FDS Avionics has released a Glass Cabin upgrade to its 3D map system in-flight entertainment system, allowing passengers to view virtual images of surrounding terrain in any direction on their mobile devices. Introduced at the AEA 2017 show, the Glass Cabin runs on the free do Experience app for Apple and Android devices as part of FDS's do Capsule in-flight entertainment system. The app also provides access to do Capsule entertainment content such as DRM-compliant movies, music, photos, business documents and 2D and 3D moving maps.
When viewing the Glass Cabin, passengers can hold their mobile devices in any direction and see the corresponding outside view. “Glass Cabin is an incredible way to view the moving map,” said FDS Avionics marketing director Dave Dodson. “Passengers can point forward to emulate the cockpit view or point down to see what's directly below. Glass Cabin allows an unobstructed view of the aircraft surroundings in breathtaking detail, adding an entirely new level of interaction, and fun, to an already robust entertainment platform.”

At the end of the year, FDS customers will be able to display new do 3D and do 2D moving maps that “are standalone hardware solutions that use technology developed for the do Capsule,” according to FDS. The maps will be viewable on installed monitors such as bulkhead displays or on mobile devices via an optional wireless upgrade. The 3D moving map offers three-dimensional depictions at levels of detail of up to 15 sq m per pixel, while the 2D map displays high-resolution satellite imagery at up to 20 sq m per pixel. Both feature panning and zooming, flight data, relative city locator and customizable point-of-interest library.

Also introduced at AEA 2017 is the new FDS Avionics Penta Converter, a hardware video converter that transforms five different video formats to the high-definition serial digital interface for FDS’s Edge Series displays. The Penta Converter operates on 28 VDC and allows passengers to connect video sources such as HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, VGA and composite to the entertainment system. Control of the converter is via a cabin management system, switch buttons or wirelessly for do Capsule installations.

“The Penta Converter is the perfect complement to our incredibly thin, lightweight Edge Series displays,” said Dodson “It allows the displays to be used in practically all existing cabin installations.”