Soon, zipping to that important meeting aboard the company's corporate jet, you will be able to check your e-mail or send a fax even as your companion across the aisle is immersed in live coverage of a football game, thanks to the "e-Cabin" concept unveiled at NBAA by DeCrane Aircraft Holdings Inc., of El Segundo, Calif.

Audio International, a DeCrane Aircraft company, has introduced its "office in the sky" and entertainment suite which offers total digital control over a virtually unlimited assortment of entertainment, cabin control, information and communication functions.

"The e-Cabin concept offers a number of different information and entertainment options," said Keith Jackson, marketing manager for Audio International. "One person can check e-mail while another watches a football game."
Three components make up the e-Cabin concept: video.net, cabin.net and map.net. Video.net uses the Honeywell OneView direct broadcast system (DBS) to deliver a variety of live entertainment options including satellite television news, sports, weather, music and movies. It also offers audio and video on demand which permits the recording, playing and storing of audio and video content during the flight.

The cabin.net feature will keep passengers connected to resources such as internet and intranet, e-mail and other services through the DBS high-speed digital data platform. Passengers will access these services from the server's touch screen at their seats. While e-mail will be available immediately, internet access will follow shortly, the company said.

Map.net provides a moving-map display integrated with the aircraft navigation systems to display flight data to passengers on demand, enabling them to search, zoom, track and receive statistics, including municipal information, not only for cities along the flight path but anywhere in the world.

Components of the e-Cabin concept will be available individually or as part of a complete package. Joining Audio International in the project are Custom Woodworking & Plastics, PCI NewCo. and PATS, Inc. Visitors to the DeCrane Booth 7256 will be able to learn more about the concept.