Captions Coming to Inflight Entertainment

Editor: Here's some great news for frequent flyers. Panasonic is adding captioning capability to their system that distributes inflight entertainment! I'm really anxious to see this system in operation or to hear from others who have seen it!

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November 2007

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), a leading global provider of in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communications systems, today announced the closed captioning and subtitle functionality for its prestigious eX2 products. The user-selectable closed captioning/subtitles (CC/ST) is integrated into the eX2 media specification to allow the deaf and people who are hard of hearing to enjoy IFE on aircraft just as they enjoy TV entertainment at home.

Panasonic is dedicated to providing high quality products and services that contribute to the well-being and happiness of people throughout the world. That is evident throughout all of its products including the latest generation IFE system, eX2, which now incorporates CC/ST developed with the WAEA (World Airline Entertainment Association) Technical Committee in compliance with D.O.T. Proposed Rule 382.69, airline requests, and the American with Disabilities Act.

The new closed captioning and subtitle feature is designed to deliver the following advantages over existing burned in captioning and subtitles:

* Ability to embed up to 12 CC/ST languages into one video file
* Passenger may select any one track or none at all
* Sharper images of the subtitles and captions
* Decrease storage requirements when compared to the existing "burned in" subtitles used in most VOD systems today

"The closed captioning and subtitle feature represents Panasonic's no-compromise commitment to deliver the best, and most usable, in-flight entertainment systems in the world," said Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

About eX2

eX2 is the next generation product in Panasonic's X Series product line. This advanced in-flight digital entertainment and high speed communication system allows airlines increased storage, increased passengers per audio/video server and faster loading times. With over 50 plus unique in-flight applications and services, a variety of award winning handsets, high performance and high resolution displays, eX2 is the state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system.

About Panasonic Avionics Corporation

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world's leading supplier of in-flight entertainment and communication systems. Panasonic systems are flying with over 200 customers worldwide deployed on over 3,000 aircraft. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company employs approximately 2,500 employees based in over 70 locations worldwide.