Rockwell Collins unveils new IFE system that suits DJ

[markis10]

Maybe things are a little clearer now re DJ and their IFE options:

http://www.flightglobal.com/article...ockwell-collins-to-re-enter-in-seat-ifec.html

Rockwell Collins is announcing today a strategic U-turn that will see it re-enter the market for new in-seat in-flight entertainment systems with the unveiling of PAVES 3, a single-aisle IFEC system that will deliver "unprecedented versatility and maximum reliability".
Building upon Rockwell Collins' PAVES and digital dPAVES overhead systems, which are installed on 1,600 aircraft, the PAVES 3 system features a scalable high-definition in-seat solution.

 

[Justchecking]

Availability of a solution is not the same thing as interest in it. This IFE solution still relies on seatback monitors and only uses a wifi device as the remote control. It's also limited to narrow body jets only. I can't see any advantage of this over any other solution to be honest. It still requires aircraft to be taken out of service and have holes cut in setbacks and wiring fixed to every seat. On top of that it's not a solution that could be installed fleet wide. I'd rather a streaming service so the space under the seat in front is available for my feet and not some wiring housing.

In my view I think we are actually on the cusp of a shift in inflight entertainment technology. Before iPads, tablet devices weren't very popular. They were seen as too limiting to be of any real use to the average person. All it took was one company to make a usable interface and give it a basic use (internet an entertainment) and suddenly people buy them like they are an essential. I think there will be resistance to content only solutions initially, as people prefer to stick with what they know. But it will only take one company to 'make it work' before everyone thinks it's the best thing since sliced bread.

I know I would hate to use the Internet on a seatback monitor, much rather use my own device with all my preferences and short cuts set up. While we may not see Internet onboard or a while, if I flew frequently with an airline I'd love to have my inflight preferences set up on my own device. Think about it, you could include everything from seat, food and beverage and entertainment preferences on your own device. Your airline of choice would know just about every relevant detail about you every time you fly.

 

[markis10]

HD and relaibility would be an advantage over the QF offering, at least thats what comes to mind, of course we are dealing with company PR versus real world experience.

 

[Justchecking]

Reliability is the big issue with electronics. All systems break and I can't imagine that a streaming service wouldn't also be subject to the same. I've yet to use any IFE that didn't have a tech issue at some point during the flight. :-|