e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

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digEplayer mention in IFE News

http://www.ifeinsider.com/airfax/ifexpress/ifexpress11182003.htm

Hot Topic: Boeing Unveils B7E7 Interior Concepts


The hype has begun and it is centered on the B7E7 interior as conceived by Boeing Payloads engineers, psychologists, and, no doubt, and a contracted design house or two. With a stated goals of “creating a feeling of being on a plane” and a “sense of welcome”, Klaus Brauer, Boeing spokesperson, toured local television crews during the ‘coming out’ party for the newest interior mockup. We will include links of the proposed plane interior for our readers at the end of this article and you can determine for yourself if the designers met their objectives. IFE readers might note that there appeared to be no hint of entertainment systems on the mockup and we concluded that Boeing does not see that as their job, but rather, one for the airlines. The seats used were ultra thin and probably would not be final airline choice, unless of course, they were planning to use those new digEplayer units and eliminate installed IFE altogether! Another surprise was the “simulated sky” manufactured by lights hidden in the ceiling reveal (blue and white LED’s). The sky color is crew controlled and, we are told, simulates the feel of the wide open spaces. Brauer briefed the press corps and said, “Boeing wants people to connect with the sky”. No doubt, and the sweeping lines of the interior panels seem to do just that while the design does make it difficult to judge ceiling height. Light seems to be the focus of the B7E7 and we should note that the windows have been increased in size (46% more area) and raised so the average seated passenger will finally be able to see the horizon. This is a smart decision as we feel a horizontal reference point just may reduce motion queasiness for some passengers. With respect to window shades, it also looks like Boeing is planning new technology in the form of an electronic polarization technique quite similar to the demonstrators we have seen at recent interiors shows, notably the ones developed by 3M. Bigger side bins in Business Class will eliminate the need for those pesky center row overhead units (yea!). The 3-2-3 configuration and improved floor width will accommodate seats that offer 18.5 inches of enjoyment (economy) while both aisles gain almost 2 inches… each. Obviously, seat manufacturers will have a lot to say about this! As IFE nuts, we were a little disappointed that Boeing did not include onboard video installations in this mockup because if is not to be designed-in, the reality of video screens may change the open feel of the interior look and feel. Let’s face it, this plane will have some form of video entertainment and we certainly have learned that it is a whole lot better to design the interior with the IFE in mind rather that do it after the fact.