EMMA KELLY / BRISBANE
System 3000i is unveiled at the show and should secure a launch airline by year-end
Matsushita Avionics Systems has launched its latest interactive in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, the System 3000i (internet) for widebody aircraft and the eFX for narrowbodies, in a move designed to capitalise on developments in in-flight connectivity.
The System 3000i, launched at the show, will be available from the fourth quarter of next year, says Chris Lundquist, Matsushita director of product planning.
The manufacturer has yet to secure a launch customer for the System 3000i, but many of the 19 airlines that have ordered the System 3000 interactive IFE system are interested in the internet version of the hardware, says Lundquist.
System 3000 customers include Cathay Pacific Airways, Continental Airlines, Emirates and Singapore Airlines. A launch customer is expected to be secured by the end of the year, he adds.
System 3000i offers the same functionality as the System 3000, including full audio- and video-on-demand (A/VOD) capability, but includes integrated e-mailand internet connectivity. This will allow passengers to plug their laptop computers into the IFE system to use in-flight e-mail/internet services.
The system features an Ethernet connection between the laptop and the system head end, providing access to existing e-mail/internet services provided by Tenzing Communications and allowing use of the broadband services under development, including Connexion by Boeing. The system will provide data rates up to 10mbit/s, with 2mbit/s data rates available when VOD services are running concurrently.
The System 3000i and System 3000 share the same communication network architecture, with the only new hardware being the "i" seat box, wiring harness and RJ-45 telephony jack. "We are integrating as much as we can without adding extra equipment," says Lundquist.
Matsushita is also providing connectivity to the single-aisle aircraft market with the launch of the eFX system. The eFX is "revolutionary" for the narrowbody market, which has been "underserved" by IFE manufacturers, according to Alan Pellegrini, senior vice-president marketing and operations.
The totally digital eFX, which will be available for delivery from the first quarter of 2003, offers the same interactive capabilities as the System 3000i, including A/VOD, internet/e-mail connectivity and Matsushita's new interactive iXplor moving map system.
The eFX will also be compatible with all in-flight e-mail/internet service providers through its Ethernet local area network communication backbone.
The system is flying on Boeing's 737 testbed which is demonstrating and testing the aircraft manufacturer's Connexion services.
Source: Flight International
