This article was taken from the August 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
How we tested
With the help of will.i.am we flew with four airlines to assess the in-flight entertainment. With comparable seats in business class (and one in Virgin Premium Economy), we judged picture and sound quality, content selection and the user experience. Where available we plugged in our phones and used the in-flight Wi-Fi.
Our high-flying testers: meet the team that trots the globe with will.i.am
Seth Friedman
CEO of Rocketpop Management
Oversees international business activities
Ann-Marie Scichili
President at AMS Design
A fashion/accessory industry adviser
Sallie Olmsted
EVP, Rogers & Cowan
Manages will.i.am's PR and speaking engagements
American Airlines
The entertainment has improved on AA's newest long-haul flights, one of which we took from Heathrow to Dallas Forth Worth. The choice of content is huge, access is via a touchscreen, and the noise-cancelling headphones significantly improve sound quality.
The Panasonic eX2 system felt at full stretch here, though, as our system crashed twice while loading games and had to be rebooted by cabin crew. "I found the remote too sensitive," says Anne-Marie Scichili. "And the fact that you can't plug in your own headphones is quite frustrating."
Wired: Wi-Fi access
Tired: Content could do with curating
Specifications
Plane: Boeing 777-300ER
Screen size: 15.4 inches
Audio: Bose QC-15 headphones
Interface: Touchscreen
Films: 250+
Extras: Wi-Fi, USB hub, 110v charging
System: Panasonic eX2/E-Box
Content: 650+ hours
Singapore Airlines
As the launch customer for Panasonic's eX3 system, SIA will be the first to offer tailored content. However, on our flight from Heathrow to Singapore, we had eX2 hardware supporting an HD screen in the business-class seats. The rotating interface is similar to American Airlines', but instead of touching the screen you use a corded remote-control. The over-ear headphones are not noise-cancelling. "Will and I took the second flight ever on its first plane back in 2007," says Seth Friedman. "The screen is big and the selection is broad."
Wired: Crisp picture
Tired: Old-fashioned wired remote-control
Specifications
Plane: Boeing 777-300ER
Screen size: 15.4 inches
Audio: Stereo ear-cup headphones
Interface: Handset
Films: 140+
Extras: USB hub, 110v charging
System: Panasonic eX2
Content: 1,250+ hours
British Airways
The systems in BA's Club World vary widely depending on route and plane, from titchy 10.4-inch sets to 15.4-inch touchscreens. On our flight from Dallas Fort Worth to Heathrow we had a medium-size 12.1-inch screen driven by the latest Thales hardware, offering recent films, games and exclusive music such as a Paul Oakenfold DJ-mix. For now, only BA's London City to JFK route is equipped for in-flight SMS texting and web browsing. "BA is solid," says Friedman. "Nothing ground-breaking, but they have a decent selection and the screen is passable."
Wired: Noise-reducing headphones
Tired: Small screen
Specifications
Plane: Boeing 777-300
Screen size: 12.1 inches
Audio: Noise-cancelling headphones
Interface: Handset and touchscreen
Films: 100+
Extras: Power point and USB hub
System: Thales
Content: 950+ hours
Virgin Galactic
Apart from a smaller screen, the seatback system is the same in Premium Economy as in Upper Class, and features a USB hub and AeroMobile, which allows you to use your phone for calls and data.
The Karma handset has an extra 4.2-inch LCD touchscreen to control your system and see flight data without interrupting your film. "My headphone jack didn't work unless I leaned against the plug," says Sallie Olmsted. "The screen also froze, so I had to move twice to find a place where all the gear worked at the same time."
Wired: Karma handset, AeroMobile
Tired: Dodgy build
Specifications
Plane: Airbus A340-300
Screen size: 12.1 inches
Audio: Bose QC-15 headphones
Interface: Handset and touchscreen
Films: 50+
Extras: iPod dock, seat-to-seat chat
System: Panasonic eX2, Vera Touch
Content: 650+ hours
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
