How is IFE licenced.

[markis10]

I noticed that the new content for February on Qantas is very much improved over the traditional holiday period we just had, with some very new releases such as Last Vegas making an appearance as well as some big names like Gravity. It got me wondering how the airlines pay for such content, is it per view, estimated audience or flat fee rental?

 

[SeatBackForward]

I noticed that the new content for February on Qantas is very much improved over the traditional holiday period we just had, with some very new releases such as Last Vegas making an appearance as well as some big names like Gravity. It got me wondering how the airlines pay for such content, is it per view, estimated audience or flat fee rental?

Perhaps they finally found a new home for the expression "straight to video" - "straight to IFE"

 

[markis10]

Perhaps they finally found a new home for the expression "straight to video" - "straight to IFE"

I am sure Video is interchangeable with IFE in that context, although there are some interesting content, with VA having the Father Bob Docomo and EY having highlights of the 2012 V8 Supercars.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I am sure Video is interchangeable with IFE in that context, although there are some interesting content, with VA having the Father Bob Docomo and EY having highlights of the 2012 V8 Supercars.

I think perhaps what you're noticing is not so much a change in the way QF licenses their IFE, but rather a fundamental shift in the Entertainment industry's approach to releasing content. The days of staggering release across regions and formats are out the window with the ability to digitally transfer content instantaneously.

Perhaps that particular movie publisher is (finally) attempting to get with the times?

 

[dk4]

In my understanding, content is also licensed based on delivery format. This is of particular interest to airlines using wifi streaming.

At the moment, the latest releases are only made available to airlines which restrict wifi viewing to their own tablets or interfaces, as opposed to airlines with a BYO interface system for wifi.

On a domestic level this means that Qantas (with its proprietary iPads) is able (if it wishes to pay the premium for immediate release movies) to stream new releases well in advance of Virgin (with its BYO device streaming architecture).

 

[markis10]

I think perhaps what you're noticing is not so much a change in the way QF licenses their IFE, but rather a fundamental shift in the Entertainment industry's approach to releasing content. The days of staggering release across regions and formats are out the window with the ability to digitally transfer content instantaneously.

Perhaps that particular movie publisher is (finally) attempting to get with the times?

I don't think there has been any changes as such, more so wondering if restricting good content to off peak periods would be a cost saving, as the content differences from Jan to Feb are significant, mind you its also Box Office peak period which would have an influence.

 

[moa999]

I suspect its more to do with the fact that there is a dearth of new box office releases in the pre-holidays period, hence not much new content for planes in December/January, which changes as you get into Feb/March