Thomson, which offers services to content creators, has signed a long-term contract with LiveTV for the development of a live TV broadcast system for aircraft.

In a release, Thomson officials said that, based on the company’s pioneering IPTV (News - Alert)-based satellite television distribution technology, the solution enables the transformation of satellite content into video-over-IP content for distribution and viewing on individual seat back screens.

Company officials said Thomson's (News - Alert) system enables LiveTV to offer hundreds of channels in digital quality, as well as providing features such as electronic program guide.

The system also allows for insertion of live channels generated within the plane, such as navigation information.

This partnership has been recently concretized with Continental Airlines, to which LiveTV is currently supplying DIRECTV services via Thomson's technology.

"The signing of this contract with LiveTV provides us with an opportunity to further expand our existing customer and solutions portfolio and sets the stage for what we believe will lead to a very innovative partnership,” said Frederic Rose, chairman and CEO of Thomson, in the release.

Rose said the deal also illustrates the company’s commitment to provide cutting edge services to content creators in any situation.

"We are delighted to benefit from Thomson's worldwide expertise in digital video technologies to bring airline passengers the widest choice of programming to their seat-back screens just as they would enjoy at home,” said Nate Quigley, CEO of LiveTV.

Quigley said the partnership will strengthen the company’s position as the leading US provider of live entertainment products to commercial aircraft markets worldwide.

Company officials said that as part of the agreement, Thomson will carry out engineering and product development services for the live broadcast entertainment system for aircraft, while LiveTV will license Thomson's satellite multi-client gateway software technology and market the system to commercial airlines worldwide.