Message: bluebox lite details
So note who is involved "Intel" among others. Some things sound like EDIG. Is some of this Samsung? It is a very detailed description of the bluebox lite and who supplies what parts. It is a long post, ... see page 6 for OS info..
bluebox lite portable IFE
system
Version 1.7
24th September 2007
bluebox
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Document quality control
Written by:
Rick Stuart, Mark O’Brien
Reviewed by:
Michael Earley
Version number:
1.7
Date:
24th September 2007
Assignment code:
N/A
File name:
Bluebox lite – V1.7
Copyright Notice © 2006/2007
All designs, solutions and the implementation of third party products detailed in this design
are copyrighted to bluebox avionics ltd and are our intellectual property. Copying any or part
of this document and circulating to persons and / or organisations without express
permission in writing from bluebox avionics ltd is prohibited and protected under
international law.
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Contents
Introduction
4
bluebox lite Device
6
bluebox Embedded Device(s)
7
Operating System Build
7
bluebox application
8
1
Overview
8
2
Media Storage
8
3
Media Player
9
4
Media Player Controller
10
bluebox lite
12
1
Product shots
12
2
Operational Deployments
13
3
Content Services
14
4
Warranty & SLA's
15
5
Pricing
17
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Introduction
bluebox is a next-generation IFE system developed to leverage the power of consumer
technology into a superior solution to traditional, proprietary systems.
The concept is simple: consumer technology has leapfrogged the once state-of-the-art systems
produced by long-established manufacturers, and it is now mature enough to offer an IFE
solution that is more flexible, more powerful and more secure than any proprietary alternatives.
Additionally, by using COTS (commercial off the shelf) technology, bluebox is classified as PED
(Personal Electronic Device) hence requiring no STC or OEM certification, so reducing its
implementation time from years to months.
The concept is already proven in the airline industry in the form of EFB’s (Electronic Flight
Bags). These are now being fitted in cockpits in the same way and are fast becoming the
industry standard.
bluebox exploits this advantage by using best-in-class COTS devices and its own unique
application software to enable airlines to introduce superior entertainment technology and
content to aircraft within very short time scales. It also enables custom solutions to be
constructed, allowing airlines optimum flexibility for product differentials, achieved at lower cost
than traditional systems permit.
The approach delivers benefits for both airlines and content suppliers:
• Traditional fixed IFE solutions are OEM fitted and require years of certification from both
manufacturer and regulatory flight safety bodies. As a result of these timescales the
underlying technology can be obsolete before it is even certified to fly. The bluebox
COTS solution ensures a state-of-the-art installed system and a simple technology
upgrade path.
• Traditional fixed systems are wired and include many associated hardware
components. This results in heavy, complex, and difficult-to-maintain installations.
bluebox is wireless, with no additional associated hardware components, allowing for
optimum flexibility and delivering substantial positive impacts on fuel costs and carbon
emissions.
• Traditional systems are based on proprietary operating systems that limit their
functionality. bluebox uses consumer OS technology which supports high-specification
PC gaming, VOIP services (where a broadband connection is in place), deep and
detailed usage statistics, and customized cabin services.
• As bluebox is based on top-line consumer technology and is easily upgradeable, image
and audio quality are assured to be the best attainable.
• bluebox takes advantage of the strongest encryption and security solutions available for
commercial operating systems, so ensuring the safest possible medium for exhibition.
• As each bluebox unit is autonomous, any failure in-flight affects only that seat unit, not
those around it. A failed unit can be replaced by cabin crew in minutes.
• Unlike most handhelds on the market, bluebox has security approval from all the major
Hollywood studios, allowing us to offer all the latest “first-run” movies rather than just
older titles from their back catalogues
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Basic Principles
bluebox is available to airlines in two different versions: “bluebox”, the embedded seatback
version, and “bluebox lite”, a handheld version. At their core is a single COTS device, detailed in
the “Device and OS Build” section of this document. As a handheld solution the device is loaded
with our unique bluebox build and software, a larger battery is added and the content loading
and data capture is a managed by our BCL software.
As an embedded system, the COTS device is housed in a bluebox seat mount allowing it to
draw power from a third party in-seat power solution, and additional secure disk-drives are
added to give greater content storage. If a customer requires a custom screen solution (e.g. a
larger screen in a first-class environment) then the unit is mounted in an MPCU (micro PC unit)
in the passenger chair and an additional screen is added. The unit can support from 12” to 50”
wide screen hi-definition options.
The fixed and lite solutions are further enhanced when integrated with a third-party wireless or
wired network environment, and with the addition of a (fixed or lite) crew management terminal
(CMT) they can be controlled by crew personnel just as traditional systems are. This benefit is
detailed in the “bluebox application” section of this document.
Custom screen mounts are developed in consultation with an airline’s chosen seat
manufacturer, and in-seat power provided and certified for use on an aircraft under the STC
(supplemental type certification) requiring both FAA and EASA on most airframes (dependent
on route network).
This document details core concept, design and implementation of the bluebox IFE system.
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bluebox Device and OS Build
bluebox lite Device
The bluebox IFE concept is about utilizing COTS (commercial off the shelf) technology to
deliver a low cost high quality solution, and as such there are a huge range of devices that can
be utilized to host the bluebox application. Our current bluebox device is one of the new range
of commercially available UMPCs (Ultra-Mobile PCs) that are gaining ground over the more
simple PMP (Portable Media Players) devices, and provides the perfect platform for bluebox.
The bluebox hardware specification is as follows:
Processor & Cache
Memory
Intel® ULV Celeron® M Processor 1.1GHz
Operation System
bluebox XPe OS
Chipset
Intel® 910GML
Main Memory
On board 1GB DDR 533MHz, 1 x SODIMM socket for expansion
Display
7" active matrix TFT(800x480) Wide Screen
including Splendid Video Intelligence Technology (enabled on
request)
Video Graphics &
Memory
Intel® GMA 900 – Supports resolutions up to 1920 x 1080
Hard Drive
80 GB (lite only)
Fax/Modem/LAN/WLAN
On board 10/100 LAN (optional)
Integrated 802.11b/g
LED Status Indicator
Power on/Suspend
LED off (Battery Full) /LED on (Charging)/Low(LED blinking)
H DD
WLAN enabling
Bluetooth
Interface
All I/O ports are disabled, with the exceptions of:
• headphone socket
• 1 x USB port is enabled to accept bluebox approved devices
only
Audio
Built-in 1 mono speaker and 1 microphone
Battery Pack & Life
7 Hour
12 Hour - Optional
AC Adapter
Output : 12V DC, 3A, 36W
Input : 100~240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
12V – 35V DC Option (Aircraft Fit)
Dimension & Weight
234 x 133 x 28 (WxDxH)
830g
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bluebox Embedded Device(s)
The bluebox embedded device solution utilizes exactly the same device as for the lite solution
but is housed in a purpose-built seat mount. As part of the seat mount, power and two external
USB2 hard-disks are integrated which are physically secured to the seat in an enclosed layer of
the mount, and provide a current capacity of 500GB of encrypted media content space of
(based on available 5200rpm 3.5” disk technology).
The embedded solution provides an entry level 7”, 16:9 screen option utilizing the same
hardware as the bluebox lite option, but this hardware can also be combined (driven through a
standard VGA or HDi interface cable) with any available additional screen and will support sizes
up to 50”, as it can deliver an HD Quaility 1600 x 900 32Bit colour video resolution. This allows
custom screen options to be supported on request from an airline without any degradation in
video quality and without additional equipment (other than VDU) or moving away from the
bluebox COTS strategy.
Operating System Build
The operating system that supports bluebox is Microsoft Windows XPe (embedded) SP2 as it is
a small footprint, fast loading operating system that can be tailored to the specific needs of the
application providing a stable and secure operating platform.
Integrated into the XPe image are the following applications and frameworks:
• Windows DotNet 1.1 SP1
• Windows Media Player 10
• Disk Encryption software
• Video codecs for digital media
Security Considerations
In addition to the secure encrypted media volumes detailed later in this document, large
sections of the XPe operating system have been removed including “explorer.exe” which has
been replaced by a custom bluebox application shell. The effect of this is that should the
application be terminated deliberately as the result of an attack, there are no local tools to allow
a user to view disk content or interact with the system. In addition to this the bluebox application
has an exception handler utility which detects such an attack and demounts the secure volume
and shuts-down the hardware (this is explained in more detail later in this document).
bluebox XPe SP2 has also had the following disabled:
• All access to desktop and Windows Explorer shell removed
• USB drivers removed (except for bluebox USB key)
• Auto run disabled
• BIOS Password protect (32 Character)
• Disabled keyboard and mouse functions
• Disabled on-board keys
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bluebox application
1
Overview
The bluebox lite and bluebox embedded applications are identical and differ only in their
implementation - e.g. portable or integrated (fixed) - and have been developed for the Microsoft
.Net platform using the C# language. The software of all the bluebox devices runs on top of a
secure Windows XP Embedded operating system (XPe) using the Windows Media Player 10
component to handle all media playback and the implementation of the Windows Digital Rights
Management for securing video and audio content. A local database is used to retain the
menu/navigation hierarchy and location paths of all media items which are stored either
internally or externally on safe encrypted volumes.
Both the bluebox lite and bluebox embedded units include state awareness functionality,
enabling the state of a device to be set via a TCP-IP multicast command from a management
device known as the CMT (crew management terminal) via a wired or wireless network. The
devices have no shared or mapped drives available to network users, they only receive and
respond to multi-cast state commands that set the following states:
Off: Closes the bluebox application and returns the user to the entry screen. The user has no
access to the main screen or media.
On: Allows the main application and media content to become accessible from the entry screen
onwards.
Pause On/Off: All current media playing will be paused to allow announcements to be made by
crew. The user is returned back to the media when pause is switched off.
Safety Video Play: Pauses all current media and opens up an instance of the media player to
play the safety video. When the safety video ends, the media player will close and the user is
returned back to the previous media.
In addition to the Multi-cast state function there is also an administrator application that can only
be started by inserting a specifically formatted bluebox USB key into the device and only when
the application is set to its initial entry screen. The admin screen allows the crew to update the
current non-DRM protected video newscast and also set child lock preferences and allocate
seat and flight numbers for use in logging passenger usage statistics.
2
Media Storage
On the bluebox lite device, all the media is stored on the unit’s internal hard drive in a secure
encrypted volume. On the bluebox embedded option the media is located on 1 or 2 external
hard drives that are physically secured in the passenger seatback within the integrated system
mount. The media disk encryption utilizes the 3DES encryption algorithm to secure the data
content.
Media Access
In order to allow access to the media files, the encrypted volume has to be mounted as a local
drive. This volume is only accessible to the bluebox application when it is launched. Hidden
within the bluebox application code is a 32-character password and hidden key file which are
both required to decrypt the media volume and open it for use. Once mounted, the bluebox
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application can now locate the media folder which contains the Windows DRM protected audio
and video content.
As bluebox is running as the main user shell application on a customized XPe operating
system, the user is not be able to exit bluebox and drop back to an explorer shell and so cannot
access the mounted media volume and therefore cannot access the content. In addition this
volume is instantly dismounted when the bluebox application is terminated even if it is forced to
crash with unhandled exceptions. If the application is forced to terminate by an individual, the
bluebox device will automatically and immediately dismount the encrypted media drive so that
the media folder will become inaccessible to the user and then proceed to shut down the
system hardware.
The bluebox application can also be terminated by selecting the shut down option from the
control panel screen which will also dismount the encrypted media drive followed by a full power
down of the system.
3
Media Player
In both the bluebox lite and bluebox embedded applications, all playback of audio & video
content is managed by the Microsoft Windows Media Player 10 ActiveX component, allowing
bluebox to utilize several powerful features from the Windows Media Player. The key bluebox
media player’s features are as follows:
• Fully supported playback and license acquisition of Microsoft DRM protected WMV and
WMA content. E.g. the latest first run movies from Hollywood.
• The bluebox media player effectively uses the same processing engine as used by the
full scale media player application; a certainty that there will be no downgrading or
sacrifice of audio and video quality reproduced on device.
• The media player supports the playback of muxed language tracks, enabling the user to
toggle-select between multiple languages whenever the current film supports it. The
media player will always start a film with the default language.
• Supports the playback of subtitled films and CC versioning.
• Supports the use and installation of multiple codec’s, allowing any existing and future
media file and DRM enhancement to be supported.
• Supports windows updates, keeping the Microsoft platform and DRM facility secured
and fully patched
Content Usage Log
Content usage data collection is embedded into the application. When a user launches a
content item (audio, video, game or service) that action is logged in the local database along
with the seat number (if required), flight number, and date. When the user closes an item for
which a duration can be calculated (video & audio) the percentage viewed or listened is
calculated and added to that log entry. This log remains on the client device until a successful
upload to the BCL server is achieved, at which point the local play log is cleared. Accurate play
logging of this kind can be used to ascertain content popularity on a per-route basis, identify
faulty seats, and also identify content that users start but cancel before the content finishes.
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4
Media Player Controller
Control Features
To access the bluebox media controls, simply touch the screen during media play back and the
controls will appear on the screen. To remove them again simply touch the screen again and
they will slide off.
The bluebox media player contains a scroller feature that allows the user to drag the screen
pointer to any position on the bar and so skip forwards and backward to different positions
within the media being viewed. The scroller continually updates its position on the bar in
relation to the current position of the media playback.
As well as the scroller, a control panel gives the user control over several more playback
features. Both the scroller and control panel are accessed by touching the media player screen
once - touching the screen again will remove it from view.
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1) Play/Pause - pauses the current media item playing. This button will flip to become a
Play button when in pause mode, when pressed the media will resume and the button
will revert back to a pause button.
2) Full Screen/Small Screen – reduces media to play in the smaller window of the
summary screen. This button toggles to return the media to its full size.
3) Stop – stops the current media playing and exits from the media player. The user is
returned to a synopsis of the film played.
4) Decreases the audio volume.
5) Increases the audio volume.
6) Decreases the brightness of the device screen.
7) Increases the brightness of the device screen.
8) Screen Off – developed in mind for audio playback, this allows the user to turn the
screen off when listening to audio. The user can return back to screen display by
tapping the screen once when the screen is switched off.
9) Progress indicator – indicates position of media being played
10) Time display in format of “current position / duration of media”.
11) Indicates Volume and Brightness progress.
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bluebox lite
1 Product shots
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2 Operational deployments
Batteries
bluebox lite can currently be deployed utilizing either seat power or battery options depending
on the operational circumstances. It is recommended however that seat power, where available,
should always be considered as the most desirable option as this negates the considerable
logistic expense deploying batteries, even on a very modest scale.
The current battery solution provides approximately 7/8 hrs of real time usage, in other words
this duration is not dependent on passenger usage profiles. A passenger using the units to
listen only to music will still get the same battery duration to somebody who uses their time
watching movies or playing games.
The battery comes in two parts, the internal battery and an optional secondary high power
battery built into the detachable stand.
A 12 hour single battery is currently in development by Bluebox Avionics, pending deliberations
from the CAA/FAA/EASA regarding safe portable battery criteria. This matter has come to light
following the recent incidents of LiOn Polymer battery fires onboard aircraft and is the cause or
delay on this particular item.
Protective Skins
Whether deployed in business or other cabins the units will be subject to knocks, scuffs and
scratches that over time will degrade their look and feel although not actually affecting their
ability to function optimally. For this reason a latex, transparent skin is deployed which
substantially increases the working life of the unit, protecting it from passenger and crew
interaction and maximizing the units’ mean time before failure (mtbf).
Charging and Content Loading Cart
Bluebox lite units are loaded onto the aircraft using a modified Atlas Cart, either full or half
configurations. The carts can be taken from existing airline stock and deployed using the
bluebox cart insert. This insert is a custom made, slot-in construction, that hold the units for
inflight use but also means that they are ready for content loading and battery charging once
returned to base at the end of each days flight operations. The cart insert is designed to be
deployed in quarter configurations, so a full Atlas Cart would use 4 inserts each containing
approx 12 devices. This design gives maximum flexibility for cabin operations and stowage.
‘Meet & Greet’ Services
Bluebox Avionics offers a full turnkey service for logistic deployment through its group sister
company Dawson Media Direct the world’s leading supplier of newspapers and magazines to
the airline industry. Services offered are as follows;
• Direct stand delivery to the aircraft of bluebox units/cart.
• Delivery to 3
rd party subcontractors e.g. caterers.
• Bonded control of units for charging/content replenishment.
• Cleaning and preventative maintenance.
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3 Content Services
IFE content management is handled by the group sister company Phantom Media, a highly
experienced and award-winning inflight entertainment company. Their services include:
media integration
direct service provision
third party consultancy & support
GUI
design & implementation
update management
movies
movie management services
multi-language dubs & subtitles
encoding & file management
Hollywood, Asian, Arabic and European titles
television
programme sourcing & licensing
multi-language programming
encoding & file management
near-live, daily or weekly news service
original production - safety videos, destinations, etc.
audio
multi-language produced programmes
international CD music libraries
multi-language audiobooks
games
advanced PC games
classic / arcade games
maps
3D interactive route maps
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4 Warranty & Maintenance Agreements
Bluebox warranty
1 General
1.1 Warranty starts on the date of purchase [please see date on your invoice].
2.1 All Bluebox Lite’s are covered by a 2-year return to base warranty (cost of secure carriage
to be
borne by customer), except for batteries.
3.1 Batteries are covered by a 12-month warranty.
2 Warranty coverage
Bluebox warranty covers the following:
• Return to base at customer cost.
• Bluebox Lite repair - free of charge - with new or refurbished parts.
• The repaired or replaced components will be under warranty for the remainder of the
initial warranty period - and in any case for no less than 3 (three) months, whichever is
longer.
• Integrity of the Bluebox operating system and core software.
3 LCD monitor policy
LCD monitor manufacturers have set forth the following criteria for non-performing dots to
supply limited
warranty:
• Bright defect dots: warranty claim valid if, more than 3 bright defect dots.
• Dark defect dots: warranty claim valid if, more than 6 dark defect dots.
• Warranty claim valid if, more than 8 dark and/or bright total defect dots.
• Minimum distance between defects must be 15 mm.
• Warranty claim valid if, Line defect and/or Block defect.
The inspection conditions are:
• Not less than 30 cm. distance, in a straight line, between TFT screen and inspector.
• Room temperature between 20°C-40°C.
• Lighting is between 300 and 500 lux.
4 Service Procedure
4.1 If a defect/failure appears, please contact Blue Box Avionics Ltd.
4.2 First attempts to solve the defect/failure will be by phone.
4.3 If a solution cannot be found by phone, customer will be sent an RMA form via email. An
RMA
number will be issued with the form for the defective unit and this form must then be sent back
with the defective unit to the address indicated on the RMA form.
Please make sure you have filled in every field marked as “must fill” on the RMA form. Bluebox
Avionics Ltd will not be liable for any delay to the repair of the defective unit if the RMA form is
not
filled in and returned to the designated support system centre.
Timescales for repairing units will be governed by the terms and conditions of your selected
service level agreement (SLA)
Bluebox Avionics Ltd will not be liable for any data and/or software loss, which is stored in the
unit, or any of its recovery and/or replacement, apart from Software covered under this
warranty.
5 Exclusions
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This warranty does not cover:
• Any damage caused by accident, abuse/malicious use, misapplication, misuse and/or
connection to 3rd party power supplies and networks or non-Bluebox products;
• Any damage caused by usage that is not in accordance with Bluebox product
deployment instructions;
• Any damage caused by service (including any software and/or hardware upgrades)
performed by other parties other than by (authorized) Bluebox Avionics Service Centre
personnel;
• Any damage caused by incorrect use of 3rd party software;
• Any damage caused by any virus;
• Any further damage caused during transportation of goods back to a repair centre.
• Any damage caused by natural disaster;
• Bluebox Lites with a missing or defaced Serial Number.
6 Liability
6.1 Bluebox Avionics Ltd shall not be liable for any direct, special, incidental and/or
consequential
damages or any loss of profit/business.
6.2 Bluebox Avionics shall not be liable for any delay or failure, If such delay or failure arises
from any
causes beyond the reasonable control of Bluebox Avionics Ltd.
7 Bluebox Serial Numbers
The following Bluebox Lites, identified by serial number, are hereby covered under this Bluebox
Avionics warranty document.
Batteries
The batteries are not supplied under the rtb warranty but do have a 12 month manufacturers
guarantee. They are not guaranteed to supply the requisite power durations as indicated
elsewhere in this document nor is there serviceable lifespan guaranteed once deployed and in
use.
Maintenance Options
Bluebox Avionics can provide several levels of service from complete turnkey solutions to
minimal airline engineering department support. As each airline has different in-house
capabilities we tailor the maintenance service in line with the needs of each airline after detailed
consultation - the following options however are for illustrative purposes and are indicative of an
SLA for a small airline wanting minimal cover to a large airline wanting total maintenance
outsourcing and support.
Option 1
Blue Box Avionics Ltd will provide a basic maintenance and support service for 50 bluebox lite
portable devices. This will provide the airline with the following services:
• Provision of an engineer for one day per month to perform simple preventative
hardware maintenance and software diagnostic checks at a pre-designated, single
point, non airside site.
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• Content uploading to be performed at the appropriate time as per the content schedule.
• Airline personnel to have access to a telephone support line for advice and guidance on
any problems encountered with the bluebox lite system. 9.00am – 5:30 pm working
hours only.
• Management of the OEM warranty scheme.
• Loading and Charge cart maintenance report.
• All further services/visits provided on day/hour rates on an ad hoc basis.
Option 2
Blue Box Avionics Ltd will provide a detailed maintenance and support service for 500+ bluebox
lite portable devices. This will provide the airline with the following services:
• Provision of an engineering team on a full time basis to perform detailed preventative
hardware maintenance and software diagnostic checks at a pre-designated, single
point. If airside access is required all passes and security checks will be managed.
• Optional down route cover provision for long haul operations.
• Content uploading to be performed at the appropriate time as per the content schedule.
• Airline personnel to have access to a telephone support line for advice and guidance on
any problems encountered with the bluebox lite system with full 24hr coverage.
• Management of the OEM warranty scheme with full administrative and handling cover.
• Immediate resolution of any software problems and implementation of free software
updates.
• Loading and Charge cart maintenance including immediate spare part replacement.
• Annual contract rate or greater.
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5 Pricing
Prices can be drawn up once we are in a better position to understand your needs and
requirements.
2 Recommendations
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