Aircraft in-flight entertainment system including a distributed digital radio service and associated methods

摘要

An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes an antenna for receiving digital satellite radio signals, and an intermediate frequency (IF) down converter is connected to the antenna for down converting the digital satellite radio signals. A plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) are spaced throughout the aircraft. Each SEB includes at least one IF tuner in communications with the IF down converter.

主权项

1. An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system comprising:
an antenna for receiving digital satellite radio audio program signals organized into different audio program entertainment categories; a video entertainment source for providing video channels; a headend unit comprising an intermediate frequency (IF) down converter connected to said antenna for down converting the digital satellite radio audio program signals, and a combiner having a first input for receiving as input the digital satellite radio audio program signals and a second input for receiving the video channels, said combiner having a plurality of outputs corresponding to a plurality of different passenger seating zones, with each output providing for a respective passenger seating zone a combined output including the digital satellite radio audio program signals and the video channels and with each combined output being provided without switching and regardless of passenger needs; cabling connected to said plurality of outputs at said combiner and extending throughout the aircraft; a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft and connected to said cabling, each SEB comprising
an RF splitter connected to said cabling for receiving the at least one combined output for splitting the video channels and the digital satellite radio audio program signals into separate outputs,at least one IF tuner coupled to said RF splitter for receiving as input the digital satellite radio audio program signals, and for tuning to a selected entertainment category based on operation of a respective PCU associated therewith, and for providing the data to be displayed corresponding to the selected entertainment category, andat least one video tuner coupled to said RF splitter for receiving as input the video channels, said at least one video tuner associated with the same respective PCU; and a plurality of passenger control units (PCUs) connected to said plurality of SEBs, each PCU including a category select function input for permitting selection of one of the different entertainment categories, and a display for displaying data corresponding to the different entertainment categories.