Originally Posted by
NoStressHere
As to bandwidth, etc.. here are my thoughts. I do not KNOW but might guess that the TV portion/reception is set up just like other planes. Meaning they get ONE signal to the plane. That is usually then broadcast via the cables to each seatback.
But, in this case, it is broadcast throughout the plane via wifi. This means you do not have 50 people actually streaming via internet all the way back to earth/sky whatever for their TV, movies, etc.
Just my guess.
Essentially correct; the plane receives a single live tv stream from the satellite which is then distributed to whoever requests it via wifi on the plane. But the bandwidth required for that signal depends on how much is needed -- how many channels of live tv are offered. And, if there was no live tv, then all that bandwidth could be used for internet connectivity. At least the tv signal is only one-way, and as you suggest, this offering should reduce the amount of individually streaming video users attempt. But for me, I'd just like to be able to check my mail and browse the web without things timing out. That to me has a higher value than watching tv.