DPI is showing off its latest innovations this week at NBAA-BACE, including what it says is the first-ever “aviationized” Apple TV and an “app-less” NFC cabin control system.
The Apple TV, which the company is unveiling for the first time at NBAA-BACE, has been flying on an Airbus A319 this year.
DPI said the “aviation version” of the Apple TV has all of the same features as the regular consumer version, including being able to use Airplay with their devices, access to personal content libraries, and Dolby technology.
The system also works in tandem with DPI’s server, which allows retrieval and playback of stored digital content onboard, and it supports streaming when paired with high-speed internet services like Starlink.
“At DPI Labs, we’re committed to bridging the gap between consumer technology and aviation, making the passenger experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible,” said Martin Hamilton, DPI's vice president of sales.
“With aviationized Apple TV, we’re excited to bring the convenience and entertainment that customers enjoy at home into the skies, all while maintaining the rigorous standards and reliability required for aviation use.”
The new cabin control system allows passengers to use a smartphone or tablet to manage things like lighting, entertainment, and audio/visual settings on board by tapping an NFC chip, which opens an intranet site on their devices. NFC tech is known best for allowing for contactless payments and wireless data sharing.
“We’re proud to be the first to introduce NFC technology to the business aviation market,” said Hamilton.