Groove’s Guide to DIRECTV Hospitality TV Systems for Hotels
Running a hotel means always looking for a way to stand out in a crowded market. While adding a massive new indoor pool might not be in this year’s budget, there are other high-impact upgrades that can elevate the guest experience, with one of the most overlooked – in-room entertainment.
A recent independent study ranked in-room entertainment as the fourth most important amenity for hotel guests, right behind cleanliness, comfort, and quietness. But which entertainment solution is the best fit for your hotel property?
In this article, we’ll break down what guests value most in their in-room viewing experience and compare the features, benefits, and trade-offs of DIRECTV’s three hospitality TV solutions from Groove: DIRECTV Residential Experience (DRE), HD COM3000, and the Advanced Entertainment Platform (AEP).
Why In-Room Entertainment is a Top Hotel Amenity
The recent independent study done in May of 2025 surveyed 1,500 U.S. adults who stay at least five nights in hotels. It found that hotel in-room entertainment ranks as a highly influential factor when choosing where to stay, landing at #4 overall among deciding criteria.
Between 30% and 40% of guests said entertainment had a “high influence” on their choice, and for ages 21 – 49, this climbed further: 47% would return, and 38% would pay more based specifically on in-room TV offerings.
In addition, certain features of in-room entertainment were viewed as more essential than others, with 6 in particular being valued higher than the rest: reliable Wi-Fi, ability to stream, live networks, premium networks, local TV, and on-demand channels.
DIRECTV for Hotels: Comparing DRE vs. COM3000 vs. AEP
Understanding what matters to guests is crucial, but choosing the right entertainment solution for your specific property is what truly sets you apart. Factors such as your location, target clientele, and property layout all play a major role in determining which DIRECTV Hospitality service will deliver the best experience.
Groove offers three powerful DIRECTV Hospitality TV systems, each designed for different hotel needs.
| DIRECTV Hospitality Solution | Features | Requirements | Ideal For |
| DIRECTV Residential Experience (DRE) | Access to 100+ HD channels Familiar residential guide and parental controls Compatible with existing wiring configurations | Compact receiver in each guest room | Limited service, bed & breakfast inns, independent hotels |
| HD COM3000 Headend | Access to up to 138 HD channels Small rack footprint Energy efficient No receiver needed behind each TV Customizable channel lineups Remotely manageable | Centralized headend rack set up Hospitality-grade Pro:Idiom-compliant televisions | Large scale hotels |
| Advanced Entertainment Platform (AEP) | Seamless, streaming-rich guest experience Blends live TV with app-based streaming, on-demand content, and interactive menus Customizable property information app Cloud delivered content & feature updates Remotely manageable | Compatible with consumer-grade smart TVs | Hotels of all sizes looking for premium features |
Cost of Hotel TV Systems and ROI
While pricing varies depending on the chosen solution, property size, and integration needs, upgrading to a modern in-room entertainment platform is an investment in the future of your organization. Hotels offering advanced features like streaming and intuitive guides often see:
- Improved guest satisfaction scores
- Higher return visits
- Ability to increase daily rates
The right system can help differentiate your property and generate measurable returns over time. Groove and DIRECTV also help eliminate barriers to entry with subsidies that reduce or remove upfront costs, making upgrades budget-friendly for hotels of all sizes.
How DIRECTV NFL Sunday Ticket Drives Hotel Bar Revenue
Beyond in-room TV, DIRECTV gives your hotel a competitive edge in your bar and restaurant with NFL Sunday Ticket. Sports fans actively seek venues showing every out-of-market NFL game, and hotels offering it become the go-to game day destination.
86% of bars and restaurants with NFL Sunday Ticket rate it good, very good, or excellent for boosting sales. Venues report drawing an average of 37% more customers on game days compared to regular weekends.
More guests in your bar and restaurant means more orders and higher tabs, making NFL Sunday Ticket a high-impact investment for your hotel’s bottom line.
Compliance and Guest Privacy
Hospitality TV systems must meet strict commercial licensing requirements, something standard residential services can’t provide. DIRECTV Hospitality solutions are built with compliance in mind and ensure proper content licensing to protect guest privacy, particularly when logging into personal streaming accounts through platforms like AEP.
Future-Proofing Your Hotel’s Entertainment System
Guest expectations evolve quickly – and so does technology. DIRECTV Hospitality solutions are designed to support today’s entertainment demands while staying adaptable to future upgrades like 4K, HDR, expanded app libraries, and more. Investing in a flexible platform now means you won’t have to replace your system in just a few years.
Why DIRECTV Hospitality with Groove is the Smart Choice for Hotels
Groove and DIRECTV Hospitality deliver the perfect combination of guest-focused features and reliable performance. Today’s travelers expect streaming options, personalized content, and smart TV functionality, which DIRECTV’s AEP platform provides exactly that. COM3000 offers exceptional scalability and reliability for larger properties, and DRE covers the essentials with ease for smaller properties. This range of solutions ensures hotels of all sizes – from small inns to expansive resorts – can find the perfect fit for their unique needs.
In addition to enhancing the guest experience, investing in modern in-room entertainment also drives measurable returns, from improved satisfaction scores to increased loyalty and repeat stays. Groove Technology Solutions is ready to take your hotel to the next level with the DIRECTV Hospitality service that is perfect for you, backed by our industry-leading tech-support and first-and-only its kind Groove Guarantee. Connect with us now to learn more.
