The ZvBox hooks to your computer monitor, and broadcasts content to any HDTV in the home.
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Must-see ZeeVee?
While it may sound like something a two-year-old might cry out for, ZeeVee plans to make a name for itself amongst adults with its new ZvBox kit.
The start-up company just announced a box that will allow users to broadcast high-def web video and other computer content to any HDTV in the house.
This is nice, because frankly, I hate having to watch “Lost” on my PC. Sure, there’s the Apple TV and its similar friends, but this one broadcasts to any TV, without additional fees, boxes or tweaks.
The box hooks to the monitor output of your computer, broadcasts to an HD channel called Zv, and then streams via the cable wiring in your home. It’s like adding a new channel to your cable lineup. The company says this technique opens up a whole new category of content delivery, dubbed “localcasting.”
“Instead of the walled garden world of set-top box solutions, ZvBox opens up the entire universe of Internet video and computer applications, where innovation usually happens first,” said ZeeVee co-founder and CEO Vic Odryna. “And since ZvBox provides a duplication of what you see on your monitor, anything you can do on your computer you can now do on your HDTVs.”
The system also has two nifty controllers. The ZvRemote, which can control your desktop and mouse from up to 150 feet away. The ZvKeyboard allows viewers to compose email, surf the web, and access other stuff on your desktop.
While it sounds interesting, the $499 price tag will probably scare off a lot of consumers willing to take a chance on another box—and from a start-up. On the other hand, Slingbox seems to be doing OK. It’s definitely different and pretty cool, and I like that you only need the one box to cater to every TV in the house.
The ZvBox is now available for pre-order exclusively at Amazon.com. It will start shipping on June 30. Check out a few additional product shots in the slideshow.
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Lost from abc.com on my HDTV—I am sold! Ever since I found that I could watch Desperate Housewives and re-plays of American Idol on my computer, I have been hooked on Internet TV. I still can’t figure out how to reliably program my DVR, and I probaby only watch 5 of the 200+ cable channels I am paying for. I usually miss most of my favorite traditional TV shows due to family conflicts such as putting the kids to bed, so internet TV makes sense for me. If I could watch it on my HDTV even better. I’d rather spend $499 on ZvBox than replacing the uncomfortable chair in the office (which is not really my favorite room in the house anyway). Can I pre-order the ZvKeyboard too? I would use the email and web browsing feature if the screen quality was good enough (HD). Better yet, can I get this at BestBuy or Target?
BTW Electronic House, thanks for the HDTV guide. Very helpful.