Passengers in all classes are now spoilt for choice as more in-flight entertainment systems move into the digital age. Leon Barber looks at the latest developments Remember the days when we watched badly projected movies on a central cabin screen, listening to inferior, unsynchronised sound through stethoscope-type earphones? It seems like something from the Dark Ages, but, believe it or not, it was barely 20 years ago. Such have been the technological advances in the last two decades that we now enjoy not only pictures and sound of the quality provided by the latest home entertainment systems, but, similarly, the choice is almost limitless. Emirates, for example, whose latest award is for the best in-flight entertainment for 2005, has in excess of 500 channels. These include the latest Hollywood releases and 28 all-time classic movies, 25 choices from Arabia, Asia and the Far East and a similar number of Disney movies for younger flyers, plus more than 50 TV channels. The audio section offers over 6,000 tracks of almost every genre imaginable, with categories including recent CD releases,essential albums and even audio books. Singapore Airlines has an equally impressive selection, with around 60 movies and 90-odd TV choices. And that's before we get to the interactive section, which includes 80 video games as well flight path mapping, destination information and now live news and sport (ET, September). This latest development recently became available on the London route, initially enabling passengers with wireless laptops to tune into four channels via SIA's broadband internet facility. The service should be available to all passengers next year on their personal in-flight video monitors. According to Yap Kim Wah, SIA's senior vice president product and services, customers will never have to miss important breaking news or a major sporting event when flying with the airline. In-flight phones have been around for almost two decades but perhaps the biggest development in the past couple of years, certainly from the business traveller's viewpoint, is the ability to access the internet and company intranets, and to send and receive e-mails, effectively turning the aircraft into an in-flight office. SAS Scandinavian Airlines earlier this year claimed to the first to offer passengers wireless broadband access on all its long-haul aircraft. 'The customer must have the possibility to use the time on board for such activities as working, staying in contact with friends and family, or simply relaxing,' says chief executive officer Lars Lindgren. 'When new technology enables it, it is our aim to be one of the first to meet those needs.' British Airways' research shows that 75% of business travellers take laptops on board as part of their hand baggage, and most of those who travel with them are interested in having internet access during a flight. Yet despite trials with Connexion by Boeing two years ago, the airlinehas still not committed itself to providing the facility for passengers, largely on the grounds that the technology is changing so rapidly, and it wants to be sure it makes the right decision. Martin George, BA's director of marketing, readily acknowledges that it signifies 'a genuine innovation and a real benefit for our travellers' and says it is only a matter of time before the airline commits itself but with a long-haul fleet of 100 aircraft, it represents a major investment. Meanwhile, the emphasis is very much on the adoption of the latest digital technology, which includes the new audio/visual on demand (AVOD) systems, enabling passengers to choose programmes and when they want to view them. Not only can they use the pause button, should they want interrupt their viewing, but can also rewind – useful when you have nodded off and missed half the film – or fast forward if just want to see the end. The quality, too, is now as good as it gets. Plasma screens – 10.4 inches is now becoming standard in Business class, although Korean Air is introducing 15-inch monitors in its new First class cabin – and Dolby enhanced and sound-reducing headsets are becoming increasingly common for premium passengers. And it doesn't stop there. Passengers flying on Cathay Pacific's newest Airbus A330-300 are currently being treated to a preview of the carrier's latest generation in-flight entertainment system, which features a number of enhancements, to be rolled out across the fleet from this month. Improvements, available mainly to First and Business class passengers with access to the carrier's audio/visual-on-demand facility, include easier navigation through the range of options for movies, music, information and short feature programmes. They can also compile their own in-flight music selection from a choice of 100 CDs, and have the ability to display the remaining flight time – apparently the information most often sought by passengers – discreetly in the corner of the screen while viewing other shows. Handset functionality has also been enhanced with various shortcut buttons. Other airlines are expected to follow Cathay’s lead. All of this is a far cry from the flickering screens and badly synchronised sound we were lucky to have just 20 years ago.
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