How would you like to distribute multiple HDMI streams over your home IP network? It seems you can do that with a new solution from Just Add Power.

At the CEDIA Expo 2009 I found the company tucked away at a tiny booth in the corner of Exhibit Hall B.

Their product? Projector Connector: a solution for HDMI matrix applications that leverages a managed network switch to distribute multiple HDMI sources to multiple displays.

Because it's all IP you don't have to worry about exceeding the ins and outs of a typical matrix switch; and that's good because the limited offering for large frame HDMI matrix switches has handicapped the entire industry for years.

Here's how it works: an encoder unit (VBS-HDMI-308A) converts the HDMI signal to IP packets. This information passes through a managed switch on a specified VLAN. A networked receiver unit (VBS-HDMI0108A) decodes the signal at the display device.
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Skepticism is a core value of the custom electronics industry.

So when ZeeVee says its ZvBox 150 and ZvPro 250 sends high-definition video over a home's coax wiring, essentially creating an HD video distribution system without running any wires, it raises questions.

That’s why ZeeVee is offering a training course during CEDIA Expo 2009, focusing on retrofit HD video distribution over coaxial wiring.

“We know that integrators are leery of 'new' solutions, so our training reveals how broadcasting HD over coax with a ZvBox is really the evolution of a technology many of them have been using for a long time," says director of marketing Chris Bauer.

The training program, which recently debuted at Capitol Sales, aims to explain how ZeeVee’s products distribute HD video sources formatted as HD cable TV channels over existing coax. Any HDTV connected to the coax wiring can tune…

SpeakerCraft still won't divulge everything about it's forthcoming Nirv IP-based multiroom A/V system. The product delivers audio, video, data, intercom and control signals simultaneously over a single Cat 5 cable.

Even so, SpeakerCraft director of engineering Jason Craze was kind enough to answer a few questions from Derek Flickinger, our friendly geek who was intrigued by the system.

Nirv will be shown at CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta.

Craze's answers are vague but that's the best we could get from him ... for now.

Q. Did they develop their own IP-based audio technology or do they license someone else's?
A. Licensed, but with proprietary tweaks for our implementation. All partnerships will be revealed as we approach the show.

Q. There is no mention of multiroom (or multi-speaker) synchronization or if it supports 5.1. Can you dynamically change the source to multi-point mappings from their…

Best known for its universal remotes, Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI) is now launching a line of electronics, including audio/video switchers and a multichannel amp.

The A8 is an 8x8 matrix switcher that can route eight analog and eight composite video (or digital audio) sources to eight individual zones. Multiple units can be cascaded for a 64-zone system.

The switcher offers independent gain control and bass, treble and three-band equalizer for each zone.

It can be controlled via IP, RS-232 or IR.

RTI's V6 is a 6x6 video switcher with component and composite video options, expandable to 48 zones.

The new CP-1680 multichannel amp provides 16 channels of audio at 80 watts per channel. To keep the unit cool, three internal fans ventilate heat through the front.

Two-way communications is offered via an RS-232 port.

SI showed its new screen tension system on the first day of CEDIA Expo 2008.

The new tension system uses small bungee cables fed through small eyes and secured to a tab. SI says the tension system should help installers shorten the time of the screen installation.

Screen Research, one of SI's competitors, introduced a new snap-based screen tension system that also expedites the install process.

Screen Research also showed its new Solid Pix screen material and customizable X-Masking system, which enables consumers to choose their own photos to cover the screens when it's not in use.

Aton Shows Digi-5 Products

Aton touted its DH44 Digi-5 multiroom audio system, which incorporates OLED keypads with 30-watt-per-channel Class D amplifiers.

Aton also showed its HDR44 dual Cat-5-based video distribution system. The HDR44 distributes multiple 1080i component video sources, IR, digital and…

ZeeVee, whose ZvBox media streamer allows users to watch Internet TV, online video, or computer content on all the HDTVs in a home, made its CEDIA Expo debut.

The ZvBox makes "everything you do on your PC watchable on your TV," says ZeeVee's Dave Malin.

Although the ZvBox is targeted to consumers, the company says that there are two integrator-targeted products due out in the first half of 2009. They'll be rack-mountable and feature a built-in fan and power supply, he says.

Another step-up feature will be component inputs, allowing installers to hook up an additional set-top box such as a DVR.

ZvBox Localcasts Media to Unlimited HDTVs in a Home

ZeeVee says the ZvBox is the first device that allows end users to watch anything they can get online or on their computers on all their TVs.

It "localcasts" stored local media from hard drives or network-attached storage…

Niveus and Lifeware are developing the first and only Media Center products that support eight CableCards and 10 Media Center Extenders, doubling the capacity of other Windows Media Center machines.

For everyone else, Media Center supports only four CableCards and five Extenders (active Extenders, that is – only five can be used simultaneously).

Both Niveus and Lifeware have worked with Microsoft to enable these capabilities, which are not part of the new Media Center TV Pack or any formal Microsoft program at this time.

Lifeware's solution, dubbed "High Density TV" is the LMS-810, which supports two internal CableCards and up to six external CableCards (via the Lifetune Server LTS-600).


Lifeware's Lifetuner with six CableCards

Niveus, on the other hand, relies solely on external CableCard boxes. "We've gone completely outboard with tuners, especially because…

Sony's new HomeShare HD system is designed to merge home theater and multiroom audio in a single "plug-and-play" affordable system.

While many integrators have honed their businesses to be specialists in home theater and others have taken advantage of multiroom audio/video, Sony is hoping to end that gap.

Features of the HomeShare HD system include:

• iPod connectivity
• satellite radio control
• HD video distribution
• intercom and CCTV connectivity
• a new graphical user interface touchpanel that mimics the PS3 and Blu-ray on-screen display
• expandability

The system was unveiled during a press conference at the CEDIA Expo in Denver, but Neal Manowitz, director of marketing for Sony's consumer systems and applications division, gave CE Pro a sneak peek at the system.

Manowitz says the product addresses the two hottest areas for integrators all in one system by offering complete home theater integration with whole-house video distribution.

"Sony is one of the few companies capable of doing this," he adds. "The home theater gear doesn't need to…

Tzero Technologies has clarified Gefen's stance on wireless HD. We inferred that, when Gefen announced its new wireless HD product based on Amimon technology, the company abandoned its similar product based on technology from Tzero.

Not so.

Joe Volat of Tzero says that Gefen and Tzero announced new products today, and they will be demonstrated at the Gefen booth during CEDIA.

"In my experience it's fairly common for a company to use two technologies to hedge bets," says Volat, "even though early reports show the TZero solution outperforming extremely well."

Volat notes that Tzero is looking forward to a chance to directly compare products "and we are confident performance tests and market sales will reflect our advantage."

Tzero says the new Gefen Wireless for HDMI Extender has built-in interference cancellation technology, making it "immune to noise from nearby wireless technologies such…

Tzero, once the darling of the wireless HD movement, has fallen out of favor in the custom installation channel.

Both Gefen and Monster Cable were poised last year to introduce wireless HD distribution products using Tzero's UWB (WiMedia)-based technology. At CEDIA Expo 2008, however, the two companies will show products based on competitive wireless technologies. (9/3 Update: Gefen to sell Tzero product, too.)

The original Tzero-based transceivers from Gefen and Monster would enable the wireless transmission of 1080i video up to 20 meters (60 feet). Tzero now claims it can deliver 1080p content.

Starting in 2006, Gefen showed its Tzero solution at several trade shows. As recently as the January 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Gefen confirmed its commitment to the UWB provider.

But the company had a change of heart, opting for wireless HD technology from Amimon.

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