In-flight entertainment

In-flight entertainment (IFE) refers to the entertainment available to aircraft passengers during a flight. After World War II commercial aviation flights became a daily event in which entertainment was requested by passengers to help the time pass. This was delivered in the form of food and drink services, along with an occasional projector movie during lengthy flights. The concept of IFE took on a new meaning starting in the 1980s. In 1985 the first personal audio player was offered to passengers, along with noise cancelling headphones in 1989 . During the 1990s the demand for better IFE was a major factor in the way airlines designed and retrofitted their cabins. Before then, the most a passenger could expect was a movie projected on a screen at the front of a cabin, which could be heard via a headphone socket at their seat.

Major manufacturers of IFE systems include MEZZO Panasonic Avionics Corporation, Thales Group, Honeywell Rockwell Collins and LiveTV . Most of the difficulties these producers encounter are traditional to those of avionic electronic systems. Such issues are system safety, cost efficiency, software reliability, hardware maintenance, and user compatibility.

History

The first in-flight entertainment began to first appear in the 1960s on Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 aircraft. These early in-flight entertainment systems consisted of in-seat audio that can be heard with hollow tube headphones. When widebody aircraft (such as the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10) began to enter service, the first video systems began to appear, featuring a film projected onto a screen. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, CRT-based projectors began to appear on newer widebody aircraft, such as the Boeing 767. Some airlines upgraded the old film IFE systems to the CRT-based systems in the late 1980s and early 1990s on some of their older widebodies. Around the same time, CRT-based displays began to appear over the aisles of narrowbody and widebody aircraft. In the mid 1990s, the first in-seat video systems began to appear, and LCD technology started to replace CRT technology as the display technology of choice for overhead video. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the first in-seat audio/video on-demand systems began to appear.

IFE is offered as an option on almost all wide body aircraft in service today, while some narrow body aircraft are not equipped with any form of IFE at all. This is mainly due to the aircraft storage and weight limits. The Boeing 757 was the first narrow body aircraft to widely feature both audio and video IFE and today it is rare to find a 757 without an IFE system. Most 757s feature ceiling-mounted CRT screens, although some newer 757s may feature drop-down LCDs. Many Airbus A320 series and Boeing 737NG aircraft are also equipped with drop-down LCD screens. Some airlines, such as WestJet and Delta Air Lines, have equipped some narrow body aircraft with personal video screens at every seat. Others, such as Air Canada, have even equipped some regional jets with audio-video on demand (AVOD).

System Safety and Regulation

One major obstacle of creating an IFE system is the system's safety. With the sometimes miles of wiring involved, voltage leaks and arcing become a problem. To contain any possible issues, the IFE system is typically isolated from the aircraft's main systems. In the US, in order for a company's product to be considered safe and reliable, it must be certified by the FAA and pass all of the applicable requirements found in the Federal Aviation Regulations. The concerning section, or title, dealing with the aviation industry and the electronic systems embedded in the aircraft, is CFR title 14 part 25. Contained inside part 25 are many specific rules, each relating to a specific portion of the aircraft's electronic system. There are two major codes that regulate IFE systems and their safety: code 1301 which approves the electronic equipment for installation and use, by assuring that the system in question is properly labeled, and that its design is appropriate to its intended function . Code 1309 states that the electrical equipment must not alter the safety or functionality of the aircraft upon the result of a failure . In order for the intended IFE system to pass this code, it must be independent from that of the aircraft's main power source and processor. By separating the power supplies and data links from that of the aircraft's performance processor, in the event of a failure the system is self sustained, and can not alter the functionality of the aircraft. Upon the completion of all applicable codes the IFE system is up to standards for use in the United States, however the rules and regulations may be different when applying for use in other countries.

Cost efficiency

Further complicating issues when creating a safe IFE system is the concept of cost efficiency. The large companies currently involved, along with those future prospects, are in a constant battle to cut costs of production, without cutting the systems quality and compatibility. Cutting production cost consists of anything from altering the housing for personal televisions, to reducing the amount of embedded software in the IFE processor. Difficulties with cost are also present with the customers, or airlines, looking to purchase IFE systems. Most IFE systems are purchased by existing airlines as an upgrade package to an existing fleet of aircraft. This cost can be anywhere from $2 Million-$5 Million for seat back LCD monitors, with an embedded IFE system. Some of the IFE systems are being purchased already installed in a new aircraft, such as the Airbus A320, which eliminates the possibility of having upgrade difficulties. Each airline is finding interesting ways to pass on this additional cost to their customers. Some airlines are passing the cost directly into the customers ticket price, while some are charging a user fee based on an individual customers use. Some are also attempting to get a majority of the cost paid for by advertisements on, around, and in their IFE.

Software reliability

Software for IFE systems must be aesthetically pleasing, dependent, reliable, compatible, and also must be user friendly. These restrictions account for expensive engineering of individually specific software. In addition to the regular software reliability issues, comes the issue of the software being touch screen sensitive, allowing interaction between each seat in the aircraft and the flight attendants, which is wireless in some systems. Along with a complete aircraft intranet to deal with, the software of the IFE system must be reliable when communicating to and from the main IFE processor. These additional requirements not only place an additional strain on the software engineers, but also on the price. Boundary value errors can slip through the testing phases of the software and, once installed, truly cause problems.

Varieties of in-flight entertainment

Cabin music

Soft music is often piped through the PA system and is heard in the cabin upon boarding, disembarkation, taxiing and take-off of the aircraft. The music is often chosen to be pleasant and soothing, and exhibits characteristics similar to elevator music. In accord with the cabin music, some airlines are now installing music in the restrooms. This is done to ease some of those who become sick and uncomfortable while in the air.

Cabin lighting

A recent addition to commercial aircraft with IFE systems, cabin lighting allows the IFE system to adjust the cabins LED overhead lighting system when appropriate. Implemented through software, the lighting in the cabin can be adjusted through an array of colors, from a deep purple to a refreshing neon green. The lighting is also beginning to be implemented as to follow the cabin music currently playing. The first major implementation of cabin lighting is present in the new Virgin America Airbus A-320's.

Audio entertainment

Audio entertainment is provided in the form of several selected channels a passenger may choose covering various genres of music, as well as news, information and comedy. Much like radio shows, most music channels are pre-recorded and feature their own DJs to provide chatter, song introductions and interviews with featured artists.

In audio-video on demand (AVOD) systems, software such as MusicMatch is used to select music off the music server. Phillips Music Server is one of the most widely used servers running under Windows Media Center used to control AVOD systems.

This form of in-flight entertainment is experienced through headphones that are distributed to the passengers after take-off. The headphone plugs are usually only compatible with the audio socket on the passenger's armrest (and vice-versa), and some airlines may charge a small fee in order to obtain a pair. The headphones provided can also be used for the viewing of personal televisions, if any.

Recent IFE systems have been made compatible with XM Satellite Radio, and also with iPod's, allowing for passengers to access their own accounts, or bring their own music, along with offering extensive libraries of full audio CD's from an assortment of artists.

A personal television installed as part of Emirates' ice IFE system.

Video entertainment

Traditionally, video entertainment is provided via a large video screen at the front of a cabin section, as well as smaller monitors situated every few rows above the aisles. Sound is supplied via the same headphones distributed for audio entertainment.

However in recent times, personal televisions (PTVs) for every passenger have become more popular, providing passengers with a selection of channels broadcasting new and classic films, as well as comedies, documentaries, children's shows and drama series. Some airlines also present news and current affairs programming, which are often pre-recorded and delivered in the early morning before flights commence.

PTVs are operated via an In flight Management System which stores pre-recorded channels on a central server, and streams them to PTV equipped seats during flight. AVOD systems store individual programs separately, allowing a passenger to have a specific program streamed to them privately, and be able to control the playback.

Some airlines also provide video games as part of the video entertainment system. For example, Singapore Airlines passengers on some flights have access to a number of Super Nintendo games as part of its KrisWorld entertainment system. Also Virgin America's new RED Entertainment System offers passengers a wide variety of internet gaming over a Linux-based operating system. RED also provides an open source gaming link, so passengers who are experienced in writing games can upload certain created games to the server.

In-flight movies

The first motion picture to be played on an airline, was a silent film shown on a Deutsche Lufthansa flight over Germany in 1925. Regularly scheduled in flight movies began to premiere in 1961 on flights from New York to Los Angeles.Today there are various types of in flight movies that are offered. There are those personal on demand videos which are stored in an aircraft main IFE computer system. From there they can be viewed on demand by the user as they choose. Along with the on demand concept comes the ability for the user to pause, rewind, fast forward, or jump to any point in the movie. There are also the movies that are commonly shown throughout the aircraft at one time usually on a screen in the front of the cabin.

Personal televisions

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Singapore Airlines' new Krisworld IFE system.

Most major airlines have now installed personal televisions (otherwise known as PTVs) for every passenger on most long-haul routes. These televisions are usually located in the seat-backs or tucked away in the armrests for front row seats and first class. Many different systems are used and vary from different airlines. There are those that utilize a few channels, or direct broadcast satellite television which enable passengers to view live TV broadcasts. Some airlines also offer video games using PTV equipment.

In accordance with increasing amenities being provided on board flights, audio-video on demand (AVOD) entertainment has also been introduced. This enables passengers to pause, rewind, fast-forward or stop a program that they have been watching. This is in contrast to older entertainment systems where no interactivity is provided for. AVOD also allows the passengers to choose between an assortment of movies stored in the aircraft computer system.

With the introduction of new aircraft and the rapid advances in aviation technology, it is rare to find new long-haul planes being delivered without PTVs.

Moving-map systems

Simplified version of Airshow

A moving-map system is a real-time flight information video channel broadcast through PTVs and cabin video screens. In addition to displaying a map that illustrates the current position and direction of the plane, the system also reveals details concerning the flight to passengers such as the altitude, airspeed, distance to destination, distance from origination and local time. Moving-map system information is derived from the aircraft's flight computer systems. It is often generically referred to as Airshow, one of the first moving-map systems now owned by Rockwell Collins. Panasonic Avionics Corporation now offers a similar product known as iXPLOR on their latest IFE systems. Honeywell also offers a similar product known as JetMap.

Data communication

IFE producers have begun to introduce intranet type systems into their designs. Virgin America's RED Entertainment System allows for passengers to chat amongst one another, compete against each other in the provided games, talk to the flight attendants and request, and pay for in advance, food or drinks, and have full access to the internet and email.

In an upcoming Airbus A380 aircraft, data communication via satellite system will allow passengers to connect to live Internet from the individual IFE units or their laptops via the in-flight Wi-Fi access..

Next-generation systems

Currently there are only a few complete IFE systems incorporating live data/TV and on-demand capabilities. Jet Blue's personal television with live audio and video, including XM radio and DirectTV is an example of one of the more advanced IFE systems deployed today. Air Canada also provides their passengers with PTV's accompanied by a pre-arranged selection of movies and video games that are rescheduled monthly.

Currently there are three IFE Systems in the aviation industry that are billed as "next-generation", Singapore Airlines' KrisWorld, Emirates Airlines' ICE Entertainment, and RED entertainment system from Virgin America.

KrisWorld

Audio, video, and games on demand

Installed in Singapore Airlines' new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, KrisWorld is an example of a next-generation IFE System. The system is based on the eX2 system from Panasonic Avionics Corporation. Currently boasting the highest resolution of any IFE at 1280 x 768 pixels, these personal LCD displays are located in the seat back in front of the passenger. KrisWorld contains 80 on-demand movies for passenger viewing, a predetermined assortment of television shows, 12 music channels and 180 CD titles on demand. KrisWorld has also contracted with Nintendo to provide 91 Nintendo game titles for passenger use on demand.

KrisWorld Interactive

KrisWorld also includes Flight Path, an improvement on the existing moving map system present in most IFEs. KrisWorld also includes a feature dubbed Destination Info, an interactive guidebook for each of Singapore Airlines destination cities. Destination Info gives passengers access to street directions, restaurant guides, and local event listings for a particular day.

Live Text News is KrisWorld's in-flight news service. It updates via satellite once every hour, and includes content on the stock market, local news,sports, and weather.

Language tutorials

KrisWorld is also the first IFE system to introduce Berlitz World Traveler as a feature of their IFE. Berlitz World Traveler is a program that assists passengers in learning any one of 22 languages, providing access to tutorials and quizzes.

ICE

Information

Operated by Emirates Airline, ICE is another example of a next-generation in-flight entertainment system. ICE (Information Communication Entertainment) is currently operating in all of Emirates Airline's Airbus A340-500, and all of Emirates Airline's Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 777-200 fleet. The system is based on the 3000i system from Panasonic Avionics Corporation. ICE provides passengers with a direct data link to BBC News. ICE is the first IFE system to be connected directly to automatic news updates. This is complemented by ICE's Airshow moving-map software from Rockwell Collins. Along with this software comes ICE's unique system of exterior cameras located on the aircraft. These cameras can be viewed by any passenger through the IFE system during takeoff and landing.

Communication

ICE also contains a link to an in-flight email server which allows passengers to access, send or receive emails for US $1 per message. Similar to KrisWorld, ICE also contains a seat-to-seat chat server.

Entertainment

Similar to KrisWorld, the entertainment system from Singapore Airlines, ICE allows passengers to choose from a library of movies, audio CDs, and video games. ICE offers over 130 on-demand movie titles and 15 video-on-demand channels, 60 prerecorded television channels, 350 audio channels, and around 50 video-game titles. ICE can also be accessed in 10 different languages including English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Japanese.

Virgin America's RED

Audio, video, and gaming

Released in summer of 2007, Virgin America's RED IFE system is installed in all of Virgin America's Airbus A320's. RED allows similar functions to KrisWorld's and ICE's IFE system. RED allows passengers to watch live TV, including 18 live TV channels provided by Dish Network. RED also provides 25 on-demand pay-per-view movies, over 2000 MP3 audio tracks, and more than 20 audio channels. Access is provided through a 9", 1024x768-pixel LCD touch screen monitor located in the seat back in front of each passenger. One of RED's unique characteristics is passengers' ability to create play lists of movies and MP3s. RED is built upon a Linux platform, and Virgin America plans to use Linux' open source nature to port games for in-flight use.

RED Interactive

RED's controller is the first to provide a QWERTY keyboard. Another interactive feature of RED is the ability passengers have to bring along their own keyboard, or mouse and use the provided USB port to use their own devices with the IFE system. Passengers can also directly order food and drinks from the flight attendants from the menu section of the IFE. All paid-for services such as movies and food can be paid for by the credit card reader located at the bottom of the IFE screen. RED also offers passengers full broadband access to chat, and instant message amongst passengers, along with having unrestricted access to the internet, and email.

DigEplayer

Alaska Airlines which used to primarily fly shorter flight lengths had a narrowbody fleet with little to no IFE systems aside from basic audio packages. As their operation expanded, however they needed IFE for their longer flights. The DigEplayer, a portable digital media device is passed out as a standalone unit much like food and drinks are passed out.

CINEINFLY

CineInfly puts a global all-inclusive offer of onboard entertainment on an individual and single screening support , the AV704 by ARCHOS, travellers will be able to choose among a large range of contents. Hours of programme already downloaded and ready to be seen: movies TV shows, and musics concerts, news, sports and Games. CineInfly is a French firm, a part of TF1 channel.

External links

• World Airline Entertainment Association
• IMS Inflight Portable Entertainment Solutions
• Flight Entertainment Equipment and Display Systems
• In Flight Entertainment Systems Integration
• Virgin America's RED System
• Rockwell Collins Entertainment Systems
• Code of Federal Regulations Title 14(Aeronautics and Space)
• Rockwell Collins Products
• Panasonic Avionics Products
• CINEINFLY/TF1VOD