Twin FMS deals support ballistic missile defence in Saudi Arabia and UAE
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are requesting missile defence equipment from the US under the FMS programme.
WAEA: New sounds and sales for Thales TopSeries
THALES Avionics has announced two enhancements to its TopSeries audio/video-on-demand IFE system. The system, which leads the selections race on the Boeing 787, will in future offer high-fidelity surround-sound and advanced facilities for on-board commerce.
The Irvine, California-based IFE manufacturer has teamed with New Zealand's Phitek Systems to incorporate Virtual Surround Sound (V3D) technology into TopSeries. The software-based V3D is designed to yield accurate and natural binaural reproduction for all audio content across all formats. It includes parametric equalisation, which will enable airlines to offer the improved sound through low-end headphones.
The upgrade reflects Thales' aim to deliver a home theatre-style experience in the cabin. "We evaluated a number of potential suppliers of this kind of technology and Phitek emerged as the best in class," says Lori Salazar, Thales VP of product management. "The introduction of V3D represents a significant opportunity for airlines to differentiate the passenger experience."
The company is also building in an onboard retail capability from GuestLogix of the USA. It will support pre-flight and onboard purchasing of films and video games, and redemption of purchased services through the TopSeries. "This will allow airlines to provide new revenue-enhancing services," says Alan Pellegrini, general
manager of Thales' inflight entertainment business.
This capability is based on GuestLogix's Concierge software, which generates secure identification codes to minimise fraud and reduce the need to embed point-of-sale applications with the seatback IFE. Travellers will be able to pre-pay for entertainment on the airline's Website. Each customer will be issued a Concierge token that can be printed, emailed or sent via SMS to a mobile phone. Once on the aircraft, the passenger will select the "Pre-Paid Purchase" option on TopSeries and
input the supplied code using the virtual keypad on the seatback touchscreen to obtain the ordered content.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Twin FMS deals support ballistic missile defence in Saudi Arabia and UAE]()
-
![Indian defence budget focuses on technology at home]()
Indian defence budget focuses on technology at home
India's new defence budget sees slow but steady growth for the coming year, despite the tensions it is experiencing with China and Pakistan.
-
![NZ gives gloomy assessment of defence environment]()
NZ gives gloomy assessment of defence environment
Strategic competition and climate change were highlighted as the primary security threats for New Zealand in a recently issued report.
-
![Latvian Defence Minister fears insufficient military budget]()
Latvian Defence Minister fears insufficient military budget
Latvia's Minister of Defence has stressed the need to raise the military budget amid ongoing Russian aggression.
-
![GAO calls for MDA to change cost estimates]()
GAO calls for MDA to change cost estimates
The US GAO has released a report pointing out that the MDA's cost estimates for systems that detect, track and defeat missiles are incomplete.
-
![What’s in a name? Poland revamps its procurement agencies]()
What’s in a name? Poland revamps its procurement agencies
The Polish MoD has introduced organisational reforms as it strives to make defence procurement processes smoother — but without broader political consensus, attempts at reform could fall flat.
