Bothell, Washington, USA – Takashi Mizuma, President, Matsushita Avionics Systems Corporation (MAS), announced today that MASC will soon enter the in-seat video market for single aisle and short-haul twin aisle aircraft with its new System 400.  "The single aisle and short-haul twin aisle market has, until now, largely been neglected by the IFE industry," according to Mr. Mizuma.  "MAS System 400N is designed specifically for the single aisle cabin while the short-haul twin aisle market will be served by our new System 400W configuration.  We are excited at the prospect of entering this untapped market niche with System 400 in the 3rd quarter of 2000."

Both configurations of System 400 are designed to deliver up to twelve in-seat video programs with either stereo or monaural audio, all with bilingual broadcast capabilities, as well as delivering 24 audio channels to a maximum of 384 seated passengers.
System 400 is also designed to support overhead video systems, moving map systems, statistical data reporting, preprogrammed video start / stop times, BITE (Built-In Test Equipment) reporting, and PRAM (Pre-Recorded Announcement Machine) control.  When hooked to any DBS (direct broadcast satellite) receiver with antenna, System 400 will also accommodate multiple-channel Live TV feeds.
System 400W is specifically designed to support the PSS (Passenger Service System) functions for B767s and B747s that have Matsushita Avionics System’s PES/PSS audio system installed.  It will also interface with CIDS (Cabin Intercommunication Data System) on Airbus A320, A330 and A340 aircraft.

"System 400 fills the gap between standard audio and overhead video systems and MAS` more complex AVOD/Interactive systems like our dependable System 2000E and our soon-to-be-released System 3000," according to Mr. Mizuma.  "System 400 provides an innovative, passenger-friendly entertainment solution for the single aisle and short-haul twin aisle market."