Thales TopSeries i-8000 gets Boeing 787 nod

UPDATE 1/29/2007 - Boeing ends Dreamliner wireless network

Boeing Co. said that it will not use a wireless network to deliver in-flight entertainment on the 787 "Dreamliner" plane because of problems involving plane weight and the technology. A wireless network would add 200 pounds per plane, rather than 50 pounds for a wired network. Also, Boeing could not get permission to use certain wireless frequencies from some countries, spokeswoman Lori Gunter said.

END UPDATE

The new Thales TopSeries i-8000 uses a wireless network to deliver DVD-quality video to each seat on the airplane. Recognizing the importance of this (weight savings!), Boeing is recommending the TopSeries i-8000 to its commercial customers as preferred IFE equipment.

"By working with our airline customers to understand their in-flight entertainment needs, we clearly identified many tangible benefits of a wireless system," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. "Customers will be more comfortable as we are eliminating much of the equipment that typically is housed under their seats. In addition, we are saving weight and cost while providing a very high quality of service."

A breakdown of each Thales TopSeries in-flight entertainment system, by model:

1000: Broadband Connectivity Network
2000: Overhead Video, Audio & Communications
3000: In-Seat Distributed Video, Audio & Communications
4000: In-Seat Video and Audio on-demand & Communications

Previously, Thales signs with AirIndia and Thales TopSeries on twenty A330‑200s for Air China.

For business jets, Thales offers their TopSeries eXecutive cabin management system.

TopSeries eXecutive is an integrated cabin management system (CMS) for corporate aircraft, covering three main functions:

• "office in the sky": communications inside the cabin and long range outside links, intranet, internet and Satcom (voice and data transmission)
• inflight entertainment (in collaboration with Audio International): audio, video, satellite TV, maps, games
• controls for certain cabin systems, including lighting, temperature, surveillance cameras, etc.

Thales has opted for digital technology, using IP (Internet Protocol) via an onboard Ethernet network. The TopSerie eXecutive suite covers the entire business aircraft market, from VIP helicopters to the Airbus Corporate Jet or Boeing business Jet.

¶ 5:47 PM