This is the best job in the world. We get to see some of the best stuff invented by some of the best people in the world. Here are a few that you might not have seen or heard about, but really impressed us.

VoCem from TriaGnoSys – A series of software optimizations that are really multiple compression algorithms for satcom communication…in operation today on Inmarsat. This “invisible” product can improve thruput of Inmarsat by anywhere from 4 to 10 times. Axel Jahn and his team have lowered the cost of communication to about 60 cents per minute by basically performing tricks using a reduced data routing overhead bit stripping and employing table-lookup for functions that used to be individually calculated. This server-based software aids L-Band data such that they can approach ISDN data speeds and still retain, and in some cases improve, data quality. They also improve the phone codec as well. This is really landmark stuff and the software is installed as part of the latest Thales TopConnect program. The software itself can be installed in the SDU of a satcom as well and even as part of the Inmarsat System. Interestingly, we asked Inmarsat if they knew about VoCem and while they replied positively, they choose to not get involved in the optimizations and rely on service providers and hardware vendors as well. This product was a Crystal Cabin Award finalist and by all measurements, increasing the efficiency of satellite data thrust and reducing costs by up to a factor of 10 is a clear winner to us – check out the TriaGnoSys website and the other products they have developed.

The KID Systeme (AIRBUS) folks never cease to surprise and amaze us! This year there was the usual plethora of research projects and in-development gadgets to garner another look…and we did. While data-over-power continues to be a back burner item, KID said they are continuing work on the project. Of special interest was an in-set (and we mean “in seat”) power supply (see image) in development with Recaro. The unit provides some 400 watts (integrated) and 250 watts (stand alone) integrated into the seat beam providing a no-box solution that has a built-in heat sink. Designed for the bizjet market, it can provide 3 AC outlets and DC power for PEDS. While the seat is not certified yet, we expect brisk sales as the industry is in a consolidation mood. Further, we think Lufthansa is a prime candidate for this product. We will cover their wireless seat data AND POWER device in a future IFExpress.

Lastly, the Wencor folks have seen the light…or rather, are transitioning to other IFE products like LED lights. While they are still delivering personal players, they are leveraging their strengths in the PMA kit market and widening their focus on markets like bizjets with the development of IFE system sales that incise monitors and media players. Working with IFE Products as their OEM hardware provider, they are working hard to deliver cost-centric entertainment packages for business jets. We also got wind of a an active device to cool LED displays, and the phrase “not passive” was accentuated. We got it! Adam Williams also told IFExpress that their Lefeel line of personal entertainment players will begin deliveries to an unnamed customer this summer and it will offer optional optical mouse and touch screen functionality.

There were a lot more of exciting products and deals we discovered so you will have to just wait for the next edition.