DigEplayer takes off with Alaska Airlines

MAT-SU -- Travel with Alaska Airlines just got a little more high tech. As the holiday season approaches and more and more Alaskans travel to the Outside, Alaska Airlines travelers will find a new approach to in-flight movies: The APS DigEplayer, which uses portable, video-on-demand technology to deliver different in-flight entertainment choices, all in a convenient handheld device.

"Offering our customers the latest high-technology in-flight entertainment system in the industry is in keeping with our commitment to offer technology that makes flying more satisfying to our customers," said Greg Saretsky, Alaska's executive vice president of marketing and planning. "We're proud to be the first airline to debut this impressive new system."

Alaska Airlines began offering DigEplayers in October on many transcontinental fights, as well as between Anchorage and Chicago. The units will be available at no extra charge for all First Class passengers, and units will be made available in the main cabin for a $10 rental fee.

Unlike traditional in-flight entertainment systems, the DigEplayer allows the customer to choose what to watch or listen to using a portable device around the size of a DVD player. Because the content cannot be duplicated or replayed once its proprietary battery runs out, it's possible to offer first-run movies not yet available on video in addition to its regular selection of films, television shows, children's programming, music and video games. Initially, a total of nine movies, three television shows and 10 hours of music will be available.

"For the first time, air travelers will have real in-flight entertainment options," said Bill Boyer, CEO of APS Inc.

Alaska Airlines will give a discount on the regular price of the DigEplayer if reserved in advance via www.alaskaair.com. For more information on the DigEplayer, visit the APS Web site at www.digeplayer.com.