this is extremely encouraging. this isn't just another hardware device but a content device. e.Digital was not only named as the maker but it looks like these deals are just about there.
Hot Topic: Portable VOD Player Promises To Shake Up Embedded IFE Systems!
Here it is, the worlds smallest, portable onboard Video-On-Demand system from APS and e.Digital, and is it going to cause a flap in the industry! This book size marvel from two companies most IFE insiders never heard of, will soon be making big news with regional airlines in the US and Europe. The development team of this hard drive-based product has a content deal agreement with Twentieth Century Fox and is in talks with other studios for more content the key to any successful VOD program. As we have said before, content is king with VOD systems and Early Window programming just may make the book-sized, APS product a homerun for the small Washington company.
Sporting a 7 hour L-ion battery, the unit promises a full flight day of usage and programming that includes 25 movies, a few sitcoms and a boatload of MP3s. The player ought to be an instant hit. Airline interest has been strong and we hear that one has already signed up for the program while talks progress with many others. And speaking of programs, airlines are offered 3 options that run from a revenue sharing plan to outright purchase. With a price tag of 1/10 embedded hardware products, the single-aisle, point-to-point market is growing and ripe for a new IFE paradigm shift. This may be the new wave in IFE. In our interview with APSs affable prez Bill Boyer, he told IFExpress that they will be offering a turn key program that includes repair, refurb and battery management.
We were interested in the content security aspects of the device and Mr. Boyer noted that the unit, if stolen, has been designed to be content-tamper-proof and uses a proprietary battery and power connection design. Steve Ferguson, VP at e.Digital (the maker) told us that a stray unit will only provide entertainment till the battery runs out access to the content is protected physically and heavily coded. Insiders tell us that some pretty big IFE players are sniffing around the Digi-e-player and our readers might expect to see some deals with big IFE houses as well. Stay tuned!
