May 14, 2005 – CALIFORNIAN-based IMS Inflight has named Formation Inc of New Jersey to manufacture its Terminal Data Loader (TDL), which has been selected by American Airlines and Virgin America.

Formation, which produces airworthy video-on-demand servers and an Ethernet networking device as well as providing custom engineering and manufacturing services, will manufacture TDL for IMS at its Moorestown, New Jersey, facility.

TDL is a permanently installed content loading device designed to improve the loading and management of inflight entertainment (IFE) content and to support wireless communications at the gate. It combines an IMS suite of IFE and information management software with Formation`s removable ToughDisk 3500 ruggedised hard disc, a drop-in COTS replacement for standard 3.5in low-profile disc drives.

The unit will allow user airlines to load new content either wirelessly - via WiFi, or GSM or CDMA broadband cellular - or on physical media such as CD, DVD, USB memory stick, removable hard drive and AIT tape. ToughDisk, with its high resistance to shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, dust and altitude, has been incorporated to maximise in-service reliability.

TDL supports network delivery of IFE content and is permanently installed aboard the aircraft. A particular strength is its ability to meet the WAEA Digital Content Management Working Group’s requirement that content not be decrypted between post-production and the aircraft. TDL decrypts content in real time so that films never need to be transported to the aircraft in the clear. Data loading takes place automatically as operational conditions permit, and aboard the aircraft rather than on the tarmac, as is often the case with other methods.

”Automating the upload of IFE enables airlines to update their content more easily and frequently and without getting in the way of boarding passengers,`` says IMS president Rod Farley. “Because TDL communications are bi-directional, delivery of the content and data can be tracked online and IFE managers can use our Cabin Trends Web portal to check the status of each aircraft’s load.”

TDL’s wireless capability can also be used for remote software updates, IFE system monitoring, reporting of passenger usage and reporting of built-in test results.