Song Unveils Single Aisle In-Flight Entertainment System

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Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Song, Delta Air Lines' new service developed to change customer expectations for high-quality, low-fare air travel, will unveil today the world's most sophisticated in-flight entertainment technology among single aisle aircraft. Song is collaborating with Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation (MAS) and EchoStar Communications Corporation's DISH Network satellite TV and its service to provide a comprehensive network of on-board entertainment amenities at each seatback that will include live, satellite television, pay-per-view movie programming, MP3 audio programming and interactive video games.

Song began in-flight testing of the new MAS eFX system on one aircraft at the end of October. Over the next several months, Song will phase its new entertainment technology into its fleet of 36 Boeing 757 aircraft at the rate of one every four to seven days. By early 2004, all Song aircraft are expected to be outfitted with personal video monitors at each seat, offering a complement of entertainment features -- accessible via touch-screen technology -- including:

  • 24 all-digital, live, DISH Network TV channels available to passengers for free;
  • all-digital broadcast audio programming with 24 free channels; and
  • multi-player interactive video games that allow play between passengers.

"This revolutionary technology will redefine the air travel experience for our customers," said Tim Mapes, Director of Marketing for Song. "We are committed to creating a unique travel environment and believe our customers will truly enjoy the wide range of choices this technology provides."

Beginning in the second quarter of 2004, Song will add server technology to its aircraft, providing even more sophisticated technology and a broader array of amenities, including:

  • digitally-streamed MP3 programming that allows customers to create individual play lists during their flights;
  • downloadable, pay-per-view movie programming available on demand, featuring a wide-range of current offerings for all ages;
  • interactive iXplor moving map program with zoom capabilities and points of interest information; and
  • connecting gate information broadcast directly to personal in-seat video monitors.

"Matsushita is proud to be premiering our eFX system on board Song," said Paul Margis, Chief Technical Officer at MAS. "With its innovative features and technologies, passengers will be able to choose how they spend their time on-board the airplane, much the way they choose their entertainment at home."

"Fliers don't have to miss their favorite shows when they travel now," said Mark Jackson, senior vice president, EchoStar. "Song passengers will now be able to watch the same shows in the air that they watch at home, like ESPN, CNN, Discovery or Animal Planet. Together, we're giving Song passengers a more satisfying in-flight entertainment experience."

Consumers can experience Song's in-flight entertainment technology "on the ground" at Song's first-of-its-kind concept store in New York City, which will be open through December 21. The "Song in the City" store, located at 98 Prince Street in the heart of Manhattan's Soho district, features actual Song all-leather aircraft seats that are equipped with the In-Flight Entertainment system.

Song tickets can be purchased by visiting flysong.com or by calling 1-800-FLY-SONG (1-800-359-7664). Additional information on MAS is available at www.mascorp.com. Additional information on Matsushita Electric and Panasonic is available at www.panasonic.com Visit EchoStar's Web site at www.echostar.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).

Source: Song