Hot Topics
Hot Topics
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High Definition in IFE
Like most technology advancements, HD now resides in the home, but is it a practical solution for IFEC?
Though the reality of HD on an aircraft is not yet here, Thales' technical plans do support HD content to run on its TopSeries AVANT™ platform. Our technical teams continue to work closely with the APEX Technical Committee on standardization activity in anticipation of market demand.
Technically, current in-seat displays rarely support any higher resolution than 720p; however, there is evidence that a number of displays capable of 1080p are going to become available making HD suitable for the aircraft cabin.
In one way, this sound like really good news as consumers are already very familiar with HD on the ground. The advancement to HD would make travelers feel like their flying experience is much like the comforts of home.
So far so good, but with the good come new requirements to effectively manage HD technology to the aircraft. High Definition carries with it some downsides that make the topic of HD a hot one.
Downsides include:
- More strict content security requirements
- Substantially larger file sizes that impact:
- Content Preparation Time
- Load Time
- Storage requirements
The challenges of HD circles around operations and logistics processes which drive both direct and indirect cost. These plus other potential practical changes now weigh against the improved visual benefit of HD.
For Thales, our technical plans for HD are in place and today harmonize with the industry's progress. We anticipate that there will be a consensus for standardization that will make HD a success in the In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity market.
