Got a Free ZvBox PC-to-TV Device!

So I spend a lot of time talking about how best to get the content stored on hard drives on my network/the internet to my TV, and so far the coolest thing I've found is the Apple TV which is phenominal, but only supports Apple formats, video podcasts and sites like Flickr and YouTube.

The problems that I want to solve, however, are how I get TV recorded on my Media Center PC and ripped DVD's to the screen.

The new ZvBox takes a great approach in that it just gets what's on your PC to your TV by creating an HD channel in your home's coax that you can tune in to. A few of us on a different forum were talking about it, but we hesitated to check it out because the thing cost $500!

Well, the VP of marketing at the startup happened upon our discussion and, long story short, he gave me a unit to use and review! Sweet!

I've never been able to have such an opportunity to review before. I'm psyched!

 

Basically, you have coax connected to the ZvBox, and it intercepts a VGA signal (VGA because DVI/HDMI have DRM restrictions) before passing the signal along to your computer monitor. The ZvBox also has a USB connection to your computer so it can install/run software that lets you control your computer with the RF remote than comes with it.

The ZvBox doesn't connect via WiFi (it sends the channel over coax, which is better performing), but I have the broadcasted computer connected to WiFi so that I can watch internet TV (like Hulu.com) and access media stored on my network.

It's pretty neat! I plan to write up a full review, but I think the main drawbacks are quality (which is good, but not perfect) and price, like you said.

 

So I just posted my review of the ZvBox for those interested.

Proud day for me, anyway. Hope I have the opportunity to more someday.