Rockwell Collins is bringing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) to business jet cabins through a new web-based passenger portal. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based aircraft electronics, cabin, and interiors specialist is previewing its new live television streaming application during NBAA at its booth (228).

Initially, IPTV will display content through licensing agreements with ESPN, CNN, and BBC, but plans call to add channels over time, said Dave Stanley, senior director of sales and marketing, ArincDirect, Information Management Services

The first of a number of apps that Rockwell Collins anticipates offering on the passenger portal, IPTV will be able to operate through broadband services such as Ka-Band and Ku-Band broadband services, Stanley said, enabling multiple users to access it at one time on either cabin displays or their personal devices without degrading their experiences. Stanley added that it also can be used on Swiftbroadband, although he added, “it does use quite a bit of the pipe.”

“Our solution provides operators streaming TV content without the need to install a TV antenna on their aircraft,” said Kim Pendergast, director, ArincDirect Cabin Services for Rockwell Collins. "It doesn't matter what connectivity service is enabled...we can provide an IPTV solution globally, wherever the aircraft has an active ArincDirect broadband service.”

IPTV is designed to provide a better overall experience in cabin viewing, Stanley said, noting that people have begun using their own streaming apps, such as Sling or Hulu, but this can degrade the Internet pipeline throughout the cabin and increase the cost of data usage. 

With IPTV the bandwidth can be optimized for each channel to control cabin data usage. Not only can multiple users watch TV simultaneously globally, but individual channels can be multicast onboard to multiple devices using a single broadband connection. Operators will have the option of high definition or standard definition and can optimize the band. In addition, the service can be managed remotely on the ground.

Stanley envisions this service being particularly attractive for charter operators, with the ability to customize the service across the fleet. This opens branding possibilities, he said, adding. “Our mission is simplifying the business of flight.”