Thales offers 4K entertainment on aircraft
June 30, 2021
By Chris Forrester
Thales has struck an agreement with Samsung to supply 4K in-seat aircraft entertainment using Samsung’s QLED technology and HARMAN (Samsung-owned) audio benefits.
Thales is using its Optiq-branded display technology as part of its offering. Also included are a pair of Bluetooth connections and WiFi functionality.
Thales’ head of marketing for inflight, Jerry Thomas, says that working with HARMAN, given that they are part of Samsung, gives Thales exclusive rights to using Samsung QLED technology in aircraft.
“Passengers would experience the most stunning pictures to date on any aircraft”, says Thales.
“Our airline customers and their passengers always expect more from their inflight entertainment systems, and Thales is delivering on these expectations, and more. AVANT Up, Pulse and our Digital solutions demonstrate our unwavering commitment to invest in innovation that creates value for airlines,” commented Cedric Rhoads, VP/Product Policy at Thales InFlyt.
Thales current Avant IFE product line is already fitted with more than 30 airlines around the world. Thales is improving its Avant offering (Avant UP) while also reducing the unit’s weight by some 30 per cent.
The new 4K product is currently being certified and Thales says the first airline customer will have the service activated in 2023 although some retrofitted aircraft could be in service ahead of 2023.