How many screens does it take to make a great in-flight entertainment system?

Over the past few months, top executives at major international airlines have started voicing strong opinions about embedded inflight entertainment systems. Remarks made by Emirates president Tim Clark and US Airways CEO Doug Parker are particularly notable, as they exemplify how the airline industry is divided on what the future holds for in-seat IFE in a world where tablet and smart phone use is exploding, and where wireless IFE and onboard connectivity is quickly gaining traction.