Hot Topic: A Twofer - digEcor & IMS Portables

We thought our readers might like to catch up on some, by no means all, portable IFE developments we saw at the WAEA Show this past month. Both images are sneak peaks into the fast changing world of IFE. Driving these products is the demand for lower weight, Wi-Fi and connectivity - not to mention the ability to snag power from the aircraft but still hang on to the "portable” moniker.

digEcor showed us a next generation digEplayer XT design concept, so you better feel privileged! The move toward Wi-Fi is evidenced by the added keyboard and the ability to enter text. As you can well imagine, the unit is coveted by the airlines seeking to deliver entertainment and connectivity in one package. It doesn't take much imagination to see this unit semi-imbedded as a do-all device in the seatback. If you are in need of specs, here are a few of the tentative features: LED backlit screen, lower power consumption, brighter display, and dramatically increased playback time. “We already have one of the brightest and highest quality screens in the portables market, but we decided to add the LED screen for an even brighter display with better reliability and lower weight,” commented President Brad Hecekl. Part of the new design includes modifications to major internal components, including the main circuit board, to improve performance and reliability while reducing cost. The keyboard and touchpad are capacitive touch sensitive providing a smooth surface for easy cleaning. We were surprised to learn that all XT's have built in Wi-Fi adapters but on most, the adapter is turned off until needed. “Many of the improvements will be included in future deliveries of our current model digEplayer XT,” added Heckel. For more information contact Adam Williams - awilliams@digecor.com.

The IMS Company unveiled its “largest and sharpest” display ever at the WAEA Exhibition in Long Beach, California. This new unit utilizes a 12-inch, 16:9, WXGA touch screen, with resolution of 1280x800 pixels. It will also provide up to 250GB of digital content storage. The larger screen size along with increased storage capacity and more than 450 hours of AVOD content. Touch screen controls do the navigation, with an optional remote control and audio jack for use in longer seat pitch installations. Additional features include a customizable GUI along with an option for 802.11 Wi-Fi. First deliveries are expected in the third quarter next year. The new device, like all of the IMS PMPs and PEDs to date, has its roots as a consumer product. “We firmly believe that our ability to leverage consumer off the shelf (COTS) technologies allows us to offer cutting edge functionality, and efficient use of passenger space, while keeping customer costs to a minimum,” says Harry Gray, VP sales & marketing. “Targeted to replace the current 10.6-inch Personal Entertainment Appliance (PEA), this new device truly differentiates premium class from economy,” according to Gray. “It is still classified as a PED, and is designed as a semi-embedded product much like its predecessor,” he says. “The new 12-inch PED is packaged in a clean and compact design, weighing 25% less and needing about 30% less space than the 10.6-inch PEA.