What is GhettoIFE?

IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) is in so many words something to keep you occupied when you're trapped in a small seat crossing distances far and wide. This is very common amongst long haul and short haul aircraft across the world (well.. except in Short Haul in Europe it seems where the only thing you get is a seat to sit in - and that's if you've been good). But there are of course - variations of IFE (depending on where you sit on the plane sometimes). Here's a few of them:
  • PTV AVOD (Audio/Visual on demand)
  • PTV Rolling
  • Big Screen
  • Audio Only

Let's looking at some examples:

A Modern IFE System - Continental Boeing 777-200 (Economy Class  - Panasonic EX2)

In an Air Canada ERJ-175 - Note the USB Port on the left and the Broken map

Onboard an Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER.  Again, note the USB Socket and Power System. 

In an Asiana First Class seat (AVOD)

AVOD in a Thai Airways Boeing 777-200 in Business Class


Onboard a refurbish United 767-300ER in Business Class




A bad example of AVOD - US Airways Airbus A330 (Economy - Rockwell system)
 

A (Bad) Example of PTV (Rolling) with BMI (Just before Takeoff - Y Class)

And finally on the Big Screen (United 747 - Economy)


So these are great - except what if there is nothing to watch... or even worse, you're on a flight and suddenly realise there is NO IFE/Very Poor IFE?

My Solution: Build your own system! (What? I'm a geek. I'm allowed to think of a technical solution)

Now if you're going to do this make sure
1) You switch on your portable electronic device when you're allowed to,
2) Make sure you have spare sickbags (if you're nauseous in the air)
3) make sure you don't rip the bag too much so that your precious media device ends up on the floor and
4) Prepare be laughed at - or watch people copying you...

So - a method:
  • rip hole in baggie
  • rip hole large enough for screen
  • rip hole in side so you can plug your headset in
  • mount onto seat back
  • enjoy entertainment 
and you get of these....

Ghetto IFE installed on a US Airways 757 



or even if the aircraft has IFE...


On of these (United 767) 

   


On a BA 747 
  
On a BA 777 


On an Air Canada A330-300
 


Installed on a Contintnal 737-900ER with a pay screen
 
Of course you could watch it in your hand or lap, but there is a lot of strain doing that. Why strain when you do thing slightly less elegantly? Simples!
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