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Panasonic Avionics Takes Off with Panasonic Airline Television Network

Dépèche transmise le 31 mars 2009 par Business Wire

Panasonic Avionics Takes Off with Panasonic Airline Television Network

HAMBURG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world leader in in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems, today announced at the Aircraft Interiors Exposition the launch of the Panasonic Airline Television Network.

The Panasonic Airline Television Network is a proprietary broadcast TV distribution network. It includes a selection of respected broadcast television channels specifically licensed by Panasonic for worldwide distribution to aircraft in-flight via Ku band satellites. Panasonic defines and manages the selection of channels, and all licensing and distribution agreements are made directly with the content providers. By defining and controlling the encryption format utilized for the content distribution, Panasonic has greatly simplified the content management process and system design.

Current in-flight solutions utilize existing direct-to-home feeds for their programming. The beams or footprint for these feeds are optimized to serve consumers on land, not aircraft in-flight. Furthermore, the existing distribution agreements that govern the broadcast of content are often limited to specific geopolitical boundaries. In contrast, the Panasonic Airline Television Network is not reliant on existing distribution networks and encryption formats. With these restrictions removed, Panasonic can offer the first seamless, synchronized, global TV network.

Passengers flying on an aircraft equipped with the Panasonic Airline Television Network will enjoy a virtually continuous entertainment experience as the aircraft moves from one coverage area to another. In addition to enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers, this network provides airlines with ancillary revenue opportunities through onboard ad insertion and pay-per-view access.

Due to the scalability and flexibility of the Panasonic Airline Television Network, additional channels and content can be easily added to the network to meet passenger demands or an airline’s specific regional needs. Additionally, the service is provided via the same antenna and onboard equipment as the Panasonic eXConnect broadband system, avoiding the cost and weight of additional hardware on the aircraft.

“The Panasonic Airline Television Network is the first seamless, worldwide in-flight television network,” said Paul Margis, Chief Executive Officer of Panasonic Avionics Corporation. “As yet another industry first, the Panasonic Airline Television Network illustrates the leadership and innovation of Panasonic Avionics in the in-flight entertainment and communications industry.”

Panasonic is currently seeking regulatory approvals where necessary in partnership with potential airline customers.

For more information, please visit our booth located in Hall B6 #6F25.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. The company’s best-in-class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services, fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced time-to-market and lower overall costs.

Established in 1979, Panasonic Avionics Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC). Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, with over 3,100 employees and operations in 80 locations worldwide, it serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides IFEC systems on over 3,700 aircraft. For additional information, please visit www.panasonic.aero.