https://youtu.be/t85ry4XJwv0
United Airlines has announced their partnership with Panasonic to bring their new Astrova in-flight entertainment (IFE) solution to the masses.
The new Astrova screens are made from OLED panels, measuring 13 inches for first class flyers, while the rest of the plane will feature 10 inch screens. This is a big upgrade from what most airlines offer for their IFE screens, and these will come enabled with Bluetooth 5.0 so flyers can use their own wireless headphones.
The screens include two USB-C chargers so passengers can charge their devices, and Panasonic says that users will be able to customize the content they see on the screen via interfacing with a companion app on their smart devices. Panasonic also claims “a range of audio fidelity enhancements” including independent left-right signaling for headphones. The peripheral bar below each screen is removable, and this modular design means that airlines should be able to make on-the-fly adjustments, repairs, and modifications without needing to replace an entire display.
Finally, Panasonic says that passengers will be able to “extend [their] branded environment with integrated LED lighting to create a holistic cabin experience.” This is a big promise, and we’ll see how immersive movies can be while flying to our next destination.
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