The backbone of the Empire IFE system is the 10G Ethernet Switch. This switch acts as the central hub, connecting all Encoders and Decoders. It enables distribution of all IFE content throughout the cabin. The switch receives control commands from the Evolve Cabin Management System through a 100BaseT Ethernet connection. These commands are used to switch or change Audio/Video sources and are applied over the Cat 6 Ethernet network.

The Aircraft AV Encoders convert up to all existing aircraft video signals such as camera feeds and moving map to a visually lossless streaming network packet for transmission over 10G network. The Encoders have a single 10GBaseT copper RJ-45 connector. The HDCP 1.4/2.2 content protection is supported for video sources such as Blue-Ray players, gaming consoles, and media players.  The Aircraft AV Encoder connection includes:

• HDMI input
• Up to 12G-SDI input with loop out (for high-definition camera feeds with signal loop to the cockpit)
• Analog Composite Video input with loop out (for legacy TV signals or composite camera feeds with a cockpit video loop out)
• USB-2.0 Host Port

Balanced/Unbalanced 2-channel Analog Audio input/output (for audio feeds into the system as a source and audio feeds out of the system to the cabin amplifiers).

The Auxiliary AV Encoders convert up to Ultra High Definition (UHD) video to a visually lossless streaming network packet for transmission over 10G network. This unit is ideal for a client's carry-on commercial devices (for example, Roku, Chromecast, AppleTV, etc...). The Encoders have a single 10GBaseT copper RJ-45 connector. The HDCP 1.4/2.2 content protection is supported for video sources such as Blue-Ray players, gaming consoles, and media players.  The Auxiliary AV Encoder connectivity includes

• HDMI input,
• USB-C (DisplayPort Alternate Mode) input,
• USB-2.0 Client Port,
• Bluetooth 5.0 Receiver, and
• Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter.

The Aircraft AV Decoders receive network packet streams over the 10G IP Network and convert the signal up to live UHD HDMI 2.0 video and audio. A single 10G copper RJ-45 connector is used to receive the network packets. The Decoders can upscale or downscale an incoming stream to optimize the HDMI video to the native video format of the display. The HDCP 1.4/2.2 is supported for viewing content protected video content. The standalone AV Decoder has an HDMI output to connect to third-party displays, projectors, and surround sound processors. It also has a USB-2.0 Client Port for KVM extension applications.

Empire offers high-quality video displays in sizes ranging from 42” to 65”. They are AC powered and use the latest OLED technology. These monitors feature 10-bit color depth, screen scrubbing to prevent image burn-in, and produce the darkest blacks, unique to OLED. The OLED monitors include an integrated Decoder to simplify AV connectivity with a single network cable. These decoders receive network packet streams over the 10G IP Network, convert the signal to UHD HDMI 2.0 video, and then routed internally to the 4K video processing board.

Available in 19” and 27”, these high quality monitors are DC powered and use LCD backlighting. They provide a wide color range, a 1000:1 contrast ration, and high brightness. The 19” requires an external aircraft decoder, while the 27” includes an integrated decoder. The touchscreen interface enables these monitors to be configured as the ultimate cabin control panel, a back up galley panel, or meet any other requirement

Available in 22”, 24”, and 27”, these high quality monitors are DC powered and use LCD backlighting. They provide a wide color range, a 1000:1 contrast ration, and high brightness. These LCD monitors include an integrated Decoder to simplify AV connectivity with a single network cable. These decoders receive network packet streams over the 10G IP Network, convert the signal to UHD HDMI 2.0 video, and then routed internally to the 4K video processing board.