An at-seat entertainment system for rail vehicles has been developed by established airline supplier MBM Technology, in conjunction with seat manufacturer Compin and interiors and component specialist Transintech. In a prototype static installation presented to train operators, lessors and manufacturers, LCD video screens have been fitted to Compin first class Thalys seats, both on seat backs and folding side arms.
Tailored to the requirements of individual operators, the system is based on a head-end rack measuring approximately 1370 x 220 x 250mm, comprising an access terminal, file server, video, CD or tape players and distribution equipment. Consuming 1·5 kW, the rack is connected to at-seat screens by a composite copper and optic fibre backbone cable 12mm in diameter. Each car has a repeater unit measuring approximately 250 x 330 x 200mm, equipped with an access terminal and file server.
The at-seat installation of screen, audio headset and handset with controls consumes 10W at 48V DC. A wide range of entertainment software based on MBM’s airline experience is available, ranging from films and recorded TV programmes to games, at-seat shopping and information on destinations served and on-board services.
Passengers would also be able to consult route maps updated by GPS, purchase meals, goods and services using at-seat chip card readers and send or receive e-mail via Inmarsat C. The 150 to 280 mm screens are fitted with a polycarbonate privacy cover, which is louvred to prevent viewing from an oblique angle.
MBM Technology Ltd, Portslade, Great Britain
Reader Enquiry Number 101
