Your Guide to BA's In-Flight Entertainment
Dec 21, 2014, 8:41 am
#1
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Your Guide to BA's In-Flight Entertainment
i Preface
Firstly, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our new members. This short, illustrative thread has been produced as a quick reference guide to the inflight entertainment offering on board BA’s long haul flights. It is still a work-in-progress so please bear with me as I add more information into the sections below.
ii Contents
Introduction
Inflight entertainment systems
Content and connectivity
Travelling with children
In-seat power
Inflight entertainment systems
Content and connectivity
Travelling with children
In-seat power
iii Acknowledgments
This guide is a collaborative effort, and could not have been produced without the valuable contribution from corporate-wage-slave.
insert footer links here
Last edited by Prospero; Dec 21, 2014 at 10:17 am
Dec 21, 2014, 8:42 am
#2
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Introduction
Here’s a quick reference guide outlining the IFE equipment you can expect to find at your seat. Note, the information covers the latest hard products but if you are looking for a complete cabin by cabin, aircraft by aircraft breakdown, please visit the BA Fleet and Travel Class Guide.
Also for more information on the aircraft codes used in this guide, please visit All the known internal codes for mainline aircraft
Also for more information on the aircraft codes used in this guide, please visit All the known internal codes for mainline aircraft
Last edited by Prospero; Oct 24, 2017 at 3:55 pm Reason: General update
Dec 21, 2014, 8:43 am
#3
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In-flight entertainment systems
Illustrated below is a quick reference guide to help you match the IFE system with the aircraft type operating your flight:
BA Media Centre releases:
15 September 2015 [Press release in full]
09 December 2015 [Press release in full]
BA Media Centre releases:
15 September 2015 [Press release in full]
The first of 18 of British Airways’ much-loved Boeing 747s with a refreshed interior and state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system is taking to the skies from Heathrow to New York JFK this week.
The revamped jumbos will now operate on selected flights to New York JFK, Chicago, Lagos, Dubai, Boston, Riyadh and Kuwait, with further routes added in summer 2016.
The aircraft will be fitted with Panasonic’s next generation eX3 entertainment system, which will give customers a choice of over 1,300 hours of entertainment including more than 130 movies and 400 TV programmes on larger, hi-resolution screens, capable of touch and swipe gestures, giving the system the familiar feel of using a tablet.
Lightweight in design, the system from Panasonic Avionics Corporation also helps to reduce the amount of fuel used by the aircraft.
As part of the upgrade, customers in World Traveller Plus will now have access to a universal power socket at every seat, capable of accepting plugs from the UK, US and Europe. In addition, World Traveller customers will have their own personal USB socket to power phones and tablets.
The revamped jumbos will now operate on selected flights to New York JFK, Chicago, Lagos, Dubai, Boston, Riyadh and Kuwait, with further routes added in summer 2016.
The aircraft will be fitted with Panasonic’s next generation eX3 entertainment system, which will give customers a choice of over 1,300 hours of entertainment including more than 130 movies and 400 TV programmes on larger, hi-resolution screens, capable of touch and swipe gestures, giving the system the familiar feel of using a tablet.
Lightweight in design, the system from Panasonic Avionics Corporation also helps to reduce the amount of fuel used by the aircraft.
As part of the upgrade, customers in World Traveller Plus will now have access to a universal power socket at every seat, capable of accepting plugs from the UK, US and Europe. In addition, World Traveller customers will have their own personal USB socket to power phones and tablets.
09 December 2015 [Press release in full]
Super surround sound is now being introduced to top Hollywood blockbusters on British Airways’ long-haul flights. Advances in technology mean anyone flying in any cabin, using either their own headphones or those offered by British Airways, can hear the amazing new 3-D surround sound. The first movies to use the high-tech audio tracks on the airline’s flights are Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation and Guy Ritchie’s retro-hit, The Man from U.N.C.L.E..
Richard D’Cruze, British Airways’ in-flight entertainment manager said: “3-D surround sound adds a whole new dimension to watching your favourite movie, giving greater depth which really immerses you in the action and unfolding drama. “We’re always looking for new ways to make flying with British Airways even better so when we heard about 3-D sound, we were determined to bring this latest innovation to our customers.” You can hear the difference between standard sound and new 3-D sound by comparing these two clips of Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, on British Airways’ YouTube channel:
Jason Haney, brand account manager at Spafax, the team behind bringing the new sound technology to British Airways, said: “It’s brilliant that British Airways customers can have access to this latest hi-tech development on flights around the world.” 3-D audio is achieved by taking the original 5.1 surround sound mix and creating a stereo encode which can be used on any in-flight entertainment system. Using any pair of headphones it gives customers an immersive audio experience where the action appears to sound as though it’s happening all around them. While not every movie will be adapted to the new technology, British Airways plans to add more films with 3-D sound to flights over the coming months.
British Airways has also started to roll out a new range of headphones for customers in every cabin offering better sound reproduction and greater reliability. Those travelling in First, Club World and World Traveller Plus will be able to listen to movies, TV shows and audio tracks through headphones with improved noise cancelling technology, while those flying in World Traveller can use new silicone tipped earbuds offering greater noise isolation and comfort, which they can take home with them.
Richard D’Cruze, British Airways’ in-flight entertainment manager said: “3-D surround sound adds a whole new dimension to watching your favourite movie, giving greater depth which really immerses you in the action and unfolding drama. “We’re always looking for new ways to make flying with British Airways even better so when we heard about 3-D sound, we were determined to bring this latest innovation to our customers.” You can hear the difference between standard sound and new 3-D sound by comparing these two clips of Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, on British Airways’ YouTube channel:
Jason Haney, brand account manager at Spafax, the team behind bringing the new sound technology to British Airways, said: “It’s brilliant that British Airways customers can have access to this latest hi-tech development on flights around the world.” 3-D audio is achieved by taking the original 5.1 surround sound mix and creating a stereo encode which can be used on any in-flight entertainment system. Using any pair of headphones it gives customers an immersive audio experience where the action appears to sound as though it’s happening all around them. While not every movie will be adapted to the new technology, British Airways plans to add more films with 3-D sound to flights over the coming months.
British Airways has also started to roll out a new range of headphones for customers in every cabin offering better sound reproduction and greater reliability. Those travelling in First, Club World and World Traveller Plus will be able to listen to movies, TV shows and audio tracks through headphones with improved noise cancelling technology, while those flying in World Traveller can use new silicone tipped earbuds offering greater noise isolation and comfort, which they can take home with them.
Last edited by Prospero; Mar 6, 2016 at 4:06 am Reason: General update
Dec 21, 2014, 8:44 am
#4
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Content and connectivity
Did you know you can find out what films, TV programmes, and audio listings are showing during the current month and also during the month ahead? To find out, just visit ba.com
http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...-entertainment
Do note the online listings represent the content loaded on the older Rockwell Collins TES system so if you’re travelling onboard a flight equipped with the newer Thales system, the choice is greater as you’ll be able to select from an extended back catalogue of films as well as having a greater choice of TV programmes, including box set editions.
Streaming content stored in your personal electronic device to your touch screen display
It is possible to stream AV content stored in your personal electronic devise to your personal screen. To do this you need to bring along a set of red, white and yellow RCA cables. You’ll also need the Thales IFE system as this functionality is not available with the older Rockwell Collins TES system. It is however available in First, irrespective of IFE hardware.
Once you’re hooked up, follow the step by step instructions on your display. It only takes a few minutes to rig up your own entertainment. Residents in the UK can download media (including their favourite BBC TV programmes) from the BBC iPlayer App and stream the content onto the big screen.
Top tip from corporate-wage-slave:
High Life Chat
Split from your loved one? (enter appropriate expletive about BA's seating policy
) Well, if you are unable to chat face to face, you can make use of the on-board chat feature. There's a QWERTY keypad on the reverse side of the handset.
On-board WiFi and media streaming to your personal electronic device
High Life CONNECT
BA has three aircraft in service equipped to provide passengers with on-board connectivity. These are two A318 operating out of LCY and one Boeing 747 operating out of LHR. The latter is running a trial of BA’s High Life CONNECT. If you are looking for greater certainty of on-board Wifi, do note that BA’s Joint Business Venture partner American Airlines offers a full Wifi service on board its Boeing 77W aircraft that currently link Heathrow with Miami, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas Fort Worth.
BA is currently trialling on-board WiFi, Direct TV and streaming media. The trial is currently limited to one Boeing 747-400 aircraft (G-CIVG) and is branded High Life CONNECT. The service allows you to watch news and limited catalogue of TV programme and films streamed to your personal electronic device. These features are free of charge.
A full online connection is provided and you’ll need to register and, of course, enter your credit card details to activate the internet service, browse the web and check your emails. Fees are currently priced at £8 per hour or £15 for a 24 hour block
Note, certain applications including FaceTime, VOIP and Netflix are blocked
On Air - Club World London City
http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...-entertainment
Do note the online listings represent the content loaded on the older Rockwell Collins TES system so if you’re travelling onboard a flight equipped with the newer Thales system, the choice is greater as you’ll be able to select from an extended back catalogue of films as well as having a greater choice of TV programmes, including box set editions.
Streaming content stored in your personal electronic device to your touch screen display
It is possible to stream AV content stored in your personal electronic devise to your personal screen. To do this you need to bring along a set of red, white and yellow RCA cables. You’ll also need the Thales IFE system as this functionality is not available with the older Rockwell Collins TES system. It is however available in First, irrespective of IFE hardware.
Once you’re hooked up, follow the step by step instructions on your display. It only takes a few minutes to rig up your own entertainment. Residents in the UK can download media (including their favourite BBC TV programmes) from the BBC iPlayer App and stream the content onto the big screen.
Top tip from corporate-wage-slave:
On 747-400 and 777-200 the sound does not route through the BA High Life Entertainment system, so you have to listen on your device. On 777-300 the sound is available through the BA supplied headphones once plugged in, or you can use your own headphones. However if you do that, make sure you are not inadvertently sodcasting (playing back noise from the device's external speaker(s)) by dint of removing your headphones from your device. Also there is a small sound quality reduction and a slight background hum from the BA sound system, which I suspect many people would not notice.
For detailed, step by step instructions please visit's corporate-wage-slave's Using media devices through AVOD's RCA connection - a pictorial guideHigh Life Chat
Split from your loved one? (enter appropriate expletive about BA's seating policy
) Well, if you are unable to chat face to face, you can make use of the on-board chat feature. There's a QWERTY keypad on the reverse side of the handset.On-board WiFi and media streaming to your personal electronic device
High Life CONNECT
BA has three aircraft in service equipped to provide passengers with on-board connectivity. These are two A318 operating out of LCY and one Boeing 747 operating out of LHR. The latter is running a trial of BA’s High Life CONNECT. If you are looking for greater certainty of on-board Wifi, do note that BA’s Joint Business Venture partner American Airlines offers a full Wifi service on board its Boeing 77W aircraft that currently link Heathrow with Miami, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas Fort Worth.
BA is currently trialling on-board WiFi, Direct TV and streaming media. The trial is currently limited to one Boeing 747-400 aircraft (G-CIVG) and is branded High Life CONNECT. The service allows you to watch news and limited catalogue of TV programme and films streamed to your personal electronic device. These features are free of charge.
A full online connection is provided and you’ll need to register and, of course, enter your credit card details to activate the internet service, browse the web and check your emails. Fees are currently priced at £8 per hour or £15 for a 24 hour block
Note, certain applications including FaceTime, VOIP and Netflix are blocked
On Air - Club World London City
Last edited by Prospero; Oct 24, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Dec 21, 2014, 8:45 am
#5
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Travelling with children
BA also offers programming suitable for children, including U rated family films, Cartoon Network and CBeebies content. It is also possible to set up parental control of your children’s IFE unit so you can rest fully reassured your little tykes won’t arrive in a shell shocked condition at their destination.
See ba.com for more information: http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...yers-kids-zone
In addition to AV material, BA also has a supply of Skyflyer Activity Packs, suitable for children between the ages of 3 to 5, and over 6s. If you find your children are in need for greater stimulation, there is a range of toys available for purchase on board.
You can download a personal bag tag on ba.com for your children to colour and personalise. Alternatively, you can just print the illustration below:
See ba.com for more information: http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...yers-kids-zone
In addition to AV material, BA also has a supply of Skyflyer Activity Packs, suitable for children between the ages of 3 to 5, and over 6s. If you find your children are in need for greater stimulation, there is a range of toys available for purchase on board.
You can download a personal bag tag on ba.com for your children to colour and personalise. Alternatively, you can just print the illustration below:
Last edited by Prospero; Dec 21, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Dec 21, 2014, 8:46 am
#6
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
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In-seat power
Illustrated below is a quick reference guide to help you match the in-seat power type with the aircraft type operating your flight:
Technical details
Currently there are two different systems in use for providing in-seat power on board: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) based systems. The facilities available to you will depend on your class of travel and, in some circumstances, the type of aircraft serving your flight. In-seat power is currently not available on BA's UK Domestic services or most European short-haul services.
Direct current (DC) based system
The DC-based system provides 15V and is capable of delivering a maximum 75 Watts of power via an EMPOWER (hypertronics) type connector mounted at the seat. This system requires an adaptor which can be used with any Empower -compatible adaptor. When travelling in Old First, a limited number of adaptors may be available to borrow onboard from the Cabin Crew subject to availability. However, if you are a Mac users you will need to supply their own adaptor. Due to losses in efficiency when using an adaptor/inverter the full 75 Watts of power may not be available to power your device. This is dependent on the quality of adaptor/inverter and the power that your device requires.
Alternating current (AC) based system
This system features a multi-country style pin socket delivering 110V AC. The system can deliver a maximum of 125 Watts. For this system, travelling with a standard mains travel adaptor is recommended. This will to allow you to convert to any of the accepted plug formats.
Notes
Don't forget to disconnect your laptop and/or other device when they are not in use;
Where power is available in World Traveller cabins, the sockets are shared in between seats
Technical details
Currently there are two different systems in use for providing in-seat power on board: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) based systems. The facilities available to you will depend on your class of travel and, in some circumstances, the type of aircraft serving your flight. In-seat power is currently not available on BA's UK Domestic services or most European short-haul services.
Direct current (DC) based system
The DC-based system provides 15V and is capable of delivering a maximum 75 Watts of power via an EMPOWER (hypertronics) type connector mounted at the seat. This system requires an adaptor which can be used with any Empower -compatible adaptor. When travelling in Old First, a limited number of adaptors may be available to borrow onboard from the Cabin Crew subject to availability. However, if you are a Mac users you will need to supply their own adaptor. Due to losses in efficiency when using an adaptor/inverter the full 75 Watts of power may not be available to power your device. This is dependent on the quality of adaptor/inverter and the power that your device requires.
Alternating current (AC) based system
This system features a multi-country style pin socket delivering 110V AC. The system can deliver a maximum of 125 Watts. For this system, travelling with a standard mains travel adaptor is recommended. This will to allow you to convert to any of the accepted plug formats.
Notes
Don't forget to disconnect your laptop and/or other device when they are not in use;
Where power is available in World Traveller cabins, the sockets are shared in between seats
Last edited by Prospero; Mar 6, 2016 at 3:55 am Reason: General update
Dec 21, 2014, 10:24 am
#7
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You can now find a link to this thread in the forum Dashboard. Look out for the following widget:
Jun 29, 2015, 7:38 am
#8
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HBO’s Olive Kitteridge was an unexpected joy onboard last week’s BA169. Filed under box sets, this 4 part series starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins and Bill Murray is an beautiful adaptation of Elizabeth Strout’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book. It is probably only loaded on the Thales IFE system (777s, 787s, and A380).
Any other recommendations?
Any other recommendations?
Jun 29, 2015, 8:22 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: BA Silver (OWS)
Posts: 654
I really like BA's 'box sets' section in general. I normally prefer TV shows to movies on flights, partly because of the longer, more intricate plots and partly because there are more natural exit points (i.e. after each episode) if I get tired or want to do something else. And having all episodes of a series in sequential order makes binging really easy, compared to many other airlines which have a seemingly random selection.
I recently enjoyed most of the first season of Better Call Saul on a longhaul flight.
I recently enjoyed most of the first season of Better Call Saul on a longhaul flight.
Jul 14, 2015, 3:17 pm
#12
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Lincoln UK/BKK
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Posts: 423
Yes, the Rockwell Collins is the older system and has (much) less content. The resolution isn't as good either but its still certainly watchable. Other than screen size, I've not noticed any other difference on both systems through First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller. But that might be me not being very observant.
Sep 25, 2015, 1:58 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 159
How often is content generally updated, and when in the month does a refresh normally take place? I feel like I exhausted the decent new movie releases on LHR - ICN roundtrip earlier this month and hoping that there's some new material to keep me going LHR - SYD in middle of next month!
Sep 25, 2015, 3:58 am
#14
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 1,347
I think they're updated at the start of every month. You can check what they'll be showing on your flight next month on the BA website: http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...-entertainment. A lot of it will have been on your recent flight, but they'll be some new releases too.
Sep 25, 2015, 4:03 am
#15
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How often is content generally updated, and when in the month does a refresh normally take place? I feel like I exhausted the decent new movie releases on LHR - ICN roundtrip earlier this month and hoping that there's some new material to keep me going LHR - SYD in middle of next month!
http://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/...-entertainment
changes every month, I think on the first full day the aircraft returns to LHR/LGW of each month. The refresh of films seems to be to knock a chunk of older films out, but not a full refresh by any means. The guide above has a "Newest on board" tab, though it won't help much since it includes the previous month's offering in the output. There is also a News section which highlights some new material.