Abstract: The invention, in its several embodiments, pertains to audiovisual consoles, more particularly to audiovisual consoles for use in cars. In some embodiments, a device is provided that includes a control user interface and a play user interface, wherein the control user interface is adapted to receive inputs to define a first list of audiovisual elements from which a user, via the play user interface, may select to play on a presentation device.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes a headend unit, and a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft. The headend unit includes a digital satellite radio receiver. A local area network (LAN) connects the digital satellite radio receiver for providing digital satellite radio signals to the SEBs. The IFE system further includes a plurality of passenger control units (PCUs) connected to the plurality of SEBs, with each PCU permitting passenger selection of the digital satellite radio signals.

Abstract: A communication system has a communication infrastructure and a gateway station communicating a communication signal to the communication infrastructure. An airplane having an antenna coupled to a processing circuit for establishing a plurality of multiple communication links corresponding to the communication infrastructure is used. The gateway station generates multiple datagrams from the television signal and transmits the multiple datagrams through the multiple dynamic links. The antenna receives the datagrams from the infrastructure and the processing circuit and reassembles the datagrams into the communication signal.

Abstract: An in-car video system includes a first display device installed in a front part of a car and having a first light-sensitive element to receive remote control light output from a remote control transmitter, a second display device installed in a location posterior to the first display device and having a second light-sensitive element to receive remote control light output from a remote control transmitter, and a control section for controlling the display on the first and second display devices according to output signals of the first and second light-sensitive elements. The control section includes a display operation detecting unit operable to detect an operating state of the first or second display device according to an output of the first and second light-sensitive elements, and a moving/stationary state detecting unit operable to detect whether the car is moving or stationary.

Abstract: This invention discloses an entertainment system for providing entertainment to a user thereof, the system including an entertainment source for providing entertainment in a distributable form, entertainment distribution apparatus for distributing the entertainment and a plurality of entertainment delivery units, each entertainment delivery unit including receiving apparatus for receiving the entertainment from the entertainment source via the entertainment distribution apparatus, wherein at least one of the plurality of entertainment delivery units includes personalization apparatus adapted to receive a removable personalization element including personalization information, and the at least one of the plurality of entertainment units personalizes the entertainment based on the personalization information, and the personalization information includes at least one of the following: entertainment preference information; gaming information; and telecommunications information.

Abstract: A method for controlling an in-flight entertainment (IFE) system using network protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, or FTP. Control of a plurality of functions, including in-seat and broadcast audio and video, overhead reading light control, and flight attendant call, are implemented using a network client, a network server, and a network server program, each communicating with network protocols. The network client may be visible or invisible to a user of the in-flight entertainment system, depending on whether a web browser or a virtual web browser is used as a network client. The software for each line replaceable unit (LRU) may be designed, redesigned, or tested independently from other components within the IFE system. Particular functions of the IFE system can be made available only to particular parts of the IFE system, allowing different levels of access to the IFE system for different passenger classes.

Abstract: A multimedia and entertainment system for an automobile is disclosed to include a plurality of loudspeakers located and distributed throughout the interior passenger compartment of the automobile. Loudspeakers of the conventional cone-type as well as electro-dynamic planar loudspeakers may be incorporated into the present invention. At least one loudspeaker is operably integrated within the passenger compartment of an automobile and is located in the proximity of a video display of the system. The electronic audio signal that serves the loudspeaker is processed in the audio system of the multimedia and entertainment system to optimize its full features and capabilities, including multi-audio-channel effects, so as to enable the passengers to completely experience the multimedia and entertainment system.

Abstract: An end-to-end global distribution system that can produce and deliver live content as well as pre-recorded content and other content, to commercial passenger aircraft via a satellite and ground-based infrastructure. The content can include live television, pre-recorded content, advertisements as well as other content such as software applications, internet material, etc. The delivered content can be tailored based on distribution criteria such as airline, aircraft, origin and destination, flight number, cabin class, and others. Such system can be advertiser-supported and include targeted and distribution specific advertisements. Furthermore, access to the content can be controlled by various conditional access parameters at the server level, to various aircraft zones, and at the passenger level.

Abstract: An aircraft communication distribution system and comprising a media controller to control the system, a media server in communication with the media controller and configured to store media information in a digital format, a web server to access the worldwide web in communication with the media controller, at least one Ethernet tapping unit in communication with the media, at least one Ethernet area distribution box in communication with the media server, at least one display unit in communication with at least one of the Ethernet tapping unit and the Ethernet area distribution box.

Abstract: A method for installing and operating an aircraft in-flight entertainment system preferably includes installing an entertainment source on the aircraft; installing spaced apart signal distribution devices, each generating audio signals for at least one passenger in an audio-only mode, and generating audio and video signals to at least one passenger in an audio/video mode; installing a cable network connecting the entertainment source to the signal distribution devices; and operating the aircraft in-flight entertainment system with at least one predetermined signal distribution device in the audio-only mode. In addition, the method preferably includes later upgrading the aircraft in-flight entertainment system by connecting at least one passenger video display to the at least one predetermined signal distribution device to operate in the audio/video mode and while leaving the cable network unchanged.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system preferably includes, in one embodiment, a satellite TV receiver, at least one passenger video display connected to the receiver, and a processor connected to the receiver for determining an undesired condition and for generating a substitute image on the passenger video display rather than permit display of an undesired image which would otherwise be produced. The undesired condition may relate to a weak signal or component malfunction. Accordingly, the undesired image may be an undesired default text message or a degraded picture image. Other embodiments of the in-flight entertainment system are directed to providing a moving map image flight information channel integrated with the programming channels of the system.

Abstract: The present invention is an entertainment device coupled to a tray table. The present invention includes a tray table, and a display device mounted to the tray table. The display device is rotatably attached to the tray table. The tray table includes a first section that is rotatably attached to a second section and the second section table is slideably attached to at least one of a bulkhead or a seatback. The present invention also includes a processing device coupled to the display, a user interface device coupled to the processing device, a passenger control unit/telephone headset, head phone jack, and personal computer jack (data and power). The processing device is electrically coupled to at least one of an on-board entertainment system or telecommunications system.

Abstract: Removable audio-video systems that are easily installed in a vehicle without the need for cumbersome fixed wiring installations. The present invention comprises a cover, in the form of a seat cover or headrest cover, that is fitted over a seat, headrest or both. The cover drapes over the back of the seat, or is fitted to cover the seat, and is attached to the seat using one or more straps that are attached to the underside of the seat. A video monitor and an FM transmitter are affixed to the rear surface of the cover or are disposed in a pocket of the cover. A pouch or pocket having a lid or top flap is affixed to the rear surface of the cover that houses a video reproducer, such as a DVD player. A game port is preferably located in the same pouch or pocket as the DVD player or FM transmitter to allow playing of video games. The video reproducer (DVD player) has audio and video output cables that are coupled to the game port.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment system includes an adaptive antenna, a terrestrial television (TV) receiver connected to the adaptive antenna for receiving TV programming channels from more than one terrestrial TV transmitter, and at least one display connected to the terrestrial TV receiver. A controller is connected to the adaptive antenna for determining a desired terrestrial TV transmitter, and for directing the adaptive antenna towards the desired terrestrial TV transmitter. If a new desired terrestrial TV transmitter is determined by the controller, then the controller redirects the adaptive antenna towards the new desired terrestrial TV transmitter.

Abstract: The two-way transmissions are performed between a first bus and a usual portal of a first full-duplex 3-portal bridge and between a second bus and a usual portal of a second full-duplex 3-portal bridge, respectively. The one-way transmission of an isochronous packet and an asynchronous stream packet is performed between transmission and reception portals of the first full-duplex 3-portal bridge and reception and transmission portals of the second full-duplex 3-portal bridge. The first full-duplex 3-portal bridge and the second full-duplex 3-portal bridge perform a conversion between the asynchronous stream packet and an asynchronous packet if necessary.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system distributes an executable program in more than one channel of a modulated RF signal by using a plurality of download lines provided between the system file server and the RF modulator. The multiple download lines permit a passenger seat that missed the time window for downloading an executable program to request and download the executable program even before the first download has completed. The multiple download lines also permit downloads of different executable programs to take place at the same time. The vehicle entertainment system further includes a dedicated download processor and a buffer. The dedicated download processor is provided to reduce the processing load of the file server processor, in particular, to take over the task of generating a continuous stream of data responsive to a download request and supplying them to the RF modulator.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing digital content on-demand in a common carrier environment, such as an airplane, are disclosed. The present invention employs a combination of low power RF (e.g., WLAN/Bluetooth) and digital data broadcast (e.g., DVB-T) technology to distribute digital content to passengers in an airplane cabin. In an advantageous embodiment, a mobile multimedia terminal (or, alternatively, a fixed seat-back terminal), with a WLAN or Bluetooth link to a content server aboard the plane is used by a passenger to request digital content such as movies, music, games, etc. In response, the server transmits the requested content to the passenger's device via a DVB-T connection. The elimination of a wired connection for each of, for example, 400+ passengers in a Boeing 747, decreases the overall weight of the system and thus reduces fuel costs.

Abstract: An aircraft data management system provides a passenger seated on the aircraft with a number of entertainment and productivity enhancing options. Such options include, without limitation, video, audio, internet, airplane systems data and power. Located proximate to each seat group is an integrated seat box that includes a network interface card that identifies a requesting passenger for proper directing of the required data and/or power from devices that interface with a network controller back to the requesting passenger. Both on-aircraft and off-aircraft devices may be accessed by the system. While particularly drawn to aircraft, the data management system is also applicable to other venues have identifiable seating locations such as buses, passenger ships, hotels and auditoriums.

Abstract: An aircraft entertainment system employing a hybrid video distribution system that permits distribution of direct broadcast satellite television programming to passengers of the aircraft. The aircraft entertainment system has a video control center 11, a plurality of groups of set display units 40, and a plurality of audio and video processors 20 that control routing of programming to each seat display unit. A plurality of seat junction boxes 30 may be interposed between the audio and video processors 20 and the groups of seat display units 40. An antenna 12 is receives programming from a satellite, and a splitter 13 generates a plurality of channels of programming received by the antenna 12. A decoder 14 decodes the channels to provide video and audio signals, and an RF modulator 16 modulates the decoded audio and video signals for distribution.