Review: ZvBox 150 QAM Modulator

Years ago, custom installers worked with modulators to convert base band video signals to NTSC television channels. Manufacturers like Channel Plus, Pico Macom, Channel Vision, Blonder Tongue and others made a variety of options in this category.

Installers would use these devices to make security cameras, VCRs, satellite boxes and other sources available to any television on an unused channel.

With the advent of the ATSC changeover, NTSC modulators have lost some of their luster. The picture quality difference between a modulated NTSC channel and an ATSC channel is fairly noticeable to even the most casual observer.

The challenge for installers who needed the ability to send high-definition video signals around a home or commercial installation was met, in part, by the application of Component video matrix switches. The complication with those was that you needed to size the switch according to the number of inputs (sources) as well as the number of outputs (displays that would show the image).

Another downside to matrix switchers is the necessity for cabling to support the system. If I’m working in an older, finished residence, or updating a sports bar, I need to consider the amount of time and effort pulling appropriate cabling from the headend to each display.

The ZeeVee ZvBox 150 allows me to go in to a facility and upgrade picture quality with little or no disruption to the existing wire infrastructure. In a sports bar, that means you can install the product without having to work through the night. In a residence, you don’t have to do extensive wire pulls to all the displays.

ZeeVee is a comparatively new company to the marketplace, but it has captured a portion of the market with its QAM modulator products. Other manufacturers are making similar products, but ZeeVee is offering their device at a fraction of the cost of the more industrial alternatives.

The ZvBox 150 is one of several modulators the company offers. There is a model 100, which only modulates VGA signals. The model 250 is more of a commercial option that modulates either VGA or Component video. The model 150 also offers the ability to modulate component or VGA signals to a 720P QAM channel.

Set-up

The 150 is set up using a laptop. I hooked up a Blu-ray player via component outputs into the 150. I connected the RF output into the cable network, and connected my laptop to the 150 via USB.

Software for programming is available at no charge from ZeeVee. I’d strongly recommend downloading the latest firmware prior to set-up. It also has links to updates, documentation and tutorials.

Once the programming software was loaded onto my PC and the connections were made, I went to the spectrum analyzer, which allowed me to scan for available frequencies to modulate on. I was able set up the channel I wanted to modulate on, as well as adjust the amount of signal in dB the unit was outputting. The amplifier is adjustable from 25 dB down to 0 dB in 5 dB increments.