News
Innotech, Esoteric unveil next generation IFE
April 28, 2011, Montreal - Innotech Aviation has awarded California-based tech company, Esoteric Inc., an order for 35 ship sets of its SkyPad wireless in-flight entertainment system (IFE) for Bombardier and Cessna business jet platforms.
April 28, 2011 By Carey Fredericks
SkyPad is the industry's first wireless IFE and cabin control system integrated with the Apple iPad™ and Ku Band Internet. Not only is it designed from scratch using the latest digital technology, but it is also a complete re-interpretation of the IFE concept.
“We wanted to create a whole new experience in the air, one based on the same level of elegance, simplicity and convenience that our customers are used to on the ground,” says Esoteric founder Alexander Dean. “Our goal from the onset was to make life simple – for the end user and the OEM.”
SkyPad combines state-of-the-art audio/video compression and distribution technology with cloud computing, and provides a complete system for content loading, management and playback. Esoteric employs a sophisticated, yet simple approach to wireless technology. Hence, the SkyPad system can be implemented for a fraction of the cost of traditional wired systems.
“The SkyPad system provides an easy to use and lightweight platform to manage our customer’s aircraft in-cabin entertainment,” says Innotech Aviation CEO Kirk Rowe. “We have installed SkyPad using the iPad tablet as a system controller, seamlessly integrated with our Innotech I-Ku™ broadband system.” The SkyPad system can be installed as a stand-alone media system on any aircraft or integrated with any current high-speed satellite system and wireless router.
With the future of CDs and DVDs appearing increasingly bleak, SkyPad eliminates the need to carry any physical media. The entire system is ready for cloud-based content delivery via Ku-Band and eventually Ka-Band Internet.
