For that matter, it would be nice if the box could be set to broadcast regardless of if it sees the ZvManager application. I realize for a general user it is nice to have an app change the resolution, set the audio to USB, and fire up the encoder in the box. It does make it kind of tough to do some things in a more flexible fashion. Like using the second monitor output on a laptop for a presentation piped over an RF feed (training, digital sign, etc.). Since the app basically takes control of the primary monitor, it doesn't leave you with much flexibility for that.
Being able to set up the device on one computer and move it to another without having to have the ZvManager or ZvCast application on it would be great. Just boot and broadcast.
These are good comments and suggestions. When we architected the system, we focused on providing the best experience for an in-home user that was using an existing computer. We set out to make switching as seamless as possible. That means that ZvManager and ZvBox working closely together to take over the computer and steer audio.
The suggestion to resume ZvCasting on a reboot fits well into the existing architecture. ZvManager could come back alive, make sure that everything is steered properly, and kick everything off. This is especially useful when the PC is deployed in the basement and is operating headless.
We are certainly aware that there are other uses of the technology, such as digital signage and displaying information from the secondary port. Once this baseline is solid (we're still making installation and operational improvements as we learn from our rollout), we'll invest the effort to think through these alternative uses and applications. That said, you will see improvements in the coming months that will provide some of what you are asking for - at least for video. Audio is another matter.
Arislan wrote: Being able to set up the device on one computer and move it to another without having to have the ZvManager or ZvCast application on it would be great.
One way is to start ZvCast on the first computer (which has Zv Mananger), then afterwards disconnect the VGA cable from the first computer and connect it to the second computer (which does not have Zv Manager). The USB cable is still connected to the first computer, and ZvCast is still enabled, but the VGA signal is now coming from the second computer.
;) Won't quite cut it I'm afraid. The audio would still be coming from the first PC and you'd have to maintain the USB connection to the first PC for it to keep running. I just want a configurable "dumb mode" on the box. Set up my video mode on the box, shut it down, then move it to the 2nd computer's location across town. Plug in the VGA and USB (for audio only) and power it up. Zv Box begins it's broadcast and life is good.
I will be eagerly watching over the next few months to see what kind of support begins to appear for this type of functionality. It's always a bit rough at the beginning of a 1.0 hardware/software launch. If everything was there and working exactly as I wanted the first time, I'd be very pleasantly surprised. I have had a great customer service experience with this company so far and look forward to future enhancements for the device and software.
Offline
For that matter, it would be nice if the box could be set to broadcast regardless of if it sees the ZvManager application. I realize for a general user it is nice to have an app change the resolution, set the audio to USB, and fire up the encoder in the box. It does make it kind of tough to do some things in a more flexible fashion. Like using the second monitor output on a laptop for a presentation piped over an RF feed (training, digital sign, etc.). Since the app basically takes control of the primary monitor, it doesn't leave you with much flexibility for that.
Being able to set up the device on one computer and move it to another without having to have the ZvManager or ZvCast application on it would be great. Just boot and broadcast.
These are good comments and suggestions. When we architected the system, we focused on providing the best experience for an in-home user that was using an existing computer. We set out to make switching as seamless as possible. That means that ZvManager and ZvBox working closely together to take over the computer and steer audio.
The suggestion to resume ZvCasting on a reboot fits well into the existing architecture. ZvManager could come back alive, make sure that everything is steered properly, and kick everything off. This is especially useful when the PC is deployed in the basement and is operating headless.
We are certainly aware that there are other uses of the technology, such as digital signage and displaying information from the secondary port. Once this baseline is solid (we're still making installation and operational improvements as we learn from our rollout), we'll invest the effort to think through these alternative uses and applications. That said, you will see improvements in the coming months that will provide some of what you are asking for - at least for video. Audio is another matter.
I found a way to automatically start ZvCast, by following these steps.
1. Close Zv Manager (if it is running).
2. Wait until the Zv Manager icon disappears from the system tray.
3. Use Notepad to open this file. You might want to make a backup copy first.
C:\Program Files\ZeeVee\Zv\zvconfig.cfg
4. Find this line in the file.
OPTION_OS_TVMODE_ON_CONNECT=false
5. Change it from false to true.
OPTION_OS_TVMODE_ON_CONNECT=true
6. Save the file and close Notepad.
From now on, whenever Zv Manager starts up, it will automatically start ZvCast.
Arislan wrote: Being able to set up the device on one computer and move it to another without having to have the ZvManager or ZvCast application on it would be great.
One way is to start ZvCast on the first computer (which has Zv Mananger), then afterwards disconnect the VGA cable from the first computer and connect it to the second computer (which does not have Zv Manager). The USB cable is still connected to the first computer, and ZvCast is still enabled, but the VGA signal is now coming from the second computer.
;) Won't quite cut it I'm afraid. The audio would still be coming from the first PC and you'd have to maintain the USB connection to the first PC for it to keep running. I just want a configurable "dumb mode" on the box. Set up my video mode on the box, shut it down, then move it to the 2nd computer's location across town. Plug in the VGA and USB (for audio only) and power it up. Zv Box begins it's broadcast and life is good.
I will be eagerly watching over the next few months to see what kind of support begins to appear for this type of functionality. It's always a bit rough at the beginning of a 1.0 hardware/software launch. If everything was there and working exactly as I wanted the first time, I'd be very pleasantly surprised. I have had a great customer service experience with this company so far and look forward to future enhancements for the device and software.
Arislan wrote: Plug in the VGA and USB (for audio only) and power it up.
For USB audio, you might still need to install a driver on the 2nd computer, so the ZvBox can become the PC's sound device.
I think a pure "dumb mode" would let you use analog audio instead of USB audio.