TriaGnoSys has teamed with Siemens Communications, Media and Technology (CMT) to launch what the two firms are billing as "the smallest, complete" in-flight entertainment and connectivity solution available.
The so-called IFEConneX offering pairs a wireless IFE system developed by Siemens with TriaGnoSys' in-flight GSM solution, GSMConneX, which was launched in April at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg.
The lightweight, modular IFEConneX system can provide GSM mobile connectivity, in-flight Wi-Fi and wireless streaming of IFE content to passengers' own devices, enabling jet operators to mix and match or offer all three services together. Wi-Fi and wireless IFE can be installed without GSM, for instance.
All the necessary airborne hardware is small and light enough to be mounted within the ceiling panel, said TriaGnoSys, adding that IFEConneX connects to the aircraft's existing communications system, and has the flexibility to be used over any radio link, including Inmarsat SwiftBroadband, Ku-band, Ka-band and direct air-to-ground links.
"This is the perfect solution for any aircraft that does not have an embedded IFE system. It is a complete communication and entertainment system in one small box," said TriaGnoSys managing director Axel Jahn.
TriaGnoSys claims the solution has the capacity to stream individual content to up to 100 passengers simultaneously.
"The fact it incorporates both IFE content and connectivity makes it possible to provide live updates, for example for news, sport and destination information," said Siemens CMT vice-president of technology Gerald Schreiber.
Altran, a company that worked with Siemens on a standalone wireless IFE solution is not involved in IFEConneX, confirmed a spokesman for TriaGnoSys.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
