IdleAire Technologies Corp., Knoxville, Tenn., is teaming with InnVision Networks of Plano, Texas, to test a network that will deliver tiered packages of television service,
pay-per-view movies on demand, and interactive driver training to the cabs of parked, heavy-duty diesel trucks.
The IdleAire system provides conditioned air, communications and entertainment packages to professional drivers at truck parking locations, allowing drivers to shut off their engines to save fuel and reduce engine wear, air emissions and noise.
The television component of the new network is being tested at the Petro Stopping Center in Knoxville. The TV and the other network components respond to driver requests, according to Tom Badgett, chief operating officer.
IdleAire is offering 44 premium satellite channels in three different television packages. Basic service includes 20 channels, including the Weather Channel, CNN, TBS, TNN, A&E and TCM, and will be free with payment for basic IdleAire service; the Expanded package includes 14 more channels, such as ESPN, ESPN2, NBATV, USA, Discovery and TLC, for an additional charge. And the Deluxe package includes 10 movie channels, such as HBO, Showtime and STARZ!, also for an additional charge.
In addition to the television services, IdleAire will soon test on-demand movies, and interactive training videos for drivers.
InnVision provides systems that deliver video-on-demand, interactive entertainment, information and pay-per-use services over cable, fiber, Internet and Ethernet networks for companies that provide such services to the travel and hospitality industries. IdleAire has obtained exclusive rights to the InnVision system in the truck travel center market.
InnVision Networks CEO Ed Wolfe said, "The IdleAire in-cab offering provides a broader choice of pay-per-use alternatives than can be found in the finest hotels."
IdleAire is a technology and engineering company targeting the truck driver. The company is headquartered in Knoxville.
Visit them on the Web at www.idleair.com .