This document provides an overview of ZeeVee's products for distributing HD video over existing coaxial cable. It discusses digital modulation technology, design examples for various commercial applications, and tips for calculating cable loss and configuring ZeeVee encoders and modulators. The ZeeVee product line includes single-channel ZvBoxes for small installations, and multi-channel HDbridge systems for larger headends supporting dozens of simultaneous channels over a single coax cable network.
2. Objective…
…understand how to design a system to distribute
HD video over simple coax.
Agenda
• Overview of Digital Modulation
• Design Examples
• Light Commercial applications
• Multiple Dwelling Units (MDU)
• Corporate
• Calculating Cable Loss
• Configuring ZvBox
3. What is Digital Modulation
A Digital Modulator converts a video source into an HDTV QAM cable
channel, and sends it over coax cabling to all connected HDTVs.
COAX OUT
Video Source:
Digital Signage
Player, Satellite, Blu-ray, Cable
Box, Computer
Digital
Modulator
To see the video
source, tune in the ZvBox
channel
4. Design Example- Sports Bar
Build a Multi-Channel “Head End”
Combine all the channels and distribute over RG6 coax network
5. ZeeVee Line Overview
Typical Applications: Residential, Digital Signage
Residential
Eliminate the need to cut
into walls and pull new
cables. Share HD video
throughout the house using
existing coax instead.
November 2009 5
Save money. Eliminate
digital signage players at
every display. Distribute
only as many players as
needed. Broadcast to every
TV using ZvBox.
Digital Signage
February 2010
6. STANDARD
COAX
SIMPLE!
Modulated Channel with Existing Cable
ADVANTAGES OF BROADCASTING
HD OVER COAX
• It’s already there!
• 135 simultaneous HD channels over a
single wire
• Every HDTV sold today has a built-in
tuner, able to “tune in” your channel
• Adding a new channel to existing cable is
simple – just use a splitter backwards!
• Adding another HDTV is simple – just use
a $5 coax splitter!
• Can upgrade or add channels one at a
time – no need to do everything at once
SATELLITE
RECEIVER, STB, CABLE
BOX, COMPUTER OR
DIGITAL SIGNAGE PLAYER
Modulator
CABLE COMPANY FEED
DRIVE UNLIMITED
DISPLAYS.
JUST TUNE IN YOUR
NEW CHANNEL
SIMPLE $5
SPLITTER, BA
CKWARDS!
“COMBINE” YOUR
NEW CHANNEL
INTO THE
EXISTING LINEUP
COAX OUT
VIDEO IN
ZeeVee Line Overview 6February 2010
7. Digital Signage: The Breakthrough
COAX WIRING.
CONNECTIONS
COST $5 EACH
SIGNAGE PLAYERS
MORE ADVANTAGES
- Very easy to install
- Very easy to add another source
- Trivial to add another display
Installed Cost (Excluding displays)
$600 players @ displays = $8400
vs.
3 Modulator X $1300 = $3900
PROJECT
- Deploy 14 displays
- Three different signage channels
8. Binga’s Stadium Sports Bar
• 11 Channels, 40+ HDTVs: HD satellite, and security cameras
“By the way, I'm working on my second ZeeVee job as
we speak. Another sports bar. They liked the idea that
we could scale the system to meet their starting
budget, then expand as they grew and could afford to
add channels.” – Cory Plummer, HomeAV, Portland, ME
10. Fully digital HD cable head-end built with 62 ZvPro Units
• Combination HD video and digital signage
Rivers Casino – Live Sept 2009
April 2011Company Confidential 10
11. Assisted Living Facilities
Company Confidential
HD Video, Digital Signage
Westminster Canterbury
Retirement Community
Zv digital modulators connected to digital
signage players that broadcast private cable
service to the health care center and all the
apartments in this award-winning progressive
care community.
12. Stadiums - Arenas
Company Confidential
HD Video, Digital Signage, Security
Toronto Maple Leafs
ZvBoxes deliver the game in HD to the luxury suites
and more than 300 HDTVs throughout the entire Air
Canada Centre and its retail store across the street.
Boston Red Sox
Buffalo Bills
Milwaukee Brewers
Carolina Panthers
Miami Dolphins
Jacksonville Jaguars
Boston College Alumni Stadium
Notre Dame Football Stadium
13. House of Worship
Company Confidential
Live Video, HD Video, Digital Signage
Church of Latter Day Saints
ZvBoxes broadcast special events around
the entire temple facility.
Northland, a church distributed
ZvBoxes deliver the sermon, instructional
videos, and digital signage to the welcome
center and classrooms throughout the
church campus.
14. Corporate Centers
Company Confidential
HD Cable, Digital Signage, Live Video
JP Morgan Chase
ZvBoxes in a downtown New York City tower
deliver HD video and digital signage to all 24
floors occupied by this banking giant.
Gillette
ZvBoxes broadcast HD cable and digital
signage throughout the corporate
headquarters in Boston.
GMAC
Raytheon
New York Stock Exchange
Dow Chemical
15. Colleges - Universities
Company Confidential
HD video, Digital Signage, Computers
Michigan State University
ZvBoxes connected to PCs and Blu Ray players
broadcast courseware and lectures to classrooms
on campus.
Northwood University
ZvBoxes connected to digital signage players use
the same coax system to distribute digital signage
throughout the academic buildings and dorms.
California State University
ZvBoxes connected HD satellite boxes broadcast a
private cable network to dorms and military
housing on the Monterey Bay campus.
16. Coax is Cool
• There are many great reasons to use Coax to distribute HD
video.
1. It’s already in place in most buildings
2. It carries a huge amount of info: 135 cable channels plus
internet data in and out of a building all at once
3. It’s inexpensive
4. It’s easy to install with simple hand tools
5. It’s simple to expand the system
6. With RF amplifiers its reach is almost unlimited
7. It’s a proven technology- cable companies use it to light up
whole cities
17. Connecting to Coax: Physical Connection
• Multiple modulators can be used together to create a
private cable TV lineup
Combiner
Coax carrying
first channel
Coax carrying channels
#1 and #2 to displays
Modulator
Channel #1
Coax carrying
second channel
Modulator
Channel #2
18. Connecting to Coax: Physical Connection
• We inject the new channel at the “root” of the system, through
a combiner.
Combiner
($5 splitter backwards)
Coax carrying
Modulated
channel
Incoming Coax carrying
cable TV lineup
Coax carrying cable TV
lineup plus modulated
channel
20. • The modulator uses the empty channel the notch filter
creates.
Connecting to Coax
6 MHz 6 MHz 6 MHz Empty Zv
Channel
Empty
Ch. 121 Ch. 122 Ch. 123 Ch. 124 Ch. 125 Ch. 126
Modem
To HDTVs
ZvBox
A
B
C
E
D
21. Connecting to Coax – Adding Displays
ZvBox
ZvBox
ZvBox
Coax cable
Coax cable
HD Source
HD Source
HD Source
Add a display using a
splitter and some coax
22. Connecting to Coax – Adding Sources
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Coax cable
Coax cable
HD Source
HD Source
HD Source
Cable Box ZvBoxHD Source
Add another source by
adding another ZvBox
23. Connecting to Coax
If signal loss in the system is
too great, add an RF
amplifier.
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox Coax cable
HD Source
HD Source
HD Source
Cable Box ZvBoxHD Source
24. Calculating Signal Loss
• HDTV tuners: -10dBmV to +10dBmV input =
• Each splitter, combiner, and run of coax causes signal loss.
25. Calculating Signal Loss
• A 2 to 1 splitter reduces signal strength by 3.5dB
• In the above example, an input signal of +20dB would emerge
from the splitter at what level?
2 to 1 splitter
Signal with 3.5dB loss
Signal with 3.5dB loss
26. Calculating Signal Loss
• 3 to 1 splitters are essentially two 2 to 1 splitters wired together.
3 to 1 splitter internal
wiring, in effect
Signal with 3.5dB loss
Signal with 7dB* loss
Signal with 7dB* loss
Then another 3.5dB
loss when the signal is
split again...
*Losses add up. In this
example, there’s a 3.5dB loss
when the signal is first split.
…leaving a 7dB loss
at the second two
outputs.
Input signal
27. Calculating Signal Loss
• 4 to 1 splitters are essentially three 2 to 1 splitters wired together, and
reduce signal output accordingly.
• What is the signal loss at each of the outputs?
4 to 1 splitter internal
wiring, in effect
Signals with ? loss
Signals with ? loss
28. Calculating Signal Loss
Tip: To aid in system
design, look for splitters that
have dB loss labels on their
outputs, and are rated to
handle 1 GHz of bandwidth
(5MHz-1GHz).
29. Calculating Signal Loss
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
4portsplitter
2portsplitter
4 port splitter
4 port splitter
Calculate total signal loss
at each set of displays.
8portcombiner
-10.5 dB
-7 dB
-7 dB
-5 dB
-29.5 dB
(100’ run)
(1000’ run)
(15’ run)
30. Calculating Signal Loss
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
4portsplitter
2portsplitter
4 port splitter
4 port splitter
8portcombiner
-10.5 dB
-7 dB
-3.5 dB
-21 dB
-28 dB
Calculate total signal loss
at each set of displays.
(100’ run)
(1000’ run)
(15’ run)
31. Calculating Signal Loss
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
Cable Box ZvBox
4portsplitter
2portsplitter
4 port splitter
4 port splitter
8portcombiner
-10.5
dB
-7 dB
-7 dB
-21.5 dB
-74.5 dB
(100’ run)
-50 dB (1000’ run)
(15’ run)
-28 dB
Calculate total signal loss
at each set of displays.
Question: Assuming ZvBoxes
deliver +25dBmV, will
amplification be necessary
anywhere in the system?
32. HD Video and Coax: Benefits Review
• Saves money on implementation:
• Uses existing __________ - no re-wiring
• Connect using a $5 ______ backwards
• Produces an HDTV channel - no need for _____ at the displays
• Saves money on system expansion:
• Add a display with a $5 splitter and some __________
• Add another _____________ by connecting another ZvBox
• Easy to integrate:
• Built-in _________ analyzer finds empty channels
• ZvBox can broadcast on any of 134 channels, aka “frequency
_____”
coax/cable
splitter
coax/cable
channel/source
spectrum
agile
STB’s
33. HD Encoder/RF Modulators
ZvBox-170
480, 720p60
$880PRICE CHANGE
ZvBox-180
480, 720p60, 1
080
$1080NEW !
ZvPro-280
480, 720p60, 10
80
$1280PRICE CHANGE
$780NEW !
The ZvBox Line
ZvBox-160
480, 720p60,
Gen 3 encoder
Fan cooled
Component Video
$ Dealer Price
Cost effective - component video input only
Fan cooled, same video processor as the ZvBox 170
Adds front-panel configuration, VGA Input for
Digital Signage and rack ears (for ONLY $100)
Adds 1080 encoding- same video processor as the
ZvPro 280
Adds Analog Audio, RS232, buffered loop thru
A/V connectors and 3 year warranty
34. ZvCC Closed Captioning Accessory
Closed Captioning Module
• Looks like a simple “Cable Adapter” – baseband video tuner inside
• Accepts composite video from source and finds CC info- just connect it, and it works
• Closed Captioning selectable AT THE TV (just like normal, for any end-user)
• Compatible with ZvPro 280 & ZvBox170/180
Television
Tuner
Device
I2C Data Channel
Power
ZVCC1-NA
VGAConnector
ZP250-NA
VGAConnector
MonitorOUTPort
Set Top Box or
DVD Player
Composite Video Port
Y
Pr
Pb
Y
Pr
Pb
Component Video Cable
Audio Audio
Audio: Either SPDIF (Optical or Coax), Analog, or USB
Reseller/Dealer Price
$98
35. Introducing the HDBridge Line
Designed for medium to high channel-count head-ends
Affordable and easy to deploy
36. Introducing HDbridgetm Modular Clear QAM Head
End System
Company Confidential
HDbridgetm - Modular Encoder
HDb-420, HDb-520, HDb-620
RK1 – 8 channel Rack Chassis
37. HDbridge Modules
Company March 23, 2010
$865
HDb-620
1080i
720p
480p, 480i
$665
$565
$ Dealer Price
RF QAM
Output +25dbmv
Digital Audio
Optical / Coax
Component
Y, Pr, Pb
Video Input
Closed Caption
Input
DC Power
+12V, 18 watts
Status
Channel
Setting
10/100/1000 LAN
management /
configuration
Fan
Cooling
HDb-520
720p
480p, 480i
HDb-420
480p, 480i
38. HDbridge Rack Chassis (wired at factory)
Holds up to 8 modules
• 6RU tall
Single 8 channel
combined RF output
• Includes 8-1 combiner
• Includes “launch amp”
• Includes power supplies
Single AC connection
$360
$ Dealer Price
HDb-RK1
40. Rack Chassis – RK2 $300
Same as the HDb-RK1*
Except:
• No 8-1 Combiner
• No additional amplifier-
RF output is 25 dbmv
• No RF Wire
* Includes power supplies for up
to 8 modules
Company Confidential
41. Sample Installation - 70 Channel hospital head-end
Company
70 Satellite
Receivers on one
side of the rack
70 HDbridge
modules on
the other side
Clean cross-wiring
42. Configuring ZvBoxes
• It’s easy to set:
• RF broadcast channel, RF power
output, and more…
• 4 Options
• ZvConfig
• Front Panel controls (170/180 only)
• ZvCli
• ZvWebManager (Bridge Line only)
43. Sales, Marketing and Tech Support
Roy Bertalotto
E-mail: Roy@zeevee.com
Mobile: 508-525-0367
Melanie Rodrigue Tech Support Manager
e-mail: support@zeevee.com
Phone: 877-4ZEEVEE
Kai Rostcheck Director of Marketing
E-mail: Kai@zeevee.com
Company Confidential
Contact Info
44. Why ZeeVee?
• Easy and Affordable
• Full line of cost effective products from
single channel to high density headends
• Highly Scalable
• Simple Configuration & Management
• Strong product roadmap drives down cost
even further on a per channel basis
• Laser focused company mission & products
• True partner potential
Company Confidential
Summary
Instructor’s note:Bold print is stuff you say.Plain text is notes to youItalics means it’s a suggested answer to a questionWelcome groupIntroduce yourself
Explain courseobjective and Agenda
Have someone read the intro sentenceFill in the blank, have them write it inThis is the simplest explanation of what a ZvBox is. Use it with people you’re introducing to the RF modulator concept for the first time
Give a brief explanation of how the ZvBox is used in a sports bar, then ask…What are some advantages of using ZvBoxes in a sports bar to broadcast a custom channel lineup?Possible answers:Lets just a few cable/satellite boxes feed many displaysAllows a digital signage channel to be added to the lineupAll gear can be kept in a back room where it’s safeSystem is easy to operate- just tune in channels at the HDTVsIt can cost less than using a matrix switcherIt’s easier to expand than a matrix based system: add displays by splicing coax, add channels by adding ZvBoxesAdding digital signage is easy- why is that important?Because it gives the owner the ability to reach his customers with a message he can change at any time.Any TV can be set to show the digital signage loop- just change the channel
Tip: How to use these instructor’s notes:Say the words in bold italic printNotes to you are in plain textSuggested answers to questions you’ll ask are in italic printSay hi, introduce yourselfThis meeting is for your benefit, so if you have questions, ask themI won’t put you on the spot, or ask you to do things in front of the group, so relax.Let’s get started.
The advantage gets bigger as the system gets bigger. Instead of buying and installing a signage player for every display, and running home runs of cabling to each, we can use existing coax.Review the Installed Cost differences in the yellow box. Costs assume parts and labor to install the system, excluding displaysHere are the other advantages, besides cost:Easy to install because the cabling is already in place.Easy to add more channels; just add another cable box and another ZvBoxEasy to expand; just add more TV’s and they can tune in the lineup
Binga’s Stadium is a perfect example: they fed 40+ TVs using 11 ZvBoxes. 9 ZvPros deliver satellite channels, and 2 150’s deliver security camera feeds from inside the building. Have someone read the text in the lower right corner.This quote is from the guy who did Binga’s- you can see he’s moved onto his second job using ZvBoxes….Be careful to note that it’s the scalability of the system that’s so attractive to clients.Note: The Binga Case Study is on zeevee.com
They lit up 50 TVs for about $3,000 installed.That’s a very cost efficient way to go.
Also Vancouver Canucks hockey, Oklahoma City Thunder (basketball)
Let them come up with 4 reasons out loud as a group.When they’ve spoken, reveal your answers on-screen.Possible answers:It’s already in place in most buildingsIt carries a huge amount of info: 135 cable channels plus internet data in and out of a building all at onceIt’s inexpensiveIt’s easy to install with simple hand toolsIt’s simple to expand the systemWith RF amplifiers its reach is almost unlimitedIt’s a proven technology- cable companies use it to light up whole cities
Use slide animations to show how multiple ZvBoxes can be combined to create a private cable network, like in the sports bar example
Explain that the “root” of the system is where the coax service beginsUse slide animations to show how the cable service and the new Zv channel are merged onto one coax
One way to find an empty channel is to create one with a notch filter.Explain how notch filter works.We recommend residential integrators use a notch filter so that even if the cable company moves their channel lineup around, the Zv channel is unaffected. Results in fewer callbacks!
Exercise:Ask them to draw in, on this page in their handouts, where the notch filter should be placed.When they’re done, let them call out where it would go, as defined by the lettered areas A-ERemind them it shouldn’t go before the first splitter, as it could affect internet service.Point out how the filter creates a band of empty channels that the ZvBox can fill with its channel
In your handouts you have this diagram- expand the system by adding a display, and label whatever parts you’d need to make that happen.Give them a minute to draw the additional components, and then reveal the correct answer on-screen.
In your handouts you have this diagram- expand the system by adding a new source, and label whatever parts you’d need to make that happen.Give them a minute to draw the additional components, and then reveal the correct answer on-screen.Note that all connected TV’s have access to the new channel!
Explain that the Zv channel may be amplified to reach distant displays if needed
Sometimes coax networks are long enough or have enough splitters in them to diminish the ZvBox signal to too-weak levels. Here we’ll take a brief look at how you can approximately calculate signal loss in a system, so that you’ll know if an amplifier will be needed.Note that HDTV tuners like to see signal strengths between +10 and -10 dBmV, and that ZvBoxes have variable outputs to assure appropriate signal strength
A signal that’s split in two, has about half the signal strength once it’s split.Get a volunteer to answer the on-screen questionAnswer: 16.5 dB
Remind them that losses add up, and every split produces some loss
Ask them what loss is present at each outputAnswer: 7 dB
These slides are in their handouts, so they can fill in the answers as you go.Work through this first slide with them, stopping at each device in the signal path towards the top bank of monitors, and let them tell you what loss is present.Example: ask what loss is at the 8 port combiner (10.5 dB)Have them write the loss amounts in their handoutsTip: Remind them that a combiner can be a splitter backwards, and suffers the same signal loss.Repeat for each device and then ask them to total the loss and fill it in in the top box that lays atop the four top monitors
Let them work individually or with a partner to solve the signal loss calculation for the remaining two legs in the systemWhen they’ve finished, ask for volunteers to predict the loss at each device before you show the answer on-screen.
Ask if amplification will be necessary at any leg of the systemAnswer: Yes, on the bottom leg, which will require about 65dB of amplification to bring the signal up to -10 dBmV at the HDTVs
Please work in pairs to complete this review - it’s in your handoutsWhen they’re all done, ask someone to answer #1, someone to answer #2, etc.Fill in the blanks on-screen as they’ve shared their answers.
OK, now it’s time to discuss the product line, and it’s a classic good-better-best lineup.The boxes range from the ZvBox 160 which is designed for simple installations and residential use, to the ZvPro 280 which is aimed at the commercial markets (note the “Pro” in the name)Let’s take a closer look
OK, here’s a new product you should know about.Explain briefly how the ZvCC works:Connects to the composite video (where the CC info is contained) output of the sourceConnects to the VGA port on the ZvBoxTakes the CC info and mixes it into the ZvBox broadcast. When would you use this module in a system?Answers: Any time displays must be muted (like in a waiting room) or where crowd noise is a factor (like in a sports bar)
Let’s look at how you set up a ZvBoxNote: normally all you have to do is to choose an RF channel to broadcast on, and set what’s called the HDTV channel. Sometimes you have to change the RF power output- but usually that’s about it.Before we explore the options, let’s take a closer look at those channel numbers….
Before we leave, I’d like to ask you to shout out 5 things that you learned today that you think will help your business…Let them shout them out, and you keep track.When they’re done, thank them for attending and offer to hang out and answer questions.