If he merely stated that (at the time of the statement) ``if there are IFE sales, they`ll go through APS`` (the latter - APS - being an indicator of timeframe), it may just be that, at that time, sales via anyone else were not contemplated (i.e., if you`ve only got one FAA approved avenue, you`ll travel it and only it). Such a statement does not necessitate an exclusivity agreement (though it is implied).

You suggest a bi-lateral exclusivity agreement. Why the heck would EDIG have needed/wanted that? Do you honestly think EDIG had any fear that APS was going to go with anyone else?

As for APS, at the time contacts were initiated, do you think APS feared (or even contemplated, with Boyer`s lack of sophistication - at least in my perception) that EDIG would go elsewhere?

Now I`ll again point to two things:

1) EDIG`s business plan has ALWAYS been to remain agnostic. This philosophy negates them entering any exclusivity agreements that would limit EDIG`s marketing/licensing ability.

2) Though on every occasion where EDIG has partnered, teamed, licensed (or anything else along these lines) with anyone, there was (and I believe had to be) a PR announcing same. This never happen regarding a relationship with APS (or Wencor) that I can find, though it did happen with DivX in the early APS timeframe, and specific to the digE.

And I`ll throw in the ``Edig was courted by Matsushita/Panasonic`` rumor (where talks would not even have been initiated if there were an exclusivity agreement).

So, while I personally think that there never was (and never will be) an agreement where EDIG is obligated to sell (IFE) to only one company, but there were just POs issued to EDIG as digEs were needed, I`m compelled to defer to your recollections.

And with RP-speak, the exact wording must be reviewed, as RP is one of the best ``meaningful communicators`` that I`ve ever encountered (which is saying alot). He is VERY sharp in even casual telephone conversation when off-the-cuff questions are posed. He is very precise in his language.

And, again, the times in which statements were made is very important. Things change....

Respectfully (and not meaning to piss you off!),

SGE