PRODUCTS & S ER V ICES
ENTERTAINMENT TODAY
Astronics outlines the latest trends in business and VIP aviation IFE
– from screen technologies to system performance and software
businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
OCTOBER 2019 095
onsumer technologies are
fuelling demand for innovation
in business and VIP aircraft
C
cabins. Executives expect to conduct
meetings, charge phones, watch TV,
control the lighting and more. As a
provider of customised VIP IFE systems,
Astronics is well-placed to detail trends
driving the next wave of innovation.
Firstly, the company says customers
today view 4K screens as a basic
expectation throughout the cabin, and
not only for the larger screens. More and
more, designers are specifying 4K OLED
and HDR technology, even for screens
down to 19in. “As the first to certify
a 4K OLED screen for use on a BBJ 787
VIP platform, Astronics is busy serving
up this technology for VIP clientele,” says
Jay McGrath, vice president of business
development for Astronics Custom
Control Concepts (CCC). “Up next are the
8K screens, which Astronics is already
evaluating for customers. We are excited
to explore the newer technologies like
8K and short-throw projectors, which will
require a deep look into lightening the
components and controlling for the
aircraft vibration factor.”
McGrath adds that Astronics is not
seeing demand for curved screens.
“While designers like curved screens,
the lack of installation practicality and
an FAA certification plan have made it
a challenging reality,” he explains.
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE
The ultra-large 4K and 8K file sizes are
putting a squeeze on system bandwidth,
and companies that can deliver
performance with a minimum latency on
monitors and wireless PEDs will win the
day, says McGrath. “We are building our
systems to satisfy a minimum of
300GB/s – more than four times what
is available today,” he explains. “This will
the latest technologies offering smart
cost-saving strategies, the software to
run these systems is equally important.
Today’s evolving strategies involve
bespoke design of the CMS application.
PERSONAL INTERFACES
“Customisable GUI designs are a must for
the VIP narrow- and wide-body segment,
as well as an up-and-coming desire for
the other business jet types,” says
McGrath. “Applications can be completely
customised to complement the aircraft
interior, with simplicity at the top of the
desired feature list. Increasingly, a
common GUI look and feel throughout
the aircraft is desired, whether the screen
is in an armrest controller, a galley
touchscreen or a free floating tablet.”
Astronics offers complete, customised
VIP IFE systems that incorporate these
emerging trends and deliver streamingquality
performance.
allow a truly sizable margin for future
streaming content demands.”
Astronics believes a higher bandwidth
pipe is essential to future-proof aircraft
for the next wave of technologies.
McGrath expects the invention of new
compression techniques to reduce
latency performance issues: “By
addressing latency, we enable our system
to support the latest and next-generation
entertainment like IPTV, gaming and VR,
while, combined with high-broadband
connectivity to the aircraft, we can keep
principals and passengers seamlessly
connected and productive via video
conferencing with no interruptions.”
Ever the aircraft issue, wiring can
weigh down performance and increase
complexity. “Today’s newer systems are
using creative wiring techniques that
reduce the number of wires needed and
have fewer terminations to reduce both
weight and complexity,” says McGrath.
The company says less complex wiring
schemes can cut installation time and
reduce operational costs.
While owners and operators are truly
interested in outfitting their aircraft with
FREE READER ENQUIRY SERVICE
To request more details from Astronics,
visit www.magupdate.co.uk/pbji
Astronics
expects 8K screen
quality in a flat
panel package to
become the next
standard
/businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
/pbji