“Live” In The Air: New Channels Take Off As Panasonic Expands In-Flight TV Service

In-Flight Connectivity

Panasonic Avionics, a leading provider of in-flight entertainment and communication systems, announces the enhancement of its exclusive eXTV global live television service with three robust channel offerings  – CNBC, CNN International, and a Japanese-language channel, NHK World Premium.

With seven live TV channels, Panasonic is today’s only in-flight connectivity service provider that has the ability to offer dynamic, uninterrupted live television programming globally and create a comprehensive range of airline passenger entertainment experiences.
Paul Margis, CEO of Panasonic Avionics, said: “We strive to provide innovative solutions that can allow passengers to have the same experiences in-flight that they can receive on the ground.  Live television has tremendous appeal to passengers as it is always changing and interesting. In response to feedback from our airline customers, we are pleased to broaden our range of live TV channels to serve a wider set of global passengers for their information and entertainment needs.”
These additional worldwide, recognized channels complement a full suite currently offered on airlines operating eXTV-equipped aircraft. CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-time financial market coverage and business information to more than 395 million homes worldwide. Reporting directly from the major financial markets around the globe, CNBC is dedicated to CEOs, senior corporate executives, the financial services industry and private investors.
CNN International is the number one international TV news channel.  It offers extensive coverage of global news events, the latest business stories, as well as feature and documentary programming covering a range of interests including sport, environment, travel and entertainment.
NHK World Premium is a Japanese-language channel that includes NHK News and Grand Sumo Tournaments live, as well as other major sports events and a well-rounded schedule of historical & contemporary dramas, documentaries, entertainment and cultural programs.
eXTV, which launched in 2011 and uses Panasonic’s high bandwidth Ku-band satellite aeronautical network, also includes live content from BBC World News, BBC Arabic, Euronews and the exclusive Sport 24 live sports channel produced by IMG.   Sport 24 has already enabled passengers to watch live coverage of major global sporting events including the London 2012 Summer Olympics, the Barclays Premier League and Bundesliga, the Masters, The British Open and US Open Golf, the Ryder Cup, Formula 1™, the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open Tennis and other world class sporting events, many of which continue to be broadcast in 2014.

Panasonic Avionics press release