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Integrated Smart Monitors- Death For Overhead IFE?

1337Delta764 From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 5752 posts, RR: 2
Posted (2 years 6 months 22 hours ago) and read 2505 times:

As everyone should know, Panasonic has introduced the Eco 9i Integrated Smart Monitor through a partnership with Weber. However, Thales has introduced their own integrated smart monitor through a similar partnership with B/E Aerospace.

Considering how lightweight these monitors are, could this spell the end for overhead IFE? The smaller difference in weight may make overhead IFE pointless. I wouldn't be surprised if LiveTV or Rockwell Collins introduced their own integrated smart monitor and signed a deal with Recaro or another seat manufacturer.

Does anyone have their own opinion

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8 replies: All unread, jump to last

BMI727 From United States of America, joined Feb 2009, 14315 posts, RR: 26
Reply 1, posted (2 years 6 months 22 hours ago) and read 2473 times:

Quoting 1337Delta764 (Thread starter):
could this spell the end for overhead IFE?

Maybe, but I'm thinking that in-flight internet might be the death of all TVs on planes. Planes would have Wi-Fi which would probably be lighter and simpler than existing entertainment systems and pax would just keep themselves entertained with their laptop, iPod, smart phone, etc. Why sort through a limited selection of TV and movies on the plane when you could just bring your own?

Why do Aerospace Engineering students have to turn things in on time?

sasd209 From British Indian Ocean Territory, joined Oct 2007, 633 posts, RR: 0
Reply 2, posted (2 years 6 months 21 hours ago) and read 2378 times:

Quoting BMI727 (Reply 1):
Why sort through a limited selection of TV and movies on the plane when you could just bring your own?

This line is the absolute truth for me. I can't recall the last time I used any type of IFE other than my own. What would make the ideal setup for myself would be an AC power outlet and Wi-Fi. End, done, I'd be one happy camper!!

mrskyguy From United States of America, joined Aug 2008, 1203 posts, RR: 3
Reply 3, posted (2 years 6 months 20 hours ago) and read 2195 times:

I recall reading that despite Thales making tremendous inroads in to Panasonic's IFE line (Panasonic was and still remains by a slight margin, the dominant player with Thales on trend to pass them), IFE itself needs a complete re-invention. Clearly in-flight connectivity and seat power will replace the majority of IFE demand worldwide, but I suspect that's only within a certain niche. If someone is able to develop a technology that really has passengers looking forward to travelling vs. the tv-in-the-seat concept.. who knows?

"The strength of the turbulence is directly proportional to the temperature of your coffee." -- Gunter's 2nd Law of Air

wumzi From Canada, joined Mar 2008, 45 posts, RR: 0
Reply 4, posted (2 years 6 months 19 hours ago) and read 2111 times:

Quoting sasd209 (Reply 2):
I can't recall the last time I used any type of IFE other than my own.

I don't know what airline you fly, but I'm often delighted by Air Canada's selection. They often have movies which haven't made it to retail release. And it's usually a very good selection. Pulling out my laptop is nice and all, but all too often it'll get squished by the guy sitting in front of me when he decides to recline his seat.

MPDPilot From United States of America, joined Jul 2006, 934 posts, RR: 0
Reply 5, posted (2 years 6 months 19 hours ago) and read 1992 times:

Quoting BMI727 (Reply 1):
Maybe, but I'm thinking that in-flight internet might be the death of all TVs on planes. Planes would have Wi-Fi which would probably be lighter and simpler than existing entertainment systems and pax would just keep themselves entertained with their laptop, iPod, smart phone, etc. Why sort through a limited selection of TV and movies on the plane when you could just bring your own?

The interesting thing though is that most people don't use internet on board. There was an article about this a while back and they talked about how everyone and their brother is adding WiFi but only about 2% of travelers on equipped aircraft use the service. Compared to a much higher percentage use the IFE on board. So we will see how this changes. Perhaps airlines will offer WiFi for free in place of IFE.

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lightsaber From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 10650 posts, RR: 100
Reply 6, posted (2 years 6 months 19 hours ago) and read 1963 times:

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Quoting mrskyguy (Reply 3):
Clearly in-flight connectivity and seat power will replace the majority of IFE demand worldwide

While I agree with you, enough people travel sans laptop (e.g., my mom) that I think that some airlines will keep IFE.

I wonder how many would have enough with wifi/internet/power.

Quoting MPDPilot (Reply 5):
how everyone and their brother is adding WiFi but only about 2% of travelers on equipped aircraft use the service.

Apparently enough of the flying public wants to be sedated by the canned entertainment.

Lightsaber

Life is short, Live it!

kiwiandrew From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 8435 posts, RR: 15
Reply 7, posted (2 years 6 months 18 hours ago) and read 1913 times:

Does anyone actually still have overhead IFE ? I am trying to remember the last time I travelled on an aircraft that didn't have PTVs .

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1337Delta764 From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 5752 posts, RR: 2
Reply 8, posted (2 years 6 months 10 hours ago) and read 1862 times:

Quoting kiwiandrew (Reply 7):
Does anyone actually still have overhead IFE ? I am trying to remember the last time I travelled on an aircraft that didn't have PTVs .

Yes, many airlines still have overhead IFE, even on their international aircraft. AA has overhead IFE on their international 757 and 767 fleet in Y, with no plans to install PTVs. DL also has overhead IFE on their 763ER and 744s, although it will soon be replaced by the new Panasonic Eco 9i Integrated Smart Monitors.

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