IMO, the only thing that (to date) has kept EDIG from marketing the digE to the IFE world or anywhere else has had relatively little to do with IP (only the cosmetics of the digE, and its name), but has had everything to do with access to content. APS got it. EDIG (originally) didn`t. Thus, EDIG had a device needing only a shell and a name, IP work-around, and CONTENT. This opinion is based on a couple of things.

Before hitting the basis for this opinion, as far as IP, EDIG does now have the medEviewer so, unless it infringes, they`ve cracked the IP nut. In other words, since the medE has similar (and more) functionality to the digE, they must have found a way (unless it`s as Doni suspects, where the APS IP rights only apply to IFE applications).

Basis:

One being RP`s statement about AMTRAK at the AMS - they (had to) referred AMTRAK to Wencor because Wencor/APS had access to content. Wencor had inherent exclusivity (unless EDIG were able to find another entity with the cosmetics, a name, and CONTENT), not only in IFE, but everywhere (AMTRAK is NOT IFE).

Now item two: What has EDIG done in response to this circumstance? They developed a device with a sufficiently different shell and name (that issue gone), more features (icing), and are supposedly getting access to content themselves (big issue resolved).

I`ll bet the latter started about the same time Wencor started courting IMS. Which was the catalyst for whom?

Did Wencor think EDIG might go to IMS - which supposedly had access to content (or would, with EDIG tech) - so Wencor tried an end run to kill the threat? Did Wencor drop that pursuit when they found out EDIG was developing/had developed the medEviewer (oh no!, EDIG isn`t going with IMS, they`re going it themselves!)?

Did EDIG see Wencor starting to court IMS, figure their days were numbered unless they (re)acted independently, so they did?

Third scenario (which I doubt happened) - did Wencor get wind of EDIG`s intent to pursue access to content independently? Since that is a more recent initiative, I think, I doubt this happened. And if it did, all Wencor had to do is gain an exclusivity agreement for IFE applications (their forte) for decent terms, and leave the rest of the market to EDIG (win-win).

Hey, it`s Monday, some quarterbacking is appropriate!

And I KNOW nuttin`!

But these scenarios feed the thought that there is discontent between Wencor and EDIG. And I suspect that Wencor`s sword rattling was their own undoing, lopping off a foot. Seems they would have thought things through a little better....when you threaten to take your business elsewhere (or take away a lucrative component of the business), you better have a real good clue as to how your loyal supplier will react. And vice-versa if EDIG acted first (but if EDIG was in REaction mode, I applaud them! And I can`t fault them if they acted first - one customer?).

SGE