Originally Posted by
sbm12
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.
I think that's the game-changer (you've pointed this out before), and also that pax surveys seem to bear a strong consumer preference for embedded IFE rather than an all-streaming solution.
I'd be interested to see if UA goes with embedded IFE on the 4 777-222ERs rumored to be converted to 77G.