Seamlessly moving from analogue to digital

IFE Services has helped many airlines make the step from analogue to digital in-flight entertainment (IFE).  As with all new technologies, moving to a digital in-flight entertainment platform requires learning new concepts, processes and acronyms, and so choosing the right IFE content service provider (CSP) to assist you is absolutely key.

One of the most important considerations is regarding the size of your fleet and budget. It’s obviously not cost-effective for a small airline utilising small planes flying domestic routes to have big plans for cutting edge content using the latest IFE technology, whilst large worldwide carriers will want to make sure that they meet the needs and expectations of their passengers by having the right digital IFE hardware systems in place.

With the rapid demise of analogue based tape machines, the market is overflowing with digital IFE systems, from the likes of Panasonic, Thales, Rockwell Collins and IMS. Sourcing and deploying the right system for your airline is critical and a trusted, experienced  CSP like IFE Services can support you all the away.

When researching for the best digital system, flight sector lengths will have a bearing on the type and volume of content required and how often it is updated. Typically long haul flights means more movies and short haul flights will carry more TV shows.

You also need to consider whether the digital content will be free to passengers or revenue driven as this will have an impact on how the system is designed and the type of media chosen.  Also think carefully about the media storage limits of each system.

From an analogue background, airlines may have a shorter schedule mindset to the ordering and deployment of content. Digital is different and can present more problematic, practical challenges for entry into service and cyclical updates.

Because of the large number of steps involved in media encoding, system scripting, testing, ship set configuration and fleet loading, the lead-times for digital can be quite long - certainly longer than the equivalent analogue requirements. With careful timeline scheduling and management, this can be addressed.

Once the system has been defined and fleet deployment is under way, the next steps include choosing the content, encoding and organising advertising, marketing and promotions. In addition to media there are also considerations around information sections, shopping, games and GUI tutorials.

An experienced CSP like IFE Services will carefully advise you and tailor your needs and budget to meet your expectations and the system's requirements. This will ensure that your passengers’ entertainment experience is as faultless and pleasurable as possible.

Why not see how IFE Services can help you make the most of your in-flight entertainment?  Contact us today on + 44 (0) 1565 752777 or email info@ifeservices.com.