Another Video Black Box

Patrick Ng touched on some of the new generation of "Video Black Boxes" out there in a recent post, but I wanted to quickly revisit the subject to tell you about a new black box product that sounds quite intriguing to me.

The Zee Vee ZV-100 is a new electronic device that will allow you to stream ANYTHING on your computer screen to your tv via a standard cable connection. So this means you could look at YouTube videos, trailers, a Final Cut Pro file, or even just check your email or surf the web all on your big screen HD television. (Yes, it broadcasts in HD!)

At $500, it's still a little pricey for my budget, but this is the first generation of this technology, so that's always most expensive. If I ever get my hands on one, I'll give you a direct report, but for now you'll have to check out the video below and read the NY Times article here for more insight.

I've said it before and I'm saying it again- the digital landscape and the balance of power is shifting- one camera, one device, one technology at a time, but they just keep coming and they keep getting better and cheaper.

I suggest that everyone reading this blog begin to seriously comtemplate exactly how we can take advantage of these new technologies to improve the quality of our filmmaking and do an end run around the gatekeepers of film and tv. (Just last week CVS drugstores in the L.A. area reported a 33% increase in sales of Depends Adult Diapers because every Hollywood gatekeeper who makes their living by picking and choosing what films and shows can be distributed and how is pissing in their pants.)

That's just my two cents...

Short Zee Vee Promo Video:



Read more here:
NY Times Technlogy Article