The new Thales system, called the TopSeries i-8000, uses a wireless network to deliver DVD-quality video to each seat on the airplane. The Thales product interfaces with the Connexion by Boeing SM system that provides broadband connectivity for the 787 and allows passengers to access the Internet and e-mail systems.

Thales, based in Paris, France, will open a new engineering laboratory in California to support the testing of the new system.

"By working with our airline customers to understand their in-flight entertainment needs, we clearly identified many tangible benefits of a wireless system," said Mike Bair, vice president and general manager of the 787 program.

"Customers will be more comfortable as we are eliminating much of the equipment that typically is housed under their seats. In addition, we are saving weight and cost while providing a very high quality of service."

The wireless concept will also allow airlines to more quickly reconfigure their airplanes to meet changing demands, reducing the amount of time it takes to change seating arrangements from hours to minutes.

"We anticipate that the 787 will be a strong-selling aircraft and the TopSeries will be a perfect complement," said Brad Foreman, vice president and general manager for Thales' in-flight entertainment business.

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