Innovative Advantage this week introduced its four-slot audio/video distribution system (AVDS), a compact node that runs on the company’s fiber-optic backbone. Each AVDS node has configurable slots for in-flight entertainment (IFE) and cabin management system (CMS) components, and the backbone can handle almost unlimited growth.

The four-slot AVDS is designed for aircraft up to midsize jets, while the larger eight-slot AVDS is more suitable for super-midsize and large-cabin jets, although they can be mixed and matched.

Innovative Advantage also rolled out IAS 6, its sixth-generation software for its units. New features include Bluetooth audio in both directions including from passengers’ devices to cabin speakers, control of third-party devices, the ability to capture network activity and more detailed diagnostics with advanced health monitoring of connected interfaces, and “video status from source to glass,” according to the company. 

According to the company, the advantage of the AVDS node is that Bluetooth, HDMI ports, and streaming capability can be added without having to touch the existing CMS. CMS/IFE configurations include more than 20 cards offering “Ethernet ports, digital and analog audio, HDMI inputs, fiber I/O, video conversion, video encoding/decoding, and more, including outstanding support to gaming systems, enabling at-home video gaming experience with no latency or lip-sync issues,” Innovative Advantage said.