TrayVu

SkyCast has created the TrayVu system. Instead of requiring brand new seats with LCD displays popping out the back, the TrayVu simply replaces an existing seat's fold-down tray.

Thanks to a clever design, which basically amounts to a hole cut in the tray, the display is still viewable and accessible during takeoffs, landings and turbulence. Which is important, since besides providing calming, in-flight entertainment, the TrayVu system is also a great source of revenue for the airline. Displaying ads and running commercials obviously accounts for a good chunk of change, but each tray also has its own credit card reader. So passengers can shop via online stores, and make in-cabin food and drink purchases. They can even start a per-flight tab if they so choose. The cost of each TrayVu unit is about $2,000, compared to $4-8,000 for an entire IFE-equipped seat. And broken or damaged units are easily swapped out by just removing a couple of screws.

Source: ohgizmo.comAdded: 14 November 2011