Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a paired device and a connected device?

A device must be paired before it can be connected. Pairing two devices exchanges key linking information, which is required before a profile connection between the devices can be made.

The key link is used to both encrypt data between devices and verify that both devices trust each other. If either device invalidates or removes the pairing information, the pairing is no longer valid and the device cannot be connected until it is properly paired again.

Once the devices are successfully paired, the devices can be connected. The devices can connect and disconnect without needing to re-pair, as long as both sides are paired and share valid pairing information.

What audio codec is supported for streaming audio?

The SBC Bluetooth codec is supported for Astrova, NEXT and X Series seatback monitors.

What devices should the interactive display to the passenger during the Bluetooth device discovery phase?

During the discovery phase, scanning will return all types of Bluetooth devices that are nearby, including mobile phones and computers. However, only audio devices should be displayed to the passenger.

To implement filtering for only audio devices, refer to Filter for Bluetooth Audio Devices Only.

What intent should be registered to receive the device connection status?

Register for the ACTION_CONNECTION_STATE_CHANGED intent.

On NEXT seatback monitors, the action of disabling Bluetooth by turning off TD 315 does not always send the above intent to signal a Bluetooth device disconnection. To work around this, be sure to register for the ACTION_STATE_CHANGED intent to acquire the state of the Bluetooth connection. Assume that if the status indicates that Bluetooth is turned off, then all devices are disconnected.

For more information, refer to the Android BluetoothA2dp and BluetoothAdapter classes.

What should happen if a Bluetooth audio device connects to or disconnects from the seatback monitor while audio is playing?

If the passenger's device connects while audio is playing, redirect the audio output to the connected device.

If the passenger's device disconnects while audio is playing, redirect the audio output to either the audio jack or USB.

For more information, refer to Set Audio Output Device.

What happens if a passenger directly unpairs their device from the seatback monitor?

If the passenger unpairs from one device, whether it's their own device or the seatback monitor, then the pairing information on the other device becomes invalid. If that device with the now invalid pairing information attempts to reconnect, it is not guaranteed that the pairing process will be successful again. Pairing will be dependent on how each device handles this situation.

For example, a passenger pairs their audio device with the seatback monitor, then unpairs it using the interactive on the seatback monitor. The audio device may attempt to reconnect, but will not be able to pair even if the device was turned off and on again. To re-pair, the passenger must put their audio device on pairing mode and go through the pairing process again.

Can the volume level of the seatback monitor be controlled through a connected Bluetooth audio device?

Yes, volume level can be controlled through a connected Bluetooth audio device.

Volume changes on the connected device are considered changes in the Bluetooth status. This means that when the passenger changes the volume through their device, the interactive should retrieve the current volume level by calling getStreamVolume, then updating the volume level in the interactive by calling setStreamVolume.

How should the interactive handle volume control when a Bluetooth audio device is connected or disconnected?

Whenever a device is connected or disconnected, the interactive should retrieve the current volume level by calling getStreamVolume, then updating the volume level in the interactive by calling setStreamVolume.

Can PAs or VPAs be heard through paired Bluetooth audio devices?

No, audio will be muted and PA and VPA audio will be streamed through cabin speakers.

Can audio be heard through both a wired audio device and a Bluetooth audio device at the same time?

No, audio cannot be heard at the same time. If there is an active Bluetooth device connection, audio should be routed to the Bluetooth device. If the Bluetooth device is disconnected, audio should be redirected to the wired audio device, which can be through either the audio jack or USB.

If the passenger wants to switch the audio to a wired audio device, they must disconnect their Bluetooth device or unpair completely. Be aware that disconnected Bluetooth devices may try to automatically reconnect when the connection is dropped.

Be sure to always set the audio output device to the appropriate device whenever there is a Bluetooth connection or disconnection. For more information, refer to Set Audio Output Device.

Can A2DP SOURCE devices be paired?

No, only A2DP SINK devices, such as headsets, earbuds, and speakers, are supported to stream audio from the seatback monitor. A2DP SOURCE devices, such as mobile phones and computers, are not supported.

How many Bluetooth radios can be wired to a seatback monitor?

Only one Bluetooth radio can be wired to a seatback monitor.

What happens to all Bluetooth connections on close flight?

Core software will unpair all Bluetooth devices and remove all pairing information from all seatback monitors.

What happens when a passenger switches seats?

The passenger will need to unpair their Bluetooth audio device from the seatback monitor of their previous seat and go through the pairing process again with the monitor of their new seat.

Can passengers pair Bluetooth mobile devices?

No, Bluetooth mobile pairing is no longer supported.