ZeeVee has shipped the ZvBox 170, its low-cost, simple-to-deploy system for distributing HD video and digital signage.
Orders since the ZvBox 170 was announced have exceeded its aggressive initial forecast, according to the company, but ZeeVee has been able to meet the early demand by ramping up production in its locally-based manufacturing facility.
The ZvBox 170 is a rack-mount, fan-cooled HD encoder/RF modulator that distributes VGA and component video sources as an HDTV cable channel over existing coax to standard HDTVs. Setup has been simplified through the use of newly-developed front-panel controls, with no PC required.
The Zv channel is simply tuned in using the digital cable tuner in the HDTV, and there is no limit to the number of HDTVs that can receive the signal from a single ZvBox 170.
A single digital signage player connected to a ZvBox 170 can serve an unlimited number of displays, greatly reducing the cost of deployment.
Also targeted are applications that have some local HD content that needs to be distributed to HDTVs. Examples are bars and restaurants that show HD content on multiple displays; public venues like stadiums and airports; hotels that have personalized guest services or local marketing needs; or high-end homes where owners would like to access all their HD video sources like HD DVRs, media servers, or Blu-ray players from any room.
The ZvBox 170 will be sold to value-added resellers (VARs) and integrators through authorized distributors. ZeeVee has partnered with JB&A Distribution and AMT, Inc. in the USA and Canada, and Duosan Innovative Solutions in Mexico to serve the commercial markets. Capitol Sales, AVAD and Positive Marketing (Canada) serve the connected-home and light-commercial markets.
“The ZvBox 170 offers a unique multi-room HD video distribution solution for our clients,” said Scott Bond, principal at Positive Marketing. “ZeeVee uses existing coax cabling, so the ZvBox is perfect for retrofit applications, and with new construction still slow, retrofit jobs are critical for our clients.”
“AVAD is proud to offer custom integrators yet another high-quality vendor through our partnership with ZeeVee,” added Jim Annes, vice president and general manager for AVAD. “The ZvBox 170 will enable integrators to simultaneously deliver HD video to unlimited displays in residential or commercial settings using coax cables. In most cases, this eliminates the need to re-wire a project and opens the door for future retrofit opportunities.”
The MSRP for the ZvBox 170 is $1,499.
