We first got a tease last month, now Crestron has announced that they are shipping the MediaManifold, a 12-zone bidrectional CATV distribution amplifier. A compatible Cable Analyzer is shipping as well, but unless you’re an installer you won’t get to touch it—and probably won’t want to anyway.

The big deal about the MediaManifold MM-DS-12 is that is claims to be the first 12-zone bidrectional CATV distribution amp that has individual gain and tilt adjustment. It also replaces all of those splitters, amps, cables and other parts of a distribution system that might be cluttering up your house.

Designed for RG-6 homeruns up to 300 feet, this device can crisp clear signals (including those from a security camera) to any TV in the home. Other features include:

> 12-zone CATV distribution system, expandable to 24 zones > High-power, high-headroom, low-noise, and low-distortion > Supports bidirectional cable runs up to 300 feet each > Individual gain and tilt adjustments per zone > Automatic setup using MM-HTDR Cable Analyzer > Built-in cable modem output and modulator input > Compact surface wall-mount design

As with all Crestron products, you’re going to have to call an installer to get pricing as well as the product.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.