Digital Home Thoughts: ZeeVee ZvBox: A New Kind Of Media Extender With A Funny Name

"ZvBox is the first device that allows you to watch anything you can get online or on your computer from all your HDTVs. Simply connect the monitor output of your computer to ZvBox, then connect ZvBox to your home’s cable TV wiring. ZvBox takes the high resolution output of your computer, including Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and creates a new HD channel that you can tune in alongside your other TV channels from any HDTV in the home. ZvRemote, combined with a ZvReceiver that is attached to your computer, provides full control of your computer from anywhere in the house, including multimedia and cursor control. The optional ZvKeyboard, available August 2008, makes it even easier to compose email, surf the web, and type text for desktop applications."

For some reason I keep getting the news items about new hardware with goofy names. Luckily, the killer hardware usually makes up for the goofy name, and this plain-looking ZvBox definitely pulls off a unique feat. It magically broadcasts whatever is showing on your PC, along with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, as a new HD channel throughout your house. Just tune into this new HDTV channel on any TV in your house, and voila, instant media extender! I'm wondering if it comes with any type of software interface, or do you have to fire up Media Center (or some other type of media center) software to get that 10-foot experience? Also, for $500, wouldn't it be just as easy to buy a cheap PC with Vista Home Premium (which comes with Media Center), and an HDTV output card? Do you think the ZvBox will ZvTakeoff? Or will it ZvBomb? ;-)