I have always done a component video distribution matrix in the past because you could not beat the reliability but I'm assuming it's time to consider HDMI moving forward. My next project is about 20-25 displays and about 8-10 sources. I am considering JAP or perhaps an HD-BaseT matrix. But I ask, what are most people doing these days? What is solid? What should I avoid? What is the most cost effective?

Thanks for the sharing your experiences.

You can also go the ZeeVee modulated route and be a hero with Off-Air antenna backup.

Remember that OTA and ZeeVee use different modulating techniques, so your TVs' ability to tune in both depends on how difficult it is to switch from "TV" to"Cable" on those TVs. The hell of it is this: it varies in random ways, often not nicely described in the manuals.

The ZeeVee method is sort of the "70 volt" of video: you set it up with a certain amount of displays but you can easily add another one or three with no changes to the basic setup. Matrixes always force you to choose a particular number of sets, and, for instance, it might cost twice as much in a matrix to feed 9 TVs than to feed 8. With RF distribution it's very easy to add another TV.

Ernie, can I use that?

Sure, Fred. If I talk long enough, sooner or later something good gets said!

It's always burned me that there are such hard price breaks in such products. The product I thought had the best approach was NuVo, several years ago, where they had an 8-zone preamp/amp with two additional preamp zone outputs, and they sold external amps. The break from 8 to 9 or 10 wasn't that bad, and by the time you were thinking of 11, you were a good way along to the price of 16.

JAP

Just Add Power

HD Over IP.. Build any size system you need, video wall, CEC controls, ETC ETC..

JAP allows you to add at anytime.
Ernie, When the TV is put into search mode, it will pull both OTA and cable channels if you tell it to. I don't see an issue with the channels.
The TVs could have one CAT 6 and one RG6 with the ability to either setup.

Whatever the tightwad restaurant owner is s willing to spend. See what 15k in hdmi distribution sounds to the owner.

JAP without question

So that's what you've been doing

JAP with Image pull in a restaurant will be life changing. Image pull on your control system allows you to preview the TV's. So you can make sure that all of the TV's are on football games on Saturdays very easily.

ZeeVee. No question.

bdlohmann,
Here is a product that we proudly make in the USA - the Tahoe and the new Tahoe-Veo:

This is a commercial grade component video distribution system. It features:

• 24 inputs
• Card based outputs, 16 per card, up to 112 outputs total
• 10.1" preview monitor option
• Dual Hot Swap Power - No wall warts in the entire system, including behind the TVs.
• Passive and Active balun options
• 6RU
• Your most economical solution

We have multiple nationwide chains installing these systems.

And speaking of solutions, we also offer a free iPad app to control it as well as the companion audio matrix.

We also have lower cost 12x16 fixed size systems, but even at 8x20 or 10x25 as you requested, the Tahoe system is a great way to go and let's you expand as you need.

You can learn more here:
[Link: neoprointegrator.com]
or call us on Monday at 619-258-2000
 

The only issue with ZeeVee, I've found, is that it won't modulate HDCP protected HDMI sources such as cable and sat boxes that have only HDMI output. Better make sure component is available.

I'd be interested in seeing a cost comparison between zeevee and jap