A few years ago, casting was the next big thing in hotel rooms. Guests loved being able to stream their own Netflix shows or YouTube playlists, and hotels saw it as an affordable way to modernize without rebuilding their TV infrastructure.

It worked, for a while. But as guest expectations, networks, and streaming platforms evolved, so did the conversation. Casting still plays a role in hospitality tech, but it’s no longer the only answer.

To explore where it still fits, where it falls short, and what’s next for in-room entertainment, ExploreTECH caught up with Darren King, CEO of ROOMNET, the company behind a hybrid Apple TV and AirPlay solution that’s helping hotels move beyond the limitations of casting.

Casting’s strength: flexibility and familiarity

“Casting works best when guests are tech-savvy, connected to reliable Wi-Fi, and using compatible devices,” says King. “It delivers flexibility, since guests can stream their own content.”

In those conditions, particularly boutique or lifestyle hotels with confident digital travelers, casting does exactly what it promises. Guests feel at home using their own phones, and hotels don’t have to deal with complex content licensing.

When the network is strong and properly isolated for each room, it’s a simple, effective solution. But those conditions aren’t always easy to replicate.

When casting becomes complicated

The idea of casting is simple, but the reality often isn’t. Guests need to join the right Wi-Fi, find the correct code, pair their device, and reconnect every time the session drops. What’s effortless at home can feel clunky and frustrating in a hotel room.

Each of those small friction points adds up. Guests lose patience, staff get called to troubleshoot, and in some cases, residual device data may remain if the system doesn’t automatically reset between stays.

“Casting was originally built for home use,” King notes. “When it’s implemented in hotels, it has to be carefully adapted for privacy, management, and consistency.”

The shift toward native streaming and hybrid models

If casting is about flexibility, streaming is about familiarity. Guests are now used to logging directly into Netflix or Disney+ from their smart TVs at home, and they expect the same simplicity when they travel.

That’s why more hotels are moving toward native streaming or hybrid setups that allow guests to either cast their own content or sign into preloaded apps directly on the TV.

“Streaming or native OTT apps preloaded on a platform like Apple TV deliver a truly home-from-home experience,” says King. “Guests get instant access to the content they love without the friction or support burden of casting.”

ROOMNET’s approach: bridging flexibility and control

ROOMNET’s approach builds on those principles by combining Apple TV’s native streaming capabilities with secure AirPlay casting. It’s a hybrid model designed to give guests full freedom while keeping the technology effortless for hotels to manage.

Because the platform is software-based and hardware-agnostic, it works with any TV brand. That gives hotels flexibility to upgrade their experience without replacing existing screens.

Behind the scenes, ROOMNET’s system handles all the heavy lifting, from privacy resets to app control and remote management. Everything connects to the PMS, so the experience stays personal and secure.