ZeeVee, Inc. announced today that it has developed remote management
capabilities for its entire line of ZvBox HD video distribution
products.
A ZvBox is an HD encoder/RF modulator that distributes VGA and
component video sources as an HDTV cable channel over existing coax to
standard HDTVs. Popular uses include distributing digital signage or HD
video over existing on-premise coax networks in settings such as
restaurants and bars, stadiums, airports, hotels or even high-end homes.
The remote management capability is based on allowing multiple
ZvBoxes to be simultaneously connected to a single computer at the
ZvBox deployment site, and then providing access to that computer via
the Internet from anywhere. An administrator can completely control each
ZvBox including checking status, setting the channel it broadcasts on,
its RF power output, the input source, or any other setting. Firmware
updates can also be performed remotely.
By adding an inexpensive QAM tuner to that PC, the
administrator can also see exactly what is being broadcast by each
ZvBox, providing important additional information and on-site status.
All of the components required for remote management are described as a
‘recipe’ on the ZeeVee website, and can be locally procured. The
capability comes at no additional charge.
"We developed remote management in response to requests from
our resellers," said Vic Odryna, CEO of ZeeVee. "They wanted to be able
to make system changes without having to make a site visit, which saves
time and money. This new capability will also allow resellers to charge
for remote monitoring and maintenance which represents a new recurring
revenue stream for them."
Split audio, QAM 64 also debut
ZeeVee is also introducing a new split audio feature available
on the ZvPro 250. This feature allows the ZvPro 250 to deliver one
video stream with two separate audio soundtracks, on two different HDTV
channels. Common applications include broadcasting programming in two
different languages in multi-cultural settings. For example,
broadcasting patient information in two languages in hospitals or
creating in-house information channels in two languages in hotels. By
enabling split audio the cost of multilingual deployment can be cut in
half.
The firmware update also gives ZvBoxes the ability to
broadcast using QAM 64 modulation (vs. the default QAM 256). This
feature can be very helpful in installation sites that have old or
"noisy" RF networks. The forgiving nature of the QAM 64 broadcast means
it suffers less transmission degradation in those deployments.
