Exterity rolls out IPTV solution at Retallack Resort & Spa

London, 24 October, 2007: Exterity, a leading provider of network IPTV, has deployed its IPTV encoder and decoder at the Retallack Luxury Resort and Spa in Cornwall. The solution, which is a cost-effective alternative to a traditional coaxial system, will supply 50 newly built chalet-style properties with TV and Video on Demand. The Exterity solution harnesses the existing IP network, removing the need for unsightly satellite dishes on each chalet, while providing a comprehensive selection of channels to guests and as well as providing an additional revenue source for the resort.

The 52-acre site is five miles from Padstow, offering luxury fully-fitted holiday homes to buy or rent and is one of only a few resorts open all year round. In order to obtain its 5* status, Retallack needed to offer the comprehensive in-room entertainment system that guests expect from this calibre of resort and with the IPTV system, Retallack can now deliver video, freeview, digital and analogue TV stations over its network to any end point, including bedrooms, living rooms and reception areas.

“The cost benefits of our solution are significant” says Colin Farquhar, CEO of Exterity. “Traditionally, coaxial networks are rented, requiring a long-term financial commitment; however, because Retallack could buy our system, there are no on-going fees, and it had an IP network installed anyway, so our system uses and makes the most of the existing bandwidth.”

The system allows Retallack to easily personalise content sent to each chalet and so can display individual guest welcome messages. It can also be used to stream promotional videos to each chalet, enabling the resort to utilise the system as a selling medium to promote sister-resorts and features of the Retallack site, such as the Spa, thus increasing potential income. The video on demand (VoD) solution also offers the resort an additional revenue stream, as residents pay for each film. VoD replaces traditional pay-per-view systems and is more popular with guests as it can offer a much more comprehensive library of content.

Implemented by Empire Telecom, the company providing the telecoms system, the Exterity solution was selected for the deployment as it could be installed causing the minimum of disruption to guests and was installed in a matter of days. Originally, Retallack planned to install a VoIP telephone system (SWYX) using wireless technology over the site, with a mast and aerials for each property, however, a fibre backbone network promised greater flexibility, allowing Retallack to also provide TV and Satellite channels via the Exterity system.

“Due to the aggressive timescales involved in building the new Retallack resort, the IPTV system was ideal as it could be installed at the same time as other tradesmen were completing the first 50 chalets, and the flexible nature of Exterity’s products meant that they could be fitted around the other suppliers timetables,” said Amy Tucker-Brown, Resort Director, Retallack. “An additional 40 chalets will be completed this winter and will be equipped with the same system.”

“Retallack is an excellent example of a forward-looking organisation reaping the rewards of IPTV technology to meet the exacting requirements of guests at this luxury destination” observed Steve Jones, of Empire Telecom.


Notes to Editors:
About Exterity
Exterity Limited was formed in 2001 to create products to deliver broadcast quality digital video over IP networks within buildings. Exterity’s products represent a significant advance over the co-axial cable systems in common use today but are viable for deployment in large-scale video distribution systems.
Exterity’s core technology, in-socket™, allows display appliances, such as televisions, to be connected directly to wall-mounted iSockets to get direct and easy access to all available digital media and services.
Exterity is based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

About Retallack
Retallack is a family owned resort set in 45 acres of countryside in St Columb Major, Cornwall. The resort has 2, 3 and 4 bedroom luxury lodges, all of which have been equipped to a very high standard, with dishwashers, washer dryers, and plasma TVs. On site there is a 15 metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym, beauty treatment rooms, golf, tennis and a bar. For more information please see www.Retallack365.co.uk

Media contact:
Sarah-Anne Bray / Laurie Glimmerveen
Wildfire PR
0208 339 4420
sarah-anne@wildfirepr.co.uk