The technical qualities to look for in an IFE Content Service Provider

Your passengers expect to see high quality, glitch-free in-flight entertainment (IFE) during their flight. To ensure this happens you must choose an IFE content service provider (CSP) with the right technical expertise and experience.

Here are some of the things you’ll need to think about when you’re selecting an IFE provider.

1.    Experience is essential, so look for an in-flight entertainment services company that has long-term contracts with major airlines. If they have proved themselves technically to a large airline over a lengthy period of time, they will be able meet the needs of medium and small sized airlines too.

2.    The IFE provider should have an in-depth knowledge of all the leading IFE systems from the likes of Thales, Panasonic and Rockwell Collins, as well as systems from Nexus, Donica and Lumexis.

3.    The CSP must be proactive and provide useful help and advice about new and emerging trends and technology to make sure you’re always ahead of the game.

4.     In-flight entertainment problems onboard lead to unhappy passengers. Unfortunately many things can wrong due to the complexity of the technology being employed. Choose an IFE provider with a positive can-do approach, experienced at resolving IFE problems quickly and calmly.

5. The in-flight entertainment content provider you choose shouldn't use technical jargon that may confuse.  Pick a supplier that talks in non-nonsense plain language.

6. More and more airlines are moving from analogue to digital IFE systems. Use an IFE provider that can demonstrate experience of helping airlines seamlessly migrate to newer technologies.  

7. An IFE content provider that uses its own encoding equipment and labs will be able to ensure a quicker and higher quality of service than one that relies on a third party.

8. If your airline uses analogue systems, then you'll need to choose an IFE provider with duplication equipment capable of handling the many common tape formats around such as Hi8, NTSC, SVHS NTSC, VHS NTSC, SVHS PAL, VHS PAL or DVD.  

9. Use an IFE supplier that treats quality control as a top priority. Rigorously checking content is of the right standard and is suitable for passenger viewing is a key part of the IFE delivery process.

10. Chemistry is key when choosing any supplier. So trust your instincts and go with an experienced, knowledgeable IFE team you feel comfortable with.

Find out more about how IFE Services can help you give the right in-flight entertainment to your passengers by calling us on 44 (0) 1565 752777 today or emailing info@ifeservices.com.