Streaming IFE?

[bernardblack]

I have some VA flights this weekend and I got an email to help prepare. They recommended ensuring I had the up-to-date IFE app.

Is the streaming IFE running now?

 

[henrus]

The streaming IFE never stopped. You'll need to use the app to access any of the content (or if using a laptop I think silverlight is needed).

As a side point, the satellite wifi is still not back on but you can find the streaming IFE on all Virgin Australia aircraft (737's, A320's, and the F100's).

If you don't have the app or use a laptop you can also use the link below to access the map (obviously you must be connected to the inflight wifi):

https://map.boardconnect.aero

Finally, these two links are a bit nerdy but some may find this interesting:
The first link shows a result like the following:

http://map.boardconnect.aero/api/flightdata

Most of the information that gets shown is included in the moving map above although I do like the elapsed flight time (not shown on the map) and time to destination.

The other link shows the route (coordinates only)

http://map.boardconnect.aero/api/route

It result looks like the image below, not very useful when in flight but if you save the result it's possible to convert it into google earth to see the flight route.

 

[bernardblack]

The streaming IFE never stopped. You'll need to use the app to access any of the content (or if using a laptop I think silverlight is needed).

As a side point, the satellite wifi is still not back on but you can find the streaming IFE on all Virgin Australia aircraft (737's, A320's, and the F100's).

If you don't have the app or use a laptop you can also use the link below to access the map (obviously you must be connected to the inflight wifi):

https://map.boardconnect.aero

Finally, these two links are a bit nerdy but some may find this interesting:
The first link shows a result like the following:

http://map.boardconnect.aero/api/flightdata

Most of the information that gets shown is included in the moving map above although I do like the elapsed flight time (not shown on the map) and time to destination.
View attachment 242574
The other link shows the route (coordinates only)

http://map.boardconnect.aero/api/route

It result looks like the image below, not very useful when in flight but if you save the result it's possible to convert it into google earth to see the flight route.
View attachment 242575

It turns out I'm exactly the kind of nerd interested in the API endpoints.

 

[eric2011]

Is the streaming IFE running now?

Yep it was working yesterday

 

[Mattg]

I think the VA IFE content is currently a bit limited compared to what there used to be, and there is no music at the moment. But as others have said, it is at least still available.

 

[AIRwin]

If you don't have the app or use a laptop you can also use the link below to access the map (obviously you must be connected to the inflight wifi):
https://map.boardconnect.aero

Here's a screenshot of a recent flight just after landing:

 

[henrus]

Here's a screenshot of a recent flight just after landing

Looks like you did a bit of scenic flying.

 

[AIRwin]

Looks like you did a bit of scenic flying.

Yes but all I saw were flashes of light in the darkness...

 

[aamslfc]

Although the selection has decreased somewhat, the overall IFE via the app experience hasn't changed much (I don't think it ever stopped last year), and there should be enough to keep you vaguely occupied for the 50-60 mins when flying between the major cities.

Or just take your own entertainment like the pre-COVID days.

 

[Rangalad]

Although the selection has decreased somewhat, the overall IFE via the app experience hasn't changed much (I don't think it ever stopped last year), and there should be enough to keep you vaguely occupied for the 50-60 mins when flying between the major cities.

Or just take your own entertainment like the pre-COVID days.

The flight tracking app is very good.

 

[jakeseven7]

The flight tracking app is very good.

I hear its nominated for an academy award.

 

[sven89]

Flew MEL-ADL last week on VA213, flown by VH-YVA. In the seat pocket was a card with a QR code to access the streaming entertainment, without needing to download the app. All announcements only referenced app, but the card looked to be in every seat pocket. The app was working on my iPad, but on several recent flights (including this one) the partner hasn’t been able to get the app to work on their Android tablet. Using the QR code though worked for us both. Opens up in a browser, looks and works exactly the same as the app. A good evolution as far as I’m concerned. Hopefully it’ll roll out across the fleet

 

[twinaisle]

Appless entertainment incoming slowly across the fleet. Around 6 of the 738s have the new appless system.

 

[moa999]

Presumably just using some form of browser embedded video then.

 

[twinaisle]

Pretty much connect to the wifi the go to wifi.virginaustralia.com to access the entertainment which is simple

 

[Zanzaid]

Ah so that's what's going on. My most recent flight i was able to use the app on my tablet, but my phone was saying the app is no longer current. Maybe i didn't look for the card...

 

[twinaisle]

There will still be a mixed of both until the app is phased out once all aircrafts have the new ife stream system

 

[moa999]

Assume there is still some undisclosed browser version or add-on requirements.

But definitely more useful than not having the app and being unable to download it.

And by the ratings on both the Virgin and Qantas apps, a lot of people have issues.