Hotel disabled HDMI input for TV?
#32
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And for those of us that carry an Amazon Stick - there's a "remote" app that allows your phone to become the remote. At that point, I'm able to carry around all the videos I could ever watch on a device smaller than my finger. Good for those of us trying to minimize our load. @:-)
#33
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: IEEE
Posts: 1
Though somewhat unrelated, why do hotels disable the channel guide feature on their TV's? It seems ludicrous that you have to wait 3-5 minutes for the commercials to run before seeing what program you're watching, and then flip to another channel and repeat the process. Anyone know how to enable the channel guide feature?
#34
Join Date: Nov 2011
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#35
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,450
I just decided I am the meanest parent in America because there is NO way I am hauling a video game when we travel. Or for that matter really letting them play or watch movies that much. Probably why we never noticed this issue. Oh well, they will live!
#36
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,690
But otherwise, of course I agree...
#37
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 1
Lg 43lh340h
So I know this thread is older, but I thought I'd chime in, as I travel with a FireTV and have had to resort to increasingly ridiculous workarounds to get hotel TVs to accept my illicit HDMI input.
I just came across a newer one and thought I'd share. I travel for business and have been enjoying the newer TownePlace Suites by Marriott chains for many reasons, but the TVs were actually kind of nice. They have an LG hijack box that has several streaming apps you can log into with your own credentials that are automatically cleared on checkout. Many of them also have a Chromecast attached so you can stream from your mobile device for apps that aren't represented on the built-in box. This has meant that my Fire stays in the suitcase, which is fine; one less thing.
However, the most recent one I stayed at was brand new, and the Chromecast hadn't been configured yet, and they were missing the HBO Go/Now app, boo! So I wanted to plug in my FireTV. Problem: the HDMI ports on the TV are disabled. You can pull the hotel's HDMI out of the TV and try to use that, BUT the LG-hijack box controls volume with the non-standard remote, and there are NO buttons in the TV itself to be able to change it (and it defaults loud enough for your neighbors to call the front desk on you).
Workaround: Look behind the TV, behind the dresser/stand it's bolted to, if you can. The LG-hijack box is bolted back there and IT has two HDMI inputs. One contains the (unconfigured) Chromecast, and one is empty. I wasn't able to make it work in the empty one, but replacing the Chromecast with the FireTV enabled me to operate as normal.
Just remember to put it all back as you found it before checking out; don't be that guy.
I just came across a newer one and thought I'd share. I travel for business and have been enjoying the newer TownePlace Suites by Marriott chains for many reasons, but the TVs were actually kind of nice. They have an LG hijack box that has several streaming apps you can log into with your own credentials that are automatically cleared on checkout. Many of them also have a Chromecast attached so you can stream from your mobile device for apps that aren't represented on the built-in box. This has meant that my Fire stays in the suitcase, which is fine; one less thing.
However, the most recent one I stayed at was brand new, and the Chromecast hadn't been configured yet, and they were missing the HBO Go/Now app, boo! So I wanted to plug in my FireTV. Problem: the HDMI ports on the TV are disabled. You can pull the hotel's HDMI out of the TV and try to use that, BUT the LG-hijack box controls volume with the non-standard remote, and there are NO buttons in the TV itself to be able to change it (and it defaults loud enough for your neighbors to call the front desk on you).
Workaround: Look behind the TV, behind the dresser/stand it's bolted to, if you can. The LG-hijack box is bolted back there and IT has two HDMI inputs. One contains the (unconfigured) Chromecast, and one is empty. I wasn't able to make it work in the empty one, but replacing the Chromecast with the FireTV enabled me to operate as normal.
Just remember to put it all back as you found it before checking out; don't be that guy.
#40
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The biggest issue for me (using Android Tablet and HDMI lead) is generally the volume cap but there is a way around that too if you search hard enough
#41
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,577
On the properties which have the Smart TVs (Netflix/YouTube/Pandora) built in, you'll usually find a small box behind the TV. If you disconnect the RJ-11 (telephone cable) between the cable box and TV, you'll find the TV becomes a plain-old TV and works normally.
If you stumble across an LG box behind the TV, I've had good luck with just plugging my device into the LG box and hitting Source / Input on the remote, no hackery needed.
If you stumble across an LG box behind the TV, I've had good luck with just plugging my device into the LG box and hitting Source / Input on the remote, no hackery needed.
#42
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,580
You can pull the hotel's HDMI out of the TV and try to use that, BUT the LG-hijack box controls volume with the non-standard remote, and there are NO buttons in the TV itself to be able to change it (and it defaults loud enough for your neighbors to call the front desk on you).
#43
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,580
This -- though occasionally I've seen ones where you need to disconnect and reconnect the power cable to get it to reboot in normal mode.
#44
Join Date: Nov 2007
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I havent started to carry my Roku around yet, but the apparent effort displayed on here for what I thought would be simple is discouraging. In the past I sometimes use the tv as a second monitor from my laptop. Apparently Ive been lucky and had an easy time switching inputs on the tv, but now I know I will potentially have to work a little harder to do so.
#45
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,577
@COSPILOT -- Despite what you're seeing in this thread, it's usually trivial to get a Roku/Fire stick to connect to the TV. Unplugging a cable or two isn't a big amount of effort. The biggest issue is usually signing into the hotel's WiFi sign-on screen. I know the older Rokus can't do it, but the Fire TV sticks and newest Roku products can.