Once a dream, now a reality...

Not even 2 months ago we wrote the article, "Hello way down below! IPTV from 35,000 feet in the air?", and dreamed about streaming TV to our laptops in the sky. In that article we wrote, "But one day, we will take our laptops, Playstation Portables, or other wireless devices onto planes and easily connect to the Internet to watch TV streamed from anywhere in the world. Now that’s our idea of home entertainment in the sky."

Starting this summer, Boeing will be doing just that. Yesterday, Boeing celebrated its one-year in-service anniversary by announcing it will begin to offer Internet TV over its Connexion service. The Connexion service currently offers passengers wireless Internet service. Japan Airlines, ANA, Lufthansa German Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System and Singapore Airlines are already providing the wireless Internet service aboard their planes.

Beginning this summer four channels of television will be accessible by passengers' laptops through the Connexion service aboard select flights offered by Singapore Airlines. The television lineup, which will be distributed across the Connexion by Boeing global network, will consist of BBC World, EuroNews, Eurosportnews, CNBC and MSNBC.

"Our agreements with these leading media organizations provide quality television programming for airline passengers, allowing them to receive the latest business and sports news directly on their laptop computer," said Connexion by Boeing President Laurette Koellner. "Being a well-informed traveler is essential for successfully conducting business today. Our Connexion by Boeing service, which now features television content, addresses that need, while providing additional options for passengers who want new entertainment choices in flight."

Connexion by Boeing television initially will be available on Singapore Airlines flights and service availability will be expanded later this year to include other airlines that are offering the wireless Internet service. Boeing is also working with its airline customers and in-flight entertainment service providers to deliver television content to the seatback.

Singapore Airlines Senior Vice-President, Products and Services Yap Kim Wah offered a unique airline perspective regarding the innovative new service and what it means to airline passengers.

"Following our introduction of wireless Internet connectivity, we are proud to be the first airline in the world to beam live TV content to our passengers on a global basis. With live TV, our customers can look forward to up-to-the-minute business and sports highlights while flying 35,000 feet in the air. Now they can decide between watching the latest blockbuster from our selection of 60 in-flight movies or the fifth set of a nail-biting Wimbledon final, just like they would at home."

Did we hear that right? Video-on-demand will be the next service over Connexion offered?

Honestly, we're simply amazed that Boeing has moved so quickly to implement IPTV over its Connexion service. Hats off to them.

Our next wish: A wireless Internet signal coupled with watching streaming video will naturally consume more energy and thus reduce battery life. Now if every airline would implement a standard power outlet (for all of coach, business, and first class) so we can continuously watch TV during those long 10+ hour flights. In the meantime, we'll have to stock up on laptop batteries.