Originally Posted by
DenverBrian
As the rebranded 8200, perhaps?
Not really a rebrand; the MAX 8-200 was a model designed/branded for Ryanair to maximize the seating capacity. You don't want UA flying that model.
Originally Posted by
quantumslip
So I know IFE used to have those giant boxes under some of the seats, which adds to weight and complexity for the system. With the newer systems (especially with streaming around) is that still the case? If those boxes are no longer needed then deployment would be reduced to just having the screen and not needing those boxes anymore. Don't know how those screen would be their data; I could see it being doing wirelessly if their streaming tech already works for personal devices (might as well use the same system to scale to IFE).
I guess the screen is still additional weight but maybe removing the box is enough and the seats got lighter where they can take some of the screen weight?
Or tech in general has improved enough to the point where the cost savings aren't as big as they used to be, or this is just a make customer happy move or something else...
I'm happy for this (personally I would rather use IFE vs PDE), but wondering why financially they're doing this.
Delta Flight Products (a DL subsidiary) and
Gogo both have systems that deliver the IFE content to embedded screens via WiFi today. That reduces the wiring and weight of the system significantly. It also reduces the need for the box somewhat, though the box also handles some of the power distribution. Fortunately the newest seat designs allow for the "box" to be installed up under the pan rather than on the leg riser. Plus the screens are much lighter now than they were a generation ago. That also helps.