Looking to distribute 4 DirecTv receivers to 13 televisions. I'm weighing the costs/capabilities of the following:
ZeeVee (analog) [Link: zeevee.com]
ProVideo [Link: pvistore.com]
Thor [Link: thorbroadcast.com]
and Just Add Power

Any other products I'm missing?

Any matrix that can handle 13 displays is way over budget.
Source control is taken care of.
Thanks.

I like Just Add Power. I think ZeeVee looks like shit.

if any matrix that can handle 13 displays is out of the cost range, how is JAP an option?

I like the zeevee solutions. They are now offering a four input device that I think looks good. Price is better than older versions where you needed one box per channel.

Not seen the jap, so unwilling to comment there.

Don't get me wrong, the zeevee has its place.

Linear Channel Plus 4515 HD 720P only. Works better than the lower end ZeeVee

I saw them too, no experience with the product. If the budget doesn't allow for digital I might have to go this route. Why is it better then the ZeeVee? Picture quality? Easier to set up?

Aren't all the modulators you're talking about digital? Or do they use the cool yellow video jack they used to have on VCRs? I obviously don't understand that phrase!

Yes, they all broadcast digitally. I was referring to a component video input which can be either analog or digital. I think most understand that I'm comparing HDMI to Component video. Feel free to get as lost in the details as you wish.

Also, ZeeVee is planning to announce the launch of a couple of HDMI modulators very soon.

And here it is
[Link: staging.zeevee.com]

No it isn't. YPbPr is only analog. Ever.

Well, first, ouch. I'm guessing you've never seen a post here by someone who seems well informed but asks a boneheaded question. I guess it was me this time, though since you did not say inputs I just wanted to be sure.

Oh. I see.  You're only talking about component.  I don't think you need to worry about the cost of a modulator that will accept a digital component video signal as I think DirecTV boxes output analog component.  I could be wrong.

Okay.  No, wait -- you just said you said you were referring to a component video input which can be either analog or digital.

Whatever, I guess.

Component video inputs are always analog. DVI and HDMI inputs are digital.

One consideration you have to make on the ZeeVee is how you will use it in your application. From their web page, you can see that their 'Pro' models are labeled as "Unencrypted HDMI input" which means they do not support HDCP. This may be fine for some applications such as digital signage, airport terminal displays, or other non-consumer applications, but will likely be an issue for consumer applications such as DirecTV, Cable, or other set top boxes.

Distributing analog component through a matrix switch is probably going to be your most cost effective solution. Are you running sound to the TVs as well?

Digital Component does so exist! I read it on the Internet in the wiki!

[Link: en.wikipedia.org]