PS Engineering has unveiled their latest vision for General Aviation, a panel-mounted audio and video in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. The PAV80 system incorporates AM/FM radio and CD/MP3 for music, plus the added dimension of DVD video.

"This is a logical and effective step for both PS Engineering and the marketplace," said company president Mark Scheuer," a decade ago, we introduced high fidelity entertainment to aviation with our intercoms, and have grown with the available technology in response to our customer's inputs."

The PAV80 system is a panel mounted player unit, which contains the DVD mechanism, as well as the AM/FM radio. A 5.5-inch Liquid Crystal display (LCD) video terminal provides full color pictures. Up to four displays can be driven, using an optional video distribution amplifier.

One of the most intriguing features of the PAV80 is its multifunction capability. When coupled to an audio control system, such as the PMA7000B, the pilot and copilot can listen to the radio, while the DVD movie audio is provided to the passengers or visa versa.

"This feature gives the aircraft occupants unprecedented control over their audio entertainment, "continues Mr. Scheuer, "Music in front, movies in back, and a full intercom conversation, with aircraft radio muting of the entertainment as desired. By taking full advantage of the independent inputs designed into our audio panels, we have tailored the IFE outputs the way today's aircraft are used in cross-country travel."

First shipments are expected to be in the second quarter of 2003, with an estimated list price of $2995, including one  LCD display.

"Certification is always important to us," Said Vice President of Technical Services, Gary Picou. "PS Engineering will use industry and technical standards available, in the form of TSO and STC guidance, and we will pursue STC for an array of compatible aircraft under the 'Approved Model list' format. This makes the data available to easily apply the certification to appropriate aircraft without having to get individual approvals."

The PAV80 was designed specifically as a general aviation entertainment system. It was designed by pilots for pilots, and incorporates the most asked-for features in an IFE system.

The PAV80 features:

• 2-inch tall panel-mounted unit with built front panel alphanumeric display
• Standard NTSC and S-VIDEO output compatible with most displays
• Built-in 1 amp 12 volt power supply to power an external display
• Up to 4 video displays from one disc with use of option video distribution amplifier
• Two Independent audio outputs (DVD and radio available)
• Remote Control for video and secondary audio functions
• AM/FM Stereo radio receiver
• Backward compatible with PCD7100-P and PXE7300
• Plays DVD, CD, MP3, CD-R and CD-RW disks
• Auxiliary input for games, etc on display
• No antenna needed outside aircraft, Internal antenna supplied
• Vibration-resistant DVD player
• No RFI emissions to interfere with communications or other avionics
• Audio output compatible with most intercoms and audio systems
• 1-year warranty if installed by PS Engineering dealer

FMI: www.ps-engineering.com