match. In louder public spaces like restaurants, bars, and busy lobbies, hotels rely on sound systems that deliver even coverage and maintain speech clarity without overwhelming the room. Strong audio isn’t just background…it’s part of creating the welcoming, high quality atmosphere guests expect the moment they walk in.

  1. Self‑Service and Mobile‑First Experiences Are Changing Lobby Design

room signageYou’ve definitely seen this shift firsthand: guests want contactless everything.
QR‑codes. Digital keys. Mobile check‑in. Kiosks that keep guests moving instead of waiting.

Digital displays are at the center of these flow improvements. Whether it’s a QR‑enabled menu at the bar or a lobby kiosk guiding guests to their rooms, the screens you install are helping hotels reduce bottlenecks and lighten the load on front-desk staff.

If you’re designing lobby signage, now’s the time to think about:

    • QR‑led journeys
    • Interactive kiosks
    • Digital maps and directories
    • Short-form, high‑impact messaging

Guests appreciate it, and hotels depend on it.

  1. Cloud‑Based Content Management Isn’t Optional Anymore

Samsung TVIf you’ve ever had a client ask you to update dozens of screens across multiple properties… you know how rough local content management can be.

That’s why cloud-based CMS platforms are becoming the default. Hotels want to:

    • Push content updates instantly
    • Keep branding consistent
    • Manage multiple locations at once
    • Handle multilingual needs
    • Automate updates without calling IT

When you recommend cloud-ready systems, you’re not just making your installs smoother; you’re future‑proofing your client’s entire display network.

  1. Plan for 24/7 Reliability and Scalability (Because Hotels Demand It)

Hospitality is a 24/7 business. Guests check in at midnight. Conferences start at dawn. Restaurants stay lit until closing. Your displays need to keep up.

Hotels are treating digital signage and hospitality TVs as mission‑critical now, and they’re expecting integrators to design systems that stay online, stay accurate, and stay consistent year-round. Choosing purpose-built displays and platforms is more important than ever.

And of course, that’s where the right products, and the right guidance, make all the difference.

Let’s Elevate Your Next Hospitality Project

Whether you’re refreshing guest rooms, designing a lobby experience, or planning a full-property rollout, Almo is here to help you choose the right displays, integrations, and platforms. If you’ve got a hotel project coming up, or you just want to double‑check your specs, we’d love to talk through it with you.

Reach out to your Almo Pro AV team anytime. We’re here for you.

Want to explore more Hospitality content? You might enjoy “Extended Stay Properties: Solutions that feel like home.”

Not JUST a TV

by | Mar 6, 2025 | Consumer TVs, Uncategorized

With the holiday season and Super Bowl (Go Birds!) recently behind us, that means there are tons of homes, offices, and other spaces with new TVs. Samsung has held the TV market share leader spot for 19 years running, so there’s a good chance that new screen has a Samsung logo on it somewhere. So, what better time to talk about all the extra features that help differentiate Samsung TVs from the competition.

When you purchase a TV, there is usually a list of items you expect to find in the box once opened. Obviously, a TV is expected, in addition you’ll typically find a stand, remote, and power cord as well. With Samsung TVs, there’s quite a bit more “in the box.”

Smart Hub: Everything in One Place

Upon powering on your Samsung TV, you’ll be greeted by a simple to navigate menu of tiled apps powered by the Tizen OS. This is Samsung’s Smart Hub and is the brain of their smart TVs, offering centralized access to all your favorite content, apps, and services. From streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ to gaming apps and social media integration, Smart Hub allows you to easily manage everything.

The user-friendly interface allows for seamless navigation between your content, settings, and even live TV. If you can’t or don’t want to use your hands, Samsung’s integration with voice assistants like Bixby, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant allows for hands-free control of your TV, enriching the experience.

Samsung TV Plus: Free Live Streaming Channels Plus on Demand

Samsung smart hubLike many others, we canceled our cable service years ago and started strictly using streaming services for our TV viewing. Initially this wasn’t too costly of a venture compared to our massive monthly cable bill. Over the years, price increases and further segmentation of content to different platforms has our streaming bill creeping up on our former cable costs. With Samsung TV Plus, users get access to over 200 live channels free of charge if the TV is connected to the internet. The varied content ranges from news, sports, movies, and lifestyle programs to channels dedicated to game shows new and old. My wife and I have found ourselves way too invested in 1990s episodes of “Supermarket Sweep” more times than I’d like to admit. With no subscription required, it’s a free way to bolster your quiver of viewing content.

It’s easy to access, and you don’t need any additional hardware, just turn on your Samsung TV, and the app is ready to go. This gives users an abundance of free content to enjoy alongside their usual streaming services.

Samsung Gaming Hub: Where All Your Games Live

Samsung gaming hubSamsung TVs are known for being some of the best displays for gaming. With their Game Mode, you get ultra-low latency, faster refresh rates, and reduced motion blur, ensuring smoother, more responsive gameplay. Whether you’re playing on a PlayStation, Xbox, or a gaming PC, Game Mode helps deliver the ultimate gaming experience. One of the coolest features for gamers who use multiple consoles is the consolidation of content onto one main screen. You can select games from your PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Wii, or whatever without switching sources or getting up from your seat. Simply select your game from the hub menu.

I’m going to date myself a bit with this, but I haven’t been seriously into video games since my early college days when Goldeneye for Nintendo 64 was a huge part of my life. When I bought a Samsung TV in late 2023, I was checking out Gaming Hub and to my delighted surprise, the Xbox app has that very game available! To play it, I simply had to download the app to my TV, connect a Bluetooth gaming controller, and sign up for Xbox’s Ultimate Game Pass. No console or physical game is required. For a monthly subscription and the cost of a wireless gaming controller, I can now play one of my favorite games of all time in addition to a catalog of 400 other games. It’s nice to be able to just grab the controller and go. I’m not the only one in my household that enjoys this feature. My 6-year-old daughter loves the Bluey and Paw Patrol games, in addition to some other family friendly titles.

Conclusion: Samsung TVs Are More Than Just TVs

While Samsung has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a TV can look like and the quality of picture it can deliver, it’s the other features that make it stand out from its peers. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a gaming enthusiast, Samsung TVs offer something for everyone, young, old , and everywhere in between.

Did you find this post helpful? Check out “Samsung’s Consumer LED Technologies and Where to Use Them“.

Gerry Aubrey

About the Author

Gerry Aubrey | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Samsung CE

Samsung’s Consumer LED Technologies and Where to Use Them

by | Jul 9, 2024 | Consumer TVs, Uncategorized

Evolution of Consumer TVs and LED Technologies

1st mass produced TVThere’s an old saying, “You learn something new every day.” Well, did you know that the first version of the television was mechanical? I had no idea! It was invented in the 1920s and sold commercially in the UK, France, US, and the Soviet Union. The first electronic televisions using CRTs, or cathode ray tubes, were originally manufactured for commercial sale in the 1930s. They did not gain wide appeal in the US until RCA introduced their RCA 630-TS which was the first mass-produced TV set released in 1946. To this day, people still use the phrase, “watching the tube” when referring to TV viewing because of the tubes used in these models.

We’ve certainly come a long way in the past century from mechanical and CRT sets to plasma panels which came and went, giving way to the LED displays of our current times. Before we dive into the current LED technologies, let’s first examine what the role of LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are in TVs. LEDs combine to make pixels which are the tiny dots or squares on the screen. LED TVs utilize a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel on top of the LEDs that illuminate the LCD from behind or the edge. The number of pixels determines the picture’s resolution. Having more and smaller LEDs leads to a more accurate picture.

Now, let’s talk about the current state of Consumer LED Technologies used by Samsung TVs and the best places to deploy them.

LED

Standard LED TVs typically utilize edge backlighting and control dimming over larger areas of the screen. This allows less control over each pixel and lower contrast and black level accuracy compared to newer LED tech. Samsung’s Crystal UHD Series offers 4K resolution in all their models which are great for the average viewer.

Where to use:

  • Most spaces are perfectly suited for standard LED TVs.
  • Places where picture quality is not the highest priority.
    • Think of break rooms, cafeterias, waiting rooms, and other places where having a TV on as an information source, or as a conversation starter is the main concern.
    • Homes that watch TV casually and do not have any videophiles living there.

QLED

QLED, or Quantum dot LED, is a variation of LED that uses smaller pixels for a more accurate picture. Samsung describes them as, “manufactured nanocrystals that consist of ultra-fine semiconductor materials.” Quantum dots produce different colors depending on the particle size. These dots create efficient and accurate light great for bright and dark rooms alike. QLED TVs come in edge lit models or the more premium TVs will use direct LED lighting. The latter provides more accurate black levels by using full-array local dimming.

Where to use:

  • Almost anywhere.
  • Brightly lit rooms with more ambient light.
  • Places where picture quality matters.
  • Entry level home theaters, gaming rooms, and man caves.

Neo QLED

Neo QLED differs from QLED in how the panel is lit. As mentioned above, QLED uses edge or direct lighting to illuminate the display. Neo QLED TVs are comprised of tens of thousands of “Mini-LEDs.” More LEDs means more control over the picture quality, color, and brightness. One limitation of Neo QLED TVs is “blooming” or the bleeding of light into dark areas on the screen.

Where to use:

  • Rooms with lots of ambient light.
    • NeoQLED TVs are known for producing high brightness images that can overcome natural and artificial light sources.
  • Places where picture quality is a high priority.
  • Step up to high end home theaters, gaming rooms, and man caves.

OLED

OLED, or Organic LED, is entirely different from other forms of LED in that it is emissive, much like plasma TVs were. Each pixel emits its own light, rather than transmitting light from another source. This control of the light at the pixel level helps to produce perfect black levels by simply not illuminating the pixels that are to appear black. Other types of LEDs use dimming zones, but even the most advanced dimming zone technology simply dims areas and not individual pixels. One drawback to OLED is that it cannot produce the same brightness levels of its QLED and Neo QLED counterparts.

Where to use:

  • Rooms with lower ambient light.
  • Rooms that do not have static images for long periods of time.
    • Playing the same video game, watching the same news/sports channel, or using the same computer program can cause image retention, or burn-in.
  • Places where picture quality is a top priority.
  • High end home theaters, gaming rooms, and man caves.

MicroLED

MicroLED TVs use LEDs so small they are measured in micrometers, hence the name MicroLED. No backlighting is used as pixels are controlled at the individual level. This provides immense contrast ratios by offering deep blacks and pure, bright whites. A broad color gamut and ultra-wide viewing angles are additional benefits of this technology. Unlike OLED, they are not limited in brightness by organic material design or prone to burn-in. Currently, MicroLED is a cutting-edge technology and is priced as such. It is also limited to very large sizes with offerings of 101” and 114”. The pixels in MicroLED are not yet small enough to make a 55” panel that would require 8.3 million pixels for a 4K resolution.

Where to use:

  • Places where picture quality is the highest priority.
  • Ultra-premium home theaters.
  • Anywhere you can fit one if you can afford one.

Hopefully this will help to simplify all of the current LED technologies Samsung is offering in their consumer TV lineup and will help you make informed decisions about where to deploy each of them.

Did you find this post helpful? Learn more about outdoor displays in Gerry’s blog, “Ingress Protection: the other IP of AV“.

Gerry Aubrey

About the Author

Gerry Aubrey | DSCE

Business Development Manager

Supported Manufacturers: Samsung CE

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