Wireless Inflight Entertainment

You're now in control. With over 200 hours of television and audio programs at your fingertips, you can choose to start, pause, fast forward and stop any of the audio and video programs whenever you like.

During the pilot, we're putting an Apple iPad in every seat pocket so everyone travelling on our Q Streaming aircraft can enjoy this world-first inflight entertainment experience.

Later on, you'll be able to put the new system to the test using your own smartphone, tablet or laptop.

YouTube Video: Find out why we're piloting Q Streaming

Our inflight entertainment programs are stored on a content server with over 18 times the storage capacity of a 64GB tablet.

These programs are streamed wirelessly to Wi-Fi enabled devices via five wireless access points installed along the aircraft’s ceiling.

No other aircraft in Australia is fitted with this technology. You can now choose from a library of TV and audio content never before available to the Australian domestic traveller.

The Q Streaming iPad available in your seat pocket will automatically connect to the wireless network when you turn it on.

Simply click on the Q Streaming app on the iPad screen and you’re on your way.

YouTube Video: David Whitehill talks us through how Q Streaming works

The basics

What is the Q Streaming pilot?

Q Streaming will give everyone travelling on a dedicated aircraft during the pilot the ability to stream inflight entertainment content to individual Apple iPads supplied by Qantas. Later into the pilot you will be able to watch our inflight entertainment on your own Wi-Fi enabled device.

Which flights will Q Streaming be installed on?

Q Streaming will be available on domestic flights operated by on one of our Boeing 767-300 aircraft, registration VH-OGH configured with 30 Business and 224 Economy seats.

When is this happening?

The pilot will commence in early December.

How can I participate in the pilot?

We will let you know at the gate that you are travelling on the Q Streaming aircraft. Look out for the Q Streaming logo as you board and we will also broadcast a dedicated Q Streaming video during boarding.

Can I provide feedback during the pilot?

You will be able to provide real time feedback via an electronic survey on the Q Streaming iPad. We will review your feedback every day. You can also share your Q Streaming with us on Facebook facebook.com/qantas or Twitter @QantasAirways

How is Q Streaming different from Jetstar's video on demand?

Q Streaming is designed to offer you the flexibility and convenience of accessing inflight entertainment from the familiarity of your own Wi-Fi device - whether it's a smart phone, tablet or laptop.

Our inflight entertainment programs are stored on a content server rather than directly on the iPads themselves. Programs are streamed wirelessly from the server to a Wi-Fi enabled device via five wireless access points installed along the aircraft's ceiling.

In terms of entertainment options, this means we can provide 15 times the amount of content that will fit onto a 64 Gb tablet.

Content

Can I still watch the current overhead inflight entertainment system?

Yes, the overhead inflight entertainment system will continue to broadcast the latest news from the Nine Network, prime-time television programs and "What's On", our exclusive look at the best live events around Australia.

What content will be available?

You will be able to access a selection of on demand movies, television and radio programs.

Is the content on demand?

You can choose to start, pause, fast forward and stop any of the audio and video programs whenever you like.

How much content will be available?

You can choose from over 200 hours of movies, television and radio programs. This is even greater choice than what is currently available on our International Boeing 747 and Airbus 330 aircraft.

Can I continue to watch the inflight entertainment programs after my flight?

During the pilot, you will only be able to access Q Streaming on the aircraft. We are working on a solution that will enable you to continue watching the inflight entertainment on your own device once you arrive at your destination. The content will be available for a limited time, and utilise technology similar to that used by online streaming services such as Netflix.

Technical info

What are the components of the Q Streaming system?

The system consists of a content server installed in the aircraft's electronics bay and five wireless access points installed along the aircraft's ceiling.

How does it work?

The inflight entertainment programs are stored on the content server and streamed wirelessly to Wi-Fi enabled devices via the five wireless access points.

How many devices can connect to each access point?

Each access point has the capability to connect to 60 devices. With five access points, that's a total of 300 connections for the 254 customers on board the aircraft.

Can I connect to the Internet using Q Streaming?

No, you cannot connect to the Internet using Q Streaming. The wireless network only connects to the content server onboard the aircraft.

When can I connect to Q Streaming?

Q Streaming will be available once the seat belt sign is extinguished.

Can I use Q Streaming until the aircraft lands?

You will need to turn off the iPad and stow it in your seat pocket once the aircraft has commenced descent and the Cabin Crew are preparing the cabin for landing.

How do I connect to Q Streaming?

The Q Streaming iPad will automatically connect to the wireless network when you turn it on.

How do I view the inflight entertainment content?

Simply click on the Q Streaming app on the iPad screen and select your chosen program.

Can I use my own device to stream the content?

Initially our inflight entertainment will only be available on Q Streaming iPads. Later in the pilot you will be able to watch our inflight entertainment on your own Wi-Fi enabled device.

What wireless devices can be used?

You can watch our inflight entertainment on your iPhone, iPad or laptop. Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy tablet, cannot be used during the pilot.

What are the system requirements?

To watch the inflight entertainment on your iPhone or iPad, first you need to download an app from the iTunes store. To watch it on your Windows PC or Apple MacBook, you need to download Microsoft Silverlight from www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight

Is Wi-Fi safe?

The WiFi Alliance and the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that there is currently no established evidence of adverse health effects from exposure to radio waves at or below the recommended limits. Q Streaming will operate below these limits. To find out more download these fact sheets.

Are there any risks associated with carrying so many lithium batteries inflight?

Lithium Batteries when handled correctly are completely safe. Only genuine lithium batteries are permitted on aircraft as they have in-built safety devices and have been tested to UN testing criteria for Verification of Compliance. Imitation, damaged or faulty lithium batteries are forbidden from carriage on aircraft.

iPads

What device will be provided?

You'll find an Apple iPad 2 in your seat pocket for use during the flight. It comes in a protective case that will protect the device from damage and enhance viewing with a built-in stand.

How many iPads will be available?

An iPad will be available in every seat pocket. That's a total of 254 iPads, 30 in Business and 224 in Economy.

Will you provide headphones?

Each iPad will come with an integrated headphone adapter that will enable you to connect the dual-pin Qantas headphones.

What if the headphone adapter is missing?

We will carry a small number of spare headphone adapters on every flight.

Do I need to return the iPad?

You will need to turn off the iPad and stow it in your seat pocket once the aircraft has commenced descent.

Can I connect my own headphones to the Q Streaming iPad?

No, only dual-pin Qantas headphones can be connected to the iPads.

Will the operating system of the iPad be modified?

No, the standard Apple iOS system will not be modified. The Q Streaming application will be accessed from the standard iPad home screen.

Can I use the other functions on the iPad?

You will not be able to use other iPad functions. The camera, email, iTunes, Internet browsing and the ability to install or delete apps will be disabled.

Will Airplane Mode be activated on the Q Streaming iPads?

Airplane Mode will always be activated.

How does the iPad connect to Q Streaming in Airplane Mode?

Although Airplane Mode will be activated, Wi-Fi can still be turned on. This means that whenever the iPad is on, it will connect to the Q Streaming wireless network.

What security measures are in place to prevent theft of the iPads?

Apple's "Find My iPad" application is activated on each iPad. This will enable us to first lock down the iPads, and then determine their location whenever they are connected to a Wi-Fi or 3G network.

What will be displayed on the iPad home screen?

The home screen will provide instructions on how to turn the iPad off and safely secure it for take-off and landing.

What if my iPad is not working?

We will carry a small number of spare iPads on the aircraft, just in case you encounter any technical problems.

Will the iPads be replaced at the end of every flight?

The iPads will be cleaned and fully charged at the end of every day. The extra long battery life of the iPad means that it does not need to be replaced throughout the day.

Will Qantas offer iPads on flights in the future?

We are providing iPads to ensure that every customer travelling on the Q Streaming aircraft has the opportunity to experience the product during the pilot period only.

Q Streaming is about giving you more choice and flexibility in your inflight entertainment experience.

We need you to tell us whether we should install streaming technology on the rest of our fleet.

If you're lucky enough to be travelling on our Q Streaming aircraft, make sure you tell us what you think by completing the short survey on the Q Streaming iPad.

You can also email us or send us a message on Facebook or Twitter.