ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT


Panasonic widens its coverage


AIX '14 Panasonic claims it now offers


satellite coverage to 99.6% of the air routes worldwide. David Bruner, vp global communications, claims this is the world's best broadband coverage, enabling seamless inflight TV and data connectivity for its customers. Panasonic’s GCS system has been installed on 415 aircraft from 25 airlines, but more significantly, Bruner claims orders for another 2000 aircraft, of which 800 are being fitted this year. Deals with a further 13 airlines are pending and Panasonic is now extending its reach into Asia. Bruner said: "Every aircraft nowadays has


to have wifi - I think they should also have GSM - because it is so easy." He points out that one advantage of the Panasonic system is that it can be line-fit or retro-fit. Air Canada is line-fitting Panasonic’s eX3 system on its 37 new 787 aircraft. It currently has five 777-300s using the eX2 system. The eX3 system offers 600 hours of entertainment on screens up to 18 inches in Business class, with high definition touchscreens. Aerolinas Argentinas is the first Latin American airline to introduce wifi IFE,


using the Panasonic eXW system. It is being line-fitted on eight B737-800s to be deployed on domestic and mid-range flights later this year. The system portal can be configured as required and can store 40 films, 100 audio CDs, electronic newspapers and digital magazines. Panasonic's new Aupeo application can


read data from a connected PED to offer a personalised experience on the seatback screen including the passengers, own music or videos but also TV and sport choices. In future the system could be


developed to offer language-learning, guidebook and courses. Panasonic is also working with


Soundchip to produce an all-digital headset system. The HD-Audio headphones are fully integrated with the IFE system and so allow switching between ‘open ear’ and ‘closed ear’ modes. Microphones built into the headsets enable the wearer to hold a conversation with cabin crew without shouting. Panasonic.aero


Solid State unveils first iPad customer


AIX '14 UK-based company Solid State has announced its first customer for its iPad IFE system. The Swiss top-end charter company PrivatAir, based in Geneva, is taking on the service, which supplies iPads with pre-loaded content.


The system has a good front end, with multi-language and hearing impaired support, and a robust back end. This makes it easy to push new content to the system, either using VPN to upload from a


server to the trolley recharging cart or by wifi for minor content upgrades. The system includes early window films, TV, magazine pdf content, menus, duty free lists, plus music and an airline's preferred moving map. Normal iPad apps can also be accessed by moving away from the Solid State portal and using the iPad normally.


Said Arthur Drewitt of Solid State, "It is an ideal solution for First and Business class, particularly in an ageing fleet with a legacy IFE system. Premium passengers will appreciate the latest technology offered as a value add, while economy


passengers may be charged for the privilege. The iPads offer great potential weight savings, with a total weight on the aircraft of 200kg versus the 1500kg for a traditional wired seatback system." Solidstateinflight.com


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