AUSTIN,TX--Rockwell Collins wanted to provide its airline passengers access to audio and video games, but didn't have much spare space in the cramped aircraft cabins. In addition to space restrictions, they would need systems that were durable.
Rockwell selected Touch International Corp. to meet the challenges unique to in-flight entertainment products, according to a comapny press release.
"We needed touch technology that not only could withstand hot coffee spills, active three year olds and everyday wear and tear, but could fit the numerous heating and electrical design specs that air travel and government regulations require," said Bob Wadell, Manager, Purchasing and Subcontracts, Rockwell Collins.
Rockwell Collins installs in-flight entertainment products on most newly purchased twin and single aisle aircraft being flown today, the company said. These systems are client-server computer networks where passengers make entertainment selections from a centralized cache of audio and video materials, as well as games.
Touch International met Rockwell's specifications for special EMI shielding to provide as much filtering of display noise as possible, privacy filters to ensure that only the passenger sitting directly in front of the unit is able to view the screen, and built-in self-extinguishing capabilities in case of aircraft fire.
In-flight entertainment is one of many state-of-the-art services Rockwell offers customers. The company is also looking at providing en route email, and audio and video on demand.
