Overview Q&A - Using Zv

Everything you can see at your computer you can now see at your HDTV. Whether it’s a feature film, a TV episode you missed, a short piece like a news segment or a YouTube clip, or a game you couldn’t catch, you can see anything you want on the big screen. That’s the Zv experience.

If you can install new software on your PC or hook up a new component to your TV, then you have what it takes to add Zv to your lineup. And once Zv is installed, the fun really begins.
You turn on your HDTV, tune in your Zv channel, and pick anything you like from your computer or the Internet using our simple ZvRemote. If you can surf the Internet, you can use Zv. You get access to anything online and any application on your computer, including your browser and email, all from your sofa.

There’s a tremendous amount of quality programming available on the Internet. For example, all of the major TV networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX have sites where you can watch past and current episodes any time you like. There are also new sites like Hulu.com, Veoh.com, and Joost.com that feature thousands of TV shows, movies, and video clips. And if you’re a Netflix subscriber you can access their movie streaming service for no additional charge. Keep in mind these are just a few examples of the kinds of things you’ll find online; the Internet really is the ultimate video on demand service. More great content is being added every day!

Yes. Four excellent examples: ABC.com offers several seasons of Lost and other shows in high definition (for free), FOX.com now streams many of their shows in high definition, CBS.com and Hulu.com have entire HD galleries devoted to high definition programming, and Music.Pluggedin.com features music videos in high def. There are many more options, and the Zv system delivers them in the same amazing HD quality as your computer.

The ZvCast software turns the computer’s great HD video output into an actual HDTV channel, so it offers incredible performance, including Dolby Digital sound.

Just like when you are watching a traditional broadcast channel like CBS or NBC, your Zv channel will localcast the same thing (whatever is on your computer’s screen) to all the HDTVs tuned in. But unlike traditional TV, Zv is a "super channel" of all content available on the Internet or on your computer. You could, however, watch your Zv channel on one HDTV, while someone else watches cable TV, views a DVD, or plays a game on any of your other TVs at the same time.

You could, but we don’t recommend it. As computer video travels through the ZvBox and your HDTV, it’s delayed somewhat. It’s literally imperceptible when watching videos, but when gaming, the delay means your commands won’t synch up perfectly with the action.

There are some variables that affect the range: where the ZvReceiver (which receives the commands from the ZvRemote) is placed, the kind of walls and floors you have (stone and metal tend to reduce the range), and whether anything is stacked around the ZvReceiver. In general you should get whole-house coverage.

The ZvRemote automatically adjusts its power so that it works reliably. In order to maximize the battery life, the remote will send the least amount of power that it can while still working. However, if you are out of range and the power was already automatically adjusted to maximum and the transmission is still failing, the remote will blink the top LED an amber color. You can try to move the ZvReceiver to a better location or adjust the antenna for better operation.

If that doesn’t work, you can try purchasing a USB extender, which is essentially an extension cord that runs from your PC’s USB port to your peripheral device - in this case, the ZvReceiver. This allows you to move the receiver closer to your HDTV.

No, there are no subscription fees, set-top box rental fees, monthly charges, or pay-per-view surcharges. If you can already see it on your computer, it’s now on your HDTVs.

No. Zv simply displays whatever your computer is doing. If you can’t do it with your computer, you can’t see it on Zv.

Our Privacy policy describes exactly what we do and do not collect. In general, we are anonymously aggregating usage information about our products to help us improve them. We do not share your information with anyone outside our company.

No. During setup of the Zv system you’ll install a channel filter on your main cable line, which, when properly installed, will prevent the Zv channel from leaving your home.

No. By default, Zv is configured to automatically stop ZvCasting your computer’s desktop to your HDTVs any time you’re working at the computer (unless of course you WANT folks to see what you are doing: slideshows, music DJ, etc., in which case you can change the setting).

Cable broadcast standards vary from region to region. The initial version of ZvBox is designed to conform to North American standards, and will operate in the US, Canada, and Mexico. We are evaluating which regions we will support next.