Emerging Technologies

Innovative Programming

Current/Emerging High-End Inflight Technologies

Personal ``Distributed`` Video: at-seat individual monitors that offer 6-24 video channels and up to 72 audio channels of programming distributed on a pre-established cycle to all passengers from a central system.

Audio/Video-On-demand (AVOD): a wide selection of digitally stored audio and video content that passengers may independently ``order up`` at any time (as opposed to ``Distributed Video,`` which provides a pre-established cycle/schedule of programs) from their inseat monitor; passengers may also stop, start, pause, rewind programming and access other interactive features.

Inflight Satellite TV: real-time and/or live audio/video programming fed directly to the aircraft via satellite; passengers may independently access 25 to over 100 channels of digital-quality audio/video (similar to, or identical to, the programming they receive via home satellite dishes)

Inflight Intranet/E-mail Access: using passenger`s notebook computer or an installed interface, the passenger may access to up to one million web pages stored on a cabin server (which is updated just prior to the flight and/or periodically during the flight); passengers may also send/receive e-mail (which is forwarded/received periodically via an air-to-ground satellite link to the Worldwide Web).

Inflight Internet/E-mail Access: using passenger`s notebook computer or an installed interface, the passenger may directly access the Worldwide Web and send/receive e-mail, all in real-time, via an air-to-ground satellite link to the Worldwide Web.

Various Passenger Interactive Features: various on-line/on-screen interactive services (accessed via touch-screen, buttons, or gamepad), including:

hotel check-in

news/weather/stock quotes

video games

inflight gaming

video catalog shopping/e-commerce

theater/restaurant reservations/car rental

city guide, flight information

built-in credit card reader that provides instant accounting

Inflight ``Automated Teller Machines`` and currency exchange

(digital) Air-to-ground phone/fax/e-mail/teleconference/computer link-up

Cordless, noise-cancelling, surround-sound headsets that deliver CD-quality audio

Higher resolution CRT and LCD monitors with ever-larger screen size

``Seat-to-seat`` telephone conversations, and three-party air-to-ground conference calls

Flat rates and corporate discount programs for inflight telephone usage

Inflight video gambling

Inseat power outlets for notebook computer use

Externally-mounted video cameras displaying footage on inseat passenger video

Incorporation of ``Smart Card`` technologies at the seat for payment services

More narrow-body aircraft outfitted with inflight video