March 31, 2005 – AMERICAN Airlines is the first airline to order IMS Inflight’s Terminal Data Loader (TDL), a versatile device designed to support network delivery of IFE content.

Permanently installed aboard the aircraft, TDL can accept new content either wirelessly – via WiFi, or GSM or CDMA broadband cellular – or on physical media such as CD, DVD, USB memory stick, removable hard drive and AIT tape. In all cases, data loading is carried out automatically.

“This is an important product with strong implications for the automation and integration of IFE’s digital supply chain,” comments IMS Inflight’s Michael Childers. “Among other things, it allows implementation of the WAEA’s Digital Content Management Working Group requirement that content not be decrypted between post-production and the aircraft. This is the way forward - one more nail in the coffin of the sneakernet.”

American Airlines – which is also evaluating IMS’ PEA handheld IFE system - has selected TDL for its international Boeing 767 fleet. Another North American customer is to be announced soon.

Much of the appeal of TDL to airlines and content providers lies in its ability to decrypt content in real time aboard the aircraft, avoiding any need to transport it to the aircraft in the clear and thus risk piracy. Content remains encrypted from the time it leaves post-production until it is safely read on the aircraft. TDL’s provision for decryption supports the industry-standard DES, 3DES and AES encryption algorithms.

TDL incorporates a range of physical loading devices: a 50-200GB-capacity AIT tape drive, 100GB removable hard drive, 8.5GB DVD, CD and USB memory stick. Wireless capabilities are IEEE 802.11b/g and either tri-band (900, 1800 and 1900MHz) GSM/GPRS or CDMA cellular.

The two-way wireless links allow the progress of content delivery to be tracked online through the CabinTrends Web portal. Wireless can also be used at the gate for encryption key management, remote software updates and IFE system monitoring, passenger usage and built-in test equipment reporting, and other applications.

In particular, TDL is claimed to be the only available automated means of updating encryption keys to comply with guidelines on key replacement, allowing IFE managers to initiate key updates from their desktops.

“TDL’s combination of end-to-end content encryption, real-time hardware decryption on the aircraft, and automated and secure key management gives IFE managers the ability to comply easily with content security guidelines,” comments Childers. “In turn, this helps airlines to continue to qualify for early-window content.”

http://www.shephard.co.uk/inflight/Default.aspx?Action=-1000945703&ID=4d38a617-926c-4c75-be49-af05c88cdcbc