Airlines to add iPod connection to seat-back screens

Apple Computer teamed up with six airlines today so passengers can watch videos stored on their iPods from in-flight seat-back monitors.

United, Continental, Delta, Air France, Emirates and KLM will offer iPod connections on flights starting in mid-2007, Apple said. The company also said it is working with Panasonic Avionics to bring the technology to more airlines.

Airline passengers will also be able to charge their iPods in flight as they watch videos on their seat back displays. While many passengers use laptops or portable DVD players to watch videos, those devices have limited battery life.

Financial terms of the deals weren't disclosed, said Apple spokesman Tom Neumayr. The service is set to start in early summer.

The plan, announced as Microsoft releases its rival Zune player, builds on Apple's push to extend the iPod's lead in the digital entertainment market. More than 70 percent of 2007 model U.S. automobiles offer iPod connections, and there are more than 3,000 accessories made for the players that range from carrying cases to underwear.

Apple began selling updated versions of the video iPod in September while adding full-length movies to the content sold on its iTunes store. The company now offers more than 5,000 music videos, 250 television shows and 100 movies for download, and sells more than 1 million videos a week. ITunes also offers more than 3.5 million songs.