Innovative Advantage (IA) – manufacturer of AVDS, a 4K video, audio and Ethernet backbone over fibre for business aviation – has introduced a new Signal Converter Box (SCB).
The SCB is a compact, modular line replaceable unit (LRU) designed to seamlessly bridge video and audio signals between modern and legacy systems within aircraft environments. SCB was engineered in-house to provide a flexible baseline configuration and support for both video input and output modules.
SCB is designed to enable high-quality signal conversion, charging and routing through a single unit. It features SDI and HDMI input/output; built-in high-power USB-C for charging and video-in support; analogue audio output; and both fibre and copper Ethernet connectivity. SCB integrates 4K video sources and adapts HD signals for legacy displays.
IA said the product’s key differentiator is its dual capability of using the high-power USB-C port to charge the passenger’s PED while allowing video in, allowing the passenger to watch non-compressed video content or video game while charging the PED.
The unit is designed to ensure versatile compatibility and simplified cabin system integration, while maintaining robust aircraft-grade power and protection.
SCB can be integrated with any CMS or IFE system and can provide functionality as a standalone upgrade for aircraft preserving the existing CMS or IFE.
IA said that in combination with the AVDS cabin backbone, it can now provide a full aftermarket upgrade to offer the latest entertainment technology to all passengers in all aircraft platforms – from the biggest jets integrated with the 8-Slot AVDS nodes, to smaller and mid-sized business aircraft that require a lighter, compact, modular 4-slot AVDS backbone – “without compromising robustness, reliability and functionality”.
IA introduced the 4-Slot AVDS cabin backbone in March 2025.
SCB is immediately available for installation. IA’s customer solutions team is attending EBACE 2025 (held in Geneva, Switzerland) and will tour European customers on-site in May 2025.
“Everyone on Team IA is excited to launch SCB,” said Katie Morris, customer solutions lead at IA. “This product is the result of years of in-house engineering R&D actively listening to our customers, and it’s a true game-changer in the cabin for all business aircraft. The built-in high-power USB-C charging, combined with the ability to route 4K video into the AVDS system simultaneously, is a feature that customers love and helps streamline the cabin experience without adding extra hardware.”
