ZeeVee Launches $1,499 ZvBox 170 Media Streamer UPDATED

The introduction of ZeeVee’s ZvBox 170 is a direct result of dealer feedback, according to Chris Bauer, director of marketing.

“They wanted something for the light commercial opportunities they were seeing typified by distributing HD channels in sports bars,” Bauer says.

Of course, “they wanted it without the $2,500 MSRP of the [ZvPro 250]” and, although they had been spec’ing the $1,000 ZvBox 150 for these types of jobs, they wanted it to include “some key features [they] wished the ZvBox 150 had.”

ZeeVee’s answer is the ZvBox 170, which is slated to ship the week of March 22 with an MSRP of $1,499. It’s being shown at the Digital Signage Expo, Feb. 23-25, in Las Vegas and EHX Spring 2010, March 25-27, in Orlando, Fla.

What’s Different

Like the ZvBox 150, the ZvBox 170 accepts VGA and component video sources and broadcasts them as an HDTV channel over coax.

“We think it will be a killer in digital signage systems,” Bauer says. “You can reach every display in a system just by connecting a digital signage player to the ZvBox 170, and broadcasting its output over coax. There’s no need for a signage player or set-top box at each HDTV; just tune in the Zv channel, and you’ll see the player’s output. And with 60 frames per second performance, it will look amazing.”

ZeeVee stresses that the ZvBox is an answer to dealer feedback. Here’s how Bauer explains ZeeVee’s responses:

Dealers Wanted

1. Ease of configuration; not requiring a computer was critical
2. The 60 frames-per-second video output capability that makes the ZvPro 250 look so good with scrolling text for signage and fast-motion video for sports
3. Fan cooling and rack mounting
4. Lower MSRP than the $2,500 ZvPro 250

ZvBox 170 Delivers

1. Front-panel configuration using a 4-button control; can be set up without starting a computer
2. Bigger, faster video processor enabling 60 fps video output
3. A new chassis with fan cooling, a rack mount option and integrated power supply
4. MSRP of $1,499 and “more margin”

The Littleton, Mass.-based manufacturer is driving hard toward the digital signage market. Its products are the “authorized solution” for distributing MemberNet TV digital signage programming in all Nationwide Marketing buying group member locations.

ZeeVee also envisions the 170 being a good fit for distributing high-definition content in sports bars, corporate facilities, and houses of worship because of the ability to rack several of them and “create a true HD head-end” at a low price point, Bauer adds.

ZeeVee says the 170 also has residential high-definition video distribution applications.

UPDATE: AVAD will begin distributing ZeeVee products, including the ZvBox 170.




Electronic House Expo Spring 2010: The New Opportunities Show, March 25-27, 2010, Orlando, Fla.
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