EL AL Matmid - New 744 Config - ELA

OK, folks. Just flew ELA, the first 744 to undergo the overhaul in seating. Sat in business downstairs. Seats are the same as the 777. Downstairs, rows 10, 11, 12 are 2-3-2 and row 13 is 2-2 (so we lost 3 biz seats in row 13). Upstairs is 2-2 in all rows and all the rows, 72-79, are still there. All together we have 49 C seats instead of 52 prior.

I had a quick peak at F - it was 3 rows of 2-2 = 12 seats.

A few comments about biz:
-They kept the old tiny 744 screens! This is so pathetic! They have it attached to an arm which pulls it not only up but closer to the seat. I was really appalled by that. LCD screens are very inexpensive these days AND First Class got new big screens so this isn't a technical issue.
- The a/v controller, along with the call button and light switch DON'T PULL OUT (they are the old panels which are bolted in) which makes them in the most inconvenient space, under the armrest where you have to strain to look for it.
- NO VOD! Didn't they say the 744's were getting upgraded entertainment? So far, nothing.
- New AirShow. While the new airshow has what seems like cool animation of the plane in flight with a aerial shot of the geography/topography we are flying over, there is far less info shown. No local time at destination or origin and no ETA - just total amount left to the flight. On top of that, they picked a lousy font - the info is so faded you can barely read it on the screen.
- While we all know the new seats were a major upgrade for the 777's, its a mixed bag on the 744. The new seats are much better for sleeping than the old ones and on long-haul, that is the most important factor. Downside is that the old 744 seats were considerably wider than these new ones which was more comfortable for relaxing or working.

Did you see if the F is the "new" LY F?
Can't ELAL see the mistake that they made reagarding these new seats and rethink the 744 makeover?
Just flew ELE with the old SQ seats in C, these are by FAR better than the new C LY seats of the other planes. Also, the new F of LY is just bad, the seats are way below standard.
Is it too late to change these seats? At least for the 744s?

Indeed, the new 744 F seat is the same as the 777 F seat.

- NO VOD! Didn't they say the 744's were getting upgraded entertainment? So far, nothing.


AFAIK, the "older" 777s did not get the new Panasonic VOD system either.

True, but the 777's C did get new larger screens.

AFAIK, the "older" 777s did not get the new Panasonic VOD system either.

Now this wasn't a smart move either but at least this system isn't 15 years old. EL AL and their management always do everything wrong which just can be made wrong. Especially LY is one of thsoe airlines that don't invest every few years into it's fleet interior hecne they should've used this oportunity to choose seats that are currently amongst the top in the industry and will still be competitive in 10 years. Same applies with IFE they should've installed an AVOD system that is the same on the entire long haul fleet. But again when it comes to LY and their management it's better to talk to a wall!!!