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ENTERTAINMENT in your Hands


BY ROBERT FINE, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTRAL OKANAGAN REGIONAL DISTRICT


T


he past ten years has seen an incredible transition in the level and quality of inflight entertainment options. From gambling on UK budget airlines to seatback televisions with full options, flying has certainly become more entertaining. But just when you have it figured out, it appears that the growth of TV screens in seats is likely coming to an end.


With more planes scheduled to upgrade to inflight Wi-Fi access, many airline insiders believe that a significant shrinkage in the seatback market will arrive just as quickly as sets were installed.


Some overriding reasons to say goodbye to the TV screen is cost. It costs about $8 million to fit an aircraft with in-flight entertainment equipment. Qantas is introducing “Q Streamin” providing an iPad to each and every passenger on its fleet of Boeing 767s, beaming free in-flight entertainment. One of the main reasons cited cost and environment. Qantas’ “customer experience” manager Alison Webster cited the weight – and thus, fuel – savings of the system as one of its advantages. “We are all focused on fuel burn being environmentally friendly and we have huge commitments to sustainability targets,” she said.


On the Canadian front, WestJet Airlines Ltd. is developing a new in-flight entertainment system that will transmit a wireless signal to its customers’ personal tablets and laptops, as well as those rented on its flights. The basis for the decision is that customers will bring their own tablets or laptops, or rent ones made available by WestJet, and the carrier will transmit live and stored content. As WestJet chief executive Gregg Saretsky said back in May: “The research that we’ve done is that upwards of 80% of Canadians bring their own devices. It’s an iPad, a laptop or a mobile phone, because there are so many devices now that are Wi- Fi-enabled. That’s what we’ll use to communicate.”


So where does the future of inflight entertainment lay? Many technology insiders say it’s in the USB port; through a USB port, that content can be displayed on a larger screen built into the seat. There’s even more potential in the reverse direction though. Airlines could sell or rent video content through the in-flight system that can be downloaded back to personal devices. That would allow flyers to pause the movie and watch it later, even once on the ground at their final destination. Airlines could then receive a cut of the movie cost, even though the movie may not be consumed on the plane. Stay tuned


“The research that we’ve done is that upwards of 80% of Canadians bring their own devices.”


Trade-up your old TV receiver for a new Bell TV receiver and get up


to a $50 Gift Card from The Source* *Terms & conditions apply. Ask for details.


Bundle Bell TV & Mobility & SAVE FREE Included for 36 months1 Orchard Park


910-2271 Harvey Ave., Kelowna 250-860-6865 Westbank Shopping Centre


110-2330 Hwy. 97, Westbank 250-768-6681 Mission Park Shopping Centre


11/12-3151 Lakeshore Rd., Kelowna 250-860-5531


The electronics you want. The help you need.


Offer ends Nov. 30, 2012. See store for full details. The Source does not accept liability for typographical errors. Taxes not included. ™Trade-mark of The Source (Bell) Electronics Inc. Available to new Bell TV residential customers, where access and line of sight permit. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. The paper bill fee will appear on your next bill. Visit bell.ca/mybell to switch your monthly billing from paper bill to e-bill at no cost. Receivers may be new or refurbished at Bell’s choice. Where applicable, monthly prices include a fee of 1% to fund Bell’s contribution to the CRTC’s Local Programming Improvement Fund (LPIF); see bell.ca/LPIF. LPIF will be itemized separately on your Bell invoice. Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. (1) In a bundle with TV and Mobility. Plus, with Bell Install, you’ll get a complete and customized installation at no charge when you sign up for a 2-year contract. A one-time $49.95 activation fee applies. For new subscribers. $0 rental of HD based on $5.53 monthly rental fee, less a $5.53 monthly credit. All charges will appear on your monthly Bell TV invoice. Rental term is month by month. If you rent without default for 36 consecutive months, you may choose to take title to and own the receiver by notifying Bell TV within 30 days of making your 36th payment. If you choose not to take title to or to terminate rental of the receiver, you must return it to Bell TV within 30 days or pay the damages suffered by Bell. You may terminate your rental at any time without termination fees provided you return the receiver; however, early termination fees may apply to the programming portion of your account if you also terminate your programming. Receiver warranty up to 39 months. Installation fees may also apply; see bell.ca/installationincluded.


FALL 2012 | 23


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